National Trust in Cornwall
Learn all about the history of Cornwall at one of the county’s beautiful and fascinating National Trust Sites.
There are around 50 different sites all over Cornwall, ranging from historic buildings, to stunning stretches of coast!
We have narrowed down a list of some of our favourite National Trust Sites here in Cornwall that are a wonderful day out for all the family. This selection varies in both era and purpose, offering plenty of different places to explore on your next holiday in Cornwall.
Many of the National Trust sites have beautiful grounds that are dog friendly, so why not bring your pooch a long with you too!
Trerice
Trerice is a fine Elizabethan manor house built by the Arundell family in 1572-3. Discover the beautiful interiors of the property, before heading out to the vibrant gardens where you can enjoy Tudor games such as ‘Kayling’ and ‘Slapcock’!
East Pool Mine
Visit East Pool Mine and see two of the great Cornish beam engines that were introduced by local legend, Richard Trevithick. Watch the restored winding engine in action and learn all about the history of local mining, at the heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.
Levant Mine and Beam Engine
Levant Mine and Beam Engine lie high on the exposed clifftop of the ‘Tin Coast’, part of UNESCO Cornish Mining Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour, walk around the remains of some of the mining buildings, or buy a ticket to watch the restored 1840’s beam engine in action!
Trengwainton Garden
This sheltered garden is home to all sorts of exotic trees and plants, including award-winning magnolias and rhododendrons. Stroll through walled gardens and wander along the winding wooded paths, to be rewarded with beautiful views over Mount’s Bay…
St. Michael’s Mount
St. Michael’s Mount is a rocky island just off the coast of West Cornwall. It can be reached at high tide by boat, or by foot along the causeway from Marazion at low tide. The island is home to a small community and the St. Aubyn family, who have owned the island since the seventeenth century. On the summit, you can explore the castle, the gardens, and the twelfth century chapel and by the harbour there is a selection of shops and places to eat too!
Trelissick
Overlooking the beautiful Fal Estuary, Trelissick has 30 acres of gardens to explore, as well as dog-friendly parkland and picturesque woodland walks. Discover Tressilick’s panoramic views over the estuary as you wander along its many winding paths. The site also has an art gallery showcasing a range of works from local Cornish artists…
Glendurgan Garden
Glendurgan Garden is a sheltered and exotic valley garden with a maze to explore, giant tulip-tree, and its very own beach at the pretty little hamlet of Durgan!
Lanhydrock
Arguably the best-preserved and presented National Trust property in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is home to a grand Victorian country house and extensive, beautiful gardens and grounds. During 1881 Lanhydrock was a victim to a devastating fire, which resulted in the original Jacobean house being refurbished in a Victorian-style, featuring all the ‘mod-cons’!
Cotehele
Cotehele consists of a beautiful Tudor house, gardens, estate, and a quay, situated on the banks of the River Tamar. The house has been the ancestral home of the Edgcumbe family for centuries and boasts a wonderful collection of their furnishings and artifacts. Outside you will find a number of different gardens, ranging from planted terraces to orchards. At the quay, you can find the restored shipping barge ‘Shamrock’, that now houses the Edgcumbe tearoom.
Visit the National Trust Website to discover more fabulous places to visit!