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Lanhydrock

Enjoy exploring these beautiful National Trust properties in Cornwall.

We’ve have picked out the best National Trust properties and gardens for you to visit in Cornwall this year.

Whether you’re a history buff, or want to find something to entertain the kids, these historic attractions offer a great day out.

Read on to discover National Trust properties in Cornwall you can visit…


Use these quick links to jump to National Trust sites in…


North Cornwall National Trust Properties

Trerice, near Newquay

Trerice, a National Trust property near Newquay in Cornwall.

Trerice is a fine Elizabethan manor house and garden, built by the Arundell family in 1572-3.

Thanks to absent owners over the years, this National Trust site in Cornwall has remained almost unchanged since its creation.

Enjoy exploring the many nooks and crannies of the Elizabethan manor. From 16th century glass in the Great Hall window to intricate patterns on the main façade, it’s a picturesque historic attraction.

The house is home to a wonderful collection of historic furnishings, décor, art, and even Tudor games.

There’s over 1000 pieces to look through, which you can also view online.

Head to Trerice in May when the blue and white flower border in the garden is in full bloom. Explore the Knot Garden, planted in 2013 and inspired by the decorative plaster ceiling in the Great Chamber of the house.

The small orchard grows traditional Cornish varieties of apple, including Pascoe’s Pippin, Cornish Aromatic and Cornish Longstem.

In spring and summer, enjoy a picnic on the parade ground, or partake in a few Tudor games on the kayling lawn. There’s even a turf maze at Trerice!

What facilities are there at Trerice? Toilets | Café | Second-hand Bookshop | Shop

Where is Trerice? Kestle Mill, near Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PG

Anything you need to know? Only assistance dogs are permitted in the house and gardens.


Lanhydrock, Bodmin

Lanhydrock, a National Trust property near Bodmin in Cornwall.

Lanhydrock is a grand Victorian country house, with extensive gardens and wooded estate. It is arguably the best-preserved and presented National Trust property in Cornwall.

Built in the early 1600s, then unloved and neglected for generations, Lanhydrock has a colourful history.

Tragedy struck this magnificent estate when a great fire in 1881 devastated the house and killed some inhabitants.

This resulted in a huge, Victorian-style refurbishment of the original Jacobean house.

Explore this large National Trust house in Cornwall easily via three planned routes; Kitchen, Family and Lady R’s Bazaar.

Lanhydrock has plenty more to offer than rich history and grand rooms.

Enjoy a day of family fun on the off-road cycling trails within the wooded estate. There’s a green, blue and red route to choose from, with bike hire available on the grounds.

It’s a very family-friendly National Trust site too! There’s a buggy-friendly route around Great Wood, baby-changing facilities, a play area and a quiet room for feeding infants.

Dogs are welcome at Lanhydrock too, so long as they are kept on the lead and any waste is picked up.

What facilities are there at Lanhydrock? Toilets | Café | Tearooms | Cycle trails | Gift Shop | Plant Centre

Where is Lanhydrock? Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB



East Cornwall National Trust Properties

Cotehele, St Dominick near St Mellion

Cotehele, a National Trust property in St Dominick, Cornwall.

Cotehele’s estate includes a Tudor house, a working mill, a quay and beautiful gardens. Resting on the banks of the River Tamar, Cotehele was the ancestral home of the Edgcumbe family for centuries.

The estate is home to a wonderful collection of their furnishings and artifacts.

Originally built in Medieval times, the house is adorned in Tudor décor and is bursting with stories spanning 600 years of family ownership.

Admire the collection of tapestries and armour, and marvel at the impressive Turret clock in the Medieval chapel.

Cotehele Quay, part of Cotehele estate, a National Trust property near Calstock in Cornwall.

Cotehele is a great place for a day of fresh air and beautiful scenery. You can explore many miles of footpaths, woodlands and gardens.

Dogs are welcome across Cotehele’s outdoor grounds too. Guests must keep dogs on the lead around the facilities, livestock and cafés, but can roam off the lead everywhere else.

A view of the discovery centre and a crane at Cotehele Quay, a National Trust property near Calstock in Cornwall.

Once you have explored the house and gardens, wander down to Cotehele Mill and Quay. Comprising a Victorian watermill and workshops, you can really get a feel for life in Victorian times.

At the quay, you can also find the restored shipping barge ‘Shamrock’, that now houses the Edgcumbe Tearoom.

What facilities are there at Cotehele? Café | Restaurant | Shop | Gallery | Bookshop | Play Area

Where is Cotehele? St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA



South Cornwall National Trust Properties

Penrose, Helston

Penrose is a National Trust site surrounding Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake. Featuring open parkland, beautiful coastline and woodland tracks, it makes for a wonderful day out.

Cut off from the sea by a shingle bar, aptly named Loe Bar, Loe Pool lies at the heart of Penrose.

Legend has it that Loe Bar was the cause of the shipwreck which mortally wounded King Arthur.

A visit to Penrose will put a spring in your step and fresh air in your lungs. The cycling trails are great for all kinds of abilities, as well as the many walking routes.

Some even take delight in running around Penrose. Choose to enjoy your own solo jog, or join the free weekly Parkrun on a Saturday morning.

The National Trust work hard year-round to ensure Penrose is well looked after. From improving water quality in the lake and improving wildlife habitats, to removing diseased trees to prevent the spread of viruses.

Speaking of wildlife, birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to on a visit to Penrose.

There’s a new generation of barn owls, and thanks to hidden cameras, otters are also residents in the area.

What facilities are there at Penrose? Toilets | Café | Pub | Cycling Trails | Walking Trails | Parkrun

Where is Penrose? Penrose, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0RD


Trelissick, Feock

A view of the River Fal from Trelissick, a National Trust garden in Cornwall.

Overlooking the Fal Estuary, Trelissick has 300 acres of grounds to explore and a beautiful house to admire.

Dog-friendly parkland and woodland walks await, along with stunning panoramic views of the Fal.

Learn about Trelissick’s interesting history, shaped by each of its five owners. In the house there lies forgotten rooms, hidden cellars, locked doors and clever false features.

The volunteers at Trelissick are still to this day making new discoveries about the house and estate.

A little bird sat atop a wooden bench in Trelissick, a National Trust garden in Cornwall.

There’s more to discover outside too. Trelissick’s garden comprises the main lawn, Cornish orchard, and tennis lawn. The latter is an open space with incredible estuary views, perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Take in the idyllic surroundings of Trelissick Beach at high tide, take a dip if you enjoy a spot of wild swimming.

This National Trust site in Cornwall also has a café, and an art gallery showcasing a range of works from local Cornish artists.

What facilities are there at Trelissick? Café | Shop | Plant sales | Second-hand Bookshop | Gallery

Where are Trelissick? Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL



West Cornwall National Trust Properties

Levant Mine, Pendeen

View of Levant Mine and Beam Engine in Cornwall.

Part of the UNESCO Cornish Mining Heritage Site, Levant Mine and Beam Engine sits high on the exposed clifftop of the ‘Tin Coast’.

Walk the far-reaching coastal path and take in the breath-taking ocean views. Learn about this important piece of Cornwall’s history via a fascinating guided tour around some of the mining buildings. You can even watch the restored 1840s beam engine in action.

View of the coast and sea with Levant Mine and Beam Engine in Cornwall.

Birdwatchers have plenty to be excited about at this Cornwall National Trust site too. Spot peregrine falcons, choughs, and kestrels flying round the old engine houses.

What facilities are there at Levant Mine? Car park | Toilets

Where is Levant Mine? Trewellard, Pendeen, near St Just, Cornwall, TR19 7SX

Anything you need to know? The toilet facilities are only open when the site is open.


Trengwainton Garden, near Penzance

Trengwainton Garden, a National Trust site in Cornwall.

Sitting just under 3 miles from Penzance Harbour, lies Trengwainton Garden.

Home to exotic trees and shrubs, this sheltered garden is bursting with life. Enjoy strolls through the walled gardens, admiring the rich plant life, and be rewarded with stunning views over Mount’s Bay.

A view of Trengwainton Garden, a National Trust site in Cornwall.

This National Trust site in Cornwall even offers all-terrain mobility scooter hire, so everyone can enjoy the sea views.

Families will love playing in the gardens, and taking part in the fun activities running throughout summer.

Bring your pet pal along too, with dogs welcome at Trengwainton as long as they are kept on the lead.

What facilities are there at Trengwainton? Mobility scooter hire | Café | Bookshop | Shop | Garden centre | Toilets

Where is Trengwainton? Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8RZ


Saint Michael’s Mount, Marazion

A view of the cobbled path leading to St Michael's Mount in Marazion, Cornwall.

A trip to West Cornwall is not complete without a visit to St Michael’s Mount. So much so that this iconic attraction made it onto our list of the best things to do in Penzance and the nearby area. The majesty of this rocky island off the coast of Marazion does not fade.

Still home to a small community and the St Aubyn family, St Michael’s Mount has a medieval church and castle.

Some of the oldest buildings date all the way back to the 12th century.

Reach the island on foot when the tide is low, strolling along the cobbled causeway. Or at high tide, catch the boat up to the small harbour.

This timeless attraction has subtropical terraced gardens to explore, overlooking beautiful Mount’s Bay. Purchase tickets to the castle and gardens to get a close up look of this piece of Cornish history.

St Michael’s Mount looks incredible in any weather, but a sunset scene is something special.

I recommend visiting The Godolphin just before sunset. You can take a sip of a refreshing gin and tonic, or your drink of choice, and take in the splendour of the view.

What facilities are there at St Michael’s Mount? Toilets | Café | Shop

Where is St Michael’s Mount? Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0EG

Anything you need to know? You can book tickets to the gardens and castle at St Michael’s Mount website.


East Pool Mine, Pool near Redruth

East Pool Mine near Redruth in Cornwall.

This National Trust property in Cornwall is a reminder of Cornwall’s days as a world-famous centre of industry and engineering.

Now at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, East Pool Mine is a must-see attraction.

Book your ticket for a guided tour and be immersed in the story of Cornish mining.

On your visit you can see the great beam engine in Taylor’s Engine House. It was originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers. These engines were introduced by local legend, Richard Trevithick.

The engines were used for mining copper, then for tin. East Pool Mine was one of the few mines that was able to survive the depression in the Cornish mining industry in the late 1800s.

Both beam engines here are now preserved by the National Trust, and still run on some occasions. Explore the Industrial Discovery Centre at Taylor’s Shaft, made up of several buildings dating from the early 20th century.

What facilities are there at East Pool Mine? Toilets

Where is East Pool Mine? Pool, near Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3NP

Anything you need to know? East Pool Mine is an industrial site, with loose gravel paths, steep steps and uneven ground. Taylor’s Engine House has a steep set of Cornish Engine House steps to the entrance.



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Images Courtesy of: Alistair Campbell (CC BY-SA 2.0); Rod Allday (CC BY-SA 2.0); Kathryn (CC BY-ND 2.0); Ian Capper (CC BY-SA 2.0); Carol Ingram (CC BY-ND 2.0)

This post was adapted from original content by Emma Edgeworth.