Short answer: Go. Valley gardens make more sense in winter — you can actually see the shape of the landscape without leaf cover. Both Trebah and Glendurgan are dog-friendly, and both are far quieter.
Most people write off gardens between November and March. For the Falmouth valley gardens that's a genuine mistake.
These are valley gardens — the appeal is the topography as much as the planting. Without leaf cover you can see the structure of the valley, the water courses and the way the whole thing is put together.
Dog-friendly throughout, including the private beach at the foot of the valley. The walk down to the water is genuinely dramatic in winter with the sea beyond.
Also dog-friendly on a lead. The maze is arguably better in winter when you can see over more of it.
Camellias and early magnolias start in late winter, and Cornish gardens run weeks ahead of the rest of the country because of the mild coastal climate. February can be surprisingly colourful.
Paths get muddy and the valley sides are steep in places — proper shoes rather than trainers. Check winter opening as some days reduce.
You'll often have long stretches to yourself. In August you're queuing behind people.
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