Anthony Woodland Garden
Much more than a mere garden...
Two hours might be just enough time to do the garden justice, if you do not keep stopping to look, admire and take photographs.
T
he Carew-Poles still live in Anthony House, though it’s now a National Trust property. It’s renowned for its modern statuary as well as a nice enclosed garden and a well-kept estate. Drive a mile out of Torpoint to find the entrance to the driveway. The splendid Woodland Garden is retained as a family trust. Carry on down the drive and park on your right, 50 metres short of Broomhill Cottage Vintage Tearoom on the left. The Garden stretches along the banks of the River Lynher either way; on the west side it curls up along the side of the more formal estate. It offers vistas between the house, river and so much more. A good map with pictures of some important features and an account of many of the plantations may be had in a folder from by the gate or from the cottage. I visited several times in
late March and early April and explored the whole garden with interest and frankly, joy. I recommend first going right round the section across the drive from the Cottage; it contains much original woodland as opposed to deliberate recent plantation. It is only on this side that you may walk your dog. Take the descending fork to parallel to the Lynher. At the end, the large pond on your right was originally sea water for fish. Keep along the track beyond up the hill, following along the edge of the garden until you cross a causeway at the head of the valley. The track now goes back on the other side of the valley to pass a ruined dovecote. Just beyond, take the upper path that leads you back to the starting point. All the way round enjoy many ancient trees. You have had a good walk already, now prepare yourself for the main course. Start by going up Jupiter Point, the peak immediately beyond the cottage. Just below the top, note a classic split stone sculpture by Peter Randall-Page in a side dell. The crowning monolith is carved with ‘And still a garden by the water blows’. Enjoy the views from here. You now need to take the track below the point down to the waterside. Note a pair of magnificent sweet chestnut trees as you start the descent. The overall plan is to follow the track along the Lynher bank and up a side
An extract from Thomas Hardy’s poem about Lyonesse
