A Conversation with Phil Thacker: Discovering Budock Vean Gardens

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, near Falmouth, the gardens at Budock Vean Hotel offer an enchanting escape into nature. From vibrant seasonal changes to a commitment to sustainability, there’s much to explore. We sat down with Phil Thacker, the Head Gardener at Budock Vean Hotel, to get an inside look at what makes these gardens so special.

Q: What can guests expect when they explore the gardens at Budock Vean?

Guest can expect a bit of variety, having the woodland walks, the formal terrace area, the sub-tropical valley garden, which is particularly special in summer with the huge Gunnera patch to walk through to the tranquil foreshore.

Q: How do you approach sustainability in the gardens? Are there any eco-friendly gardening initiatives you’re particularly passionate about?

We try to avoid using any nasty chemicals that would be bad for nature or the environment, and we leave certain areas of the garden wild, such as fallen tree trunks, as this helps to promote biodiversity.

Q: How much do the gardens change throughout the year, and what’s your favourite season?

Spring is my favourite season as that is when the gardens are in full colour, and when they are at their most vibrant. In particular the paths which are all lined with splashes of blue and white, thanks to bluebells and wild garlic, and the rhododendrons, magnolias, and azaleas are all coming into flower. In the summer hanging baskets and planters bring splashes of colour to the patios and terraces.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re wandering through the vibrant valley garden, admiring the historic grounds, or simply soaking in the tranquillity of the foreshore, the gardens at Budock Vean Hotel offer an unforgettable experience. Next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate the careful work that goes into maintaining this stunning natural retreat—Phillip and his team will have certainly ensured it’s at its best.

Alongside our gardens at Budock Vean Hotel, we can also help you incorporate some of our beautiful local gardens into your stay. Simply visit our Cornish Garden Breaks webpage to find out more.