The summer holidays have just begun, a time when the magic of Cornwall is experienced by many. Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens is perfectly located on the road between two beautiful seaside towns, Penzance to St Ives bustling with summer beauty and nostalgia, making it the perfect place to soak in the sub-tropical paradise that this part of Cornwall’s micro-climate has to offer.
Tremenheere’s Gardens previously inhabited by the monks of St Michael’s Mount, can be found in a sheltered valley, overlooking the Mount, with woods and a stream, interwoven with an evolving programme of contemporary artwork. Within this breath-taking location, Tremenheere hosts its sculpture gardens, gallery, shop, nursery and restaurant.
As well it’s natural beauty, inspiring artworks and exotic plants, Tremenheere hosts a range of wonderful events and exhibitions this summer. Here are a few things you can do throughout August:
Explore the Gardens
Spark imaginations of all ages with an abundance of plants, trees, art and wildlife. Space, nature and art combine here to provide interest for everyone, both young and old! We have plenty of grassy areas to run around on, and perfect spots for a picnic.
The plants create a restful verdancy, whilst having their own drama through form and foliage – particularly the notable collection of palm trees, tree ferns, succulents and bamboos.
Wildlife can be found in abundance at Tremenheere; bunnies, squirrels, buzzards, jays, even a shy deer if you are very lucky! And don’t forget to pick up a copy of our children’s adventure map from the ticket desk. Book tickets online.
Enjoy musical performance in the Gallery & James Turrell Skyspace, 2nd August
Acclaimed violinist Peter Sheppard Skærved presents the second of three events inspired by the landscape, art, and nature of Tremenheere. Bach’s epochal cycle of works for violin alone provide the armature for this musical exploration of one of this space. And they are set in conversation with works for the baroque and music of our time, by some of the leading composers of our time, from Europe, the USA and Australia, all long-time collaborators with Peter. Read more about the other concerts in this series.
The evening concert will take place on the upper floor of Tremenheere Gallery – beginning at 7pm, with doors open from 6.30pm. Proceeded by a shorter performance in the Skyspace at 4.30pm – entry to the gardens from 4pm included in ticket purchase.
See a new exhibition: Second Nature, 10th August
An exhibition of mostly London-based sculptors creating work from a starting point of Tremenheere’s beautiful natural environment and using the phrase ‘Second Nature’ to ask questions about our relationship to the world.
Visitors come to Cornwall from all over the country and like the sculptors in this show many are urban dwellers. Artists’ work will explore the many ways we may think about the natural world today – what is artificial and what is organic, altered versions of nature that reflect our interaction with the planet, migration in ecology, the movement of a species to a different environment. The exhibition will also look at the theatricality of our interactions with nature, suggest replication, mutation and reinvention. The exhibition asks – Where does nature end and we begin, where does the world become not nature.
Experience Tewlwolow Kernow ‘Skyspace’ at Dusk, 14th August
Join us for a rare evening opening of the gardens starts at 7.30pm and meeting in the Skyspace at 9pm.
An opportunity to see Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens outside of normal opening hours and to experience Tewlwolow Kernow (James Turrell’s Skyspace) at dusk.
Tewlwolow Kernow, Cornish for Twilight in Cornwall, is best seen at dawn or dusk, when background illumination under-lights the ceiling of the Skyspace and provides a subtle contrast with the sky. The shifting balance between the interior and exterior light will provide a contemplative and hypnotic experience.
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Appreciate renowned artworks
Internationally renowned artists (including five members of the Royal Academy of Arts) have interacted with the landscape to create site specific permanent works which harmonise with the setting. The land also provides a forum for ever-changing temporary, or even ephemeral arts in all its forms.
A balance of artwork and planting within this Cornish landscape allows room for all elements to flourish, with a limited number of installations – of high quality and presence.
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Eat Cornish food with beautiful sea views
Tremenheere Kitchen provides a perfect dining space, with unbeatable views of St Michael’s Mount and an ever-evolving menu. When Cornwall fills up with visitors so do their tables! We suggest booking ahead of time. Please book a table.
Children’s menus: Children’s breakfast menu, Children’s lunch menu
Look out for TK takeaway hut which swings its doors open for all of the school holidays & most bank holiday weekends. Here you can cool down with a Roskilly’s ice-cream, enjoy a barista made coffee, choose from an abundance of delicious homemade cakes or indulge in a slice of quiche or a super salad box. A great option if you’re looking for something quick, easy & more casual.
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Treat yourself to plants, jewellery, ceramics and art
Tremenheere Nursery houses an impressive collection of plants, specialising in rare and unusual succulent varieties. Tremenheere Shop showcases work by many of the regions most celebrated designers and makers.
The Shop at Tremenheere showcases some of the best contemporary artisans and makers across Cornwall and the south west, including selected artists, potters and printmakers creating a curated selection of our favourites for you and your home.
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Attend our Rare Plant Fair, 1st September
The Rare Plant Fair will host some of the best nurseries in the South-West, each bringing a selection of exquisite plants of interest to the enthusiast and novice alike.
The Fair will take place on Sunday 1st September 2024, 10am – 3pm. Free admission to the Fair – however normal garden entry fees apply if you also wish to visit the sculpture gardens.
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The Sculpture Gardens are open daily, 10-30 – 5.30, last entry 4.30. Don’t get to pick a children’s activity map and a pencil from the ticket shed on your way in. Pre-book garden tickets here.