Caerhays Castle
Cornwall, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Williams family (Caerhays Estate)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Limited tour days
- Nearest station
- St Austell, 7.4 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Spring gardens; castle tours Mar-Jun weekdays
Pinpoint
Gorran Churchtown, Saint Austell PL26 6LY
Telephone 01872 501310
A Gothic Revival house built to look like a castle above Porthluney Cove, better known now for its spring garden than the building itself - camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons that reviewers time their visits around. The castle only opens for guided tours on weekdays between March and June, so the gardens are the main event outside that window.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The camellia and magnolia displays in spring - reviewers plan entire visits around catching them in bloom.
Before you go
Castle tours only run weekdays March to June - outside that, it's gardens only - and the car park sits right by the beach, so it's easy to combine with a beach stop.
What visitors say
Caerhays Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 389 Google reviews
Most reviewers are enchanted by Caerhays Castle's gardens, especially the camellias and rhododendrons in bloom, along with the informative house tour and nearby beach.
One reviewer, however, was unhappy with the tearoom, saying they were served one scone despite the menu advertising two for their cream tea, a specific gripe about that outlet rather than the wider castle experience.
“Hidden gem, been to Cornwall many times but not realised it was so close by. Beautiful castle and large gardens full of Azaleas, Camelias and Rhododendrons so many beautiful colours. Perfect wedding venue, make for…”- Jayne Dannatt, visitor review
Weddings at Caerhays Castle
Caerhays Castle is on our wedding roll because a visitor described a wedding here in their own review. Visit their site.
“…rons so many beautiful colours. Perfect wedding venue, make for stunning photos.”- visitor review
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
John Bettesworth-Trevanion · 1810
John Bettesworth-Trevanion built this Gothic Revival castle between 1807 and 1810 using architect John Nash, close to a pre-existing manor house. After Bettesworth-Trevanion's departure, Michael Williams II purchased the property from his creditors in 1854. The Williams family maintained and extensively restored it, with later generations developing its now-famous spring gardens and camellia collections.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Car park is right next to a beautiful sand beach with a fresh water river running out into the ocean.” - Paige Neale
- Facilities
- “There is a beach cafe however I recommend going up to the castle and request access to the cafe there (free cafe entry) the sausage rolls are the best!” - Paige Neale
Common questions about Caerhays Castle
Where is Caerhays Castle?
Caerhays Castle is in Cornwall, England, at Gorran Churchtown, Saint Austell PL26 6LY.
How do you visit Caerhays Castle?
Caerhays Castle opens on limited tour days rather than every day, and is looked after by Williams family (Caerhays Estate). Because the dates are restricted, check the official site and book ahead before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Caerhays Castle?
Yes - Caerhays Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Caerhays Castle?
The camellia and magnolia displays in spring - reviewers plan entire visits around catching them in bloom.
Is Caerhays Castle a ruin or still intact?
Caerhays Castle is largely intact - Spring gardens; castle tours Mar-Jun weekdays.
