Lanhydrock House & Gardens, Bodmin
Now owned and managed by the National Trust, Lanhydrock House & Garden near Bodmin is one of my all-time favourite attractions in Cornwall. A beautiful and grand Victorian country residence, it never fails to fascinate me - no matter how many times I visit!
Experience the two distinct sides of ‘upstairs’ and ‘downstairs’ living at Lanhydrock – seeing first-hand the differences between how the privileged Agar-Robartes family and their staff lived. In summary, a perfect day out for fans of Downton Abbey!
THE HISTORY OF LANHYDROCK
Today, Lanhydrock is furnished and decorated so as to depict the lives of the Agar-Robartes family, and how the household was run whilst they lived there. It is stereotypical of a Victorian country home in terms of style and design – partly because of a terrible fire which destroyed much of the house (and sadly led to the death of the residing occupants) in the late 19th century.
After the fire, the refurbished house became home to Thomas and Mary Agar-Robartes and their children. The family were very happy at Lanhydrock and lived a luxurious life until the outbreak of World War I…
WHAT IS THERE TO SEE AND DO?
It is very easy to spend an entire day at Lanhydrock, following the set route through the house before exploring the beautifully-kept estate and gardens as well as the surrounding ancient woodlands and riverside paths.
Learn all about the two contrasting sides of Victorian life, wandering through the traditional kitchens, various food stores, servants’ quarters, nurseries, the elegant dining room, luxurious family bedrooms and the grand hall – every room complete with genuine historical artefacts and photographs of the Agar-Robartes family and their staff.
Outside, discover the extensive parterre gardens brimming with camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias – and St Hydroc’s church, the Victorian gardener’s thatched cottage, and the remains of the family swimming pool. There are also free tours of the garden on offer during the summer months.
If you enjoy cycling, there are plenty of cycle trails throughout the estate, with designated routes for families and children – and you don’t even have to bring your own bikes, as cycle hire is available at the estate entrance (where there is also a children’s adventure playground!).
After all that exploring, you’ll likely be in need of a bit of refreshment; the onsite café serves a range of delicious, homemade lunches and snacks including pasties and cream teas – or why not take a picnic and enjoy the view from the manicured lawns?
Finally, just before you go home, I recommend nipping in to the gift shop – which is full of local produce, crafty gifts, books and all sorts of other beautiful items you come to expect from a National Trust shop! There is also a plant centre in the estate’s car park.
OPENING TIMES AND ENTRY PRICES
Opening times of the house and gardens differ depending on the time of the year and if there are any special events taking place. Please visit the National Trust's calendar and select the day you wish to visit to view opening times for that day.
Entry prices are as follows:
