Enjoy the amazing Cornwall Spring Flower Show

Regardless of what season you visit, Cornwall is a beautiful area in which to spend a holiday. However, by coming to the county in the springtime you'll see flowers and plants starting to bloom following the winter. Head to the Cornwall Spring Flower Show near Lostwithiel and there'll be plenty of opportunities to check out fantastic flora.

This annual event, run by the Cornwall Garden Society (CGS), has been taking place for many years, although the 2012 show promises to be particularly special, as it will be the 100th time it has been held. With hundreds of green-fingered locals showing off their prized trees, flowers and shrubs across more than 150 competitive classes, the quality of plants on display will be unlike anything you have seen before.

The festival runs over the course of two days (with this year's event taking place on March 31st and April 1st), so by staying in country holiday homes nearby you'll easily be able to visit the show on both days.

Set in the grounds of the beautiful Boconnoc estate, and roughly a 15-minute drive from Bodmin, this event offers something for people of all ages and interests.

There are floral art exhibitions and photography displays, while kids are catered for in the shape of the numerous children's competitions. Of course, there will be plenty of gorgeous plants and flowers on show - including rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias - so you're bound to spot your favourite bloom at some point.

If a visit to the annual flower show has inspired you to see even more picturesque gardens during your time staying in Cornwall cottages, make sure you go to the Eden Project.

Situated near St Austell and within easy reach of South Cornwall cottages, this stunning eco-attraction contains plants sourced from all over the world.

In the Mediterranean Biome you will uncover South African proteas and poppies that have been cultivated in Californian grass. Visit the outdoor gardens, meanwhile, to see a vast array of pretty flowerbeds, in addition to a giant wooden ship placed in the middle of a sea of tea leaves.

Once you've had your fill of wandering through exotic gardens and seeing pretty flowers, make sure you indulge in another fantastic springtime activity in Cornwall by heading to the nearest beach and going for a walk by the seaside.