fbpx
Read our Guide

Tell us what you're looking for - whether it's an attraction name or some phrases to describe your day out - and we'll help you to find the top tourist attractions for your visit.


Best Days Out Cornwall

St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA
01579351346
Step-free route available around the garden (excluding Valley Garden). Shuttle bus available to drop-off at Cotehele house, mill and quay (days vary). Please check Access Statement on our website for more information.

About Cotehele

An atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on an historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore.

Cotehele was the ancestral home to the Edgcumbe family for centuries. The Tudor house, perched high above the River Tamar, is decorated with tapestries, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture. The interior tour has changed little over the years, although the furnishings were titivated as Cotehele continued to inspire its adoring owners.

Outside, explore the formally planted terraces, or lose yourself in the Valley Garden, which includes a medieval stewpond and dovecote and leads down to the river. Seek tranquillity in the Upper Garden or visit the two orchards planted with local apples and cherries.

From early spring flowers to herbaceous borders in high season, to the orchards in the autumn and snow drops in winter, you’ll find horticultural activity all year round.

In the 19th century local industries boomed and Cotehele Quay bustled with vessels loading and unloading cargo. Paddle steamers came upriver to see the Tamar Valley’s famous blossoming orchards and small boats carried market-gardening produce back down the river for sale at Devonport Market.

Bringing your dog

There’s load of space for your four-legged friends to stretch heir legs around Cotehele. Explore miles of paths through the woodlands and around the quay or just relax in the Barn Restaurant or the Edgcumbe at the Quay. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house, formal gardens and orchards.

Sandcastle Best Days Out Cornwall

Worth Knowing

It wouldn’t be a National Trust visit without a break for cake. Stop by the Barn Restaurant or The Edgcumbe for a cream tea, grab an ice cream from the quay kiosk or find the perfect picnic spot in the meadow. The shops are a great place to pick up a gift or plant, and you can discover local artists at the Bull Pen Gallery.

Clay works Best Days Out Cornwall

What Visitors Say

"Lovely National Trust house. Large grounds to walk through, although when you walk down, you have to walk back up again. Luckily the tearoom does a reviving cream tea. Also a delicious pasty. There is a mill but they're not milling flour, although there was a great lady baking rock cakes and scones, which were the lightest I've ever tasted. Great day out."
"The estate is extensive, with areas of grass and mature trees to walk through without needing to pay the entrance charge. However, once through the entrance you can choose to explore the buildings or flower gardens, pick apples in the orchards (in September) or visit the second hand book shop, gallery, gift shop or café."
"What a stunning place to explore! I could just sit in the beautiful garden for hours. Very helpful volunteers dotted about the house who answered your questions about the place quite readily."

Cotehele News & Events

April 26 - April 26 2024

Festival of Blossom at Cotehele: Meet the Maker 

Meet some of the local makers who supply Cotehele shop. 

April 27 - April 27 2024

Cotehele: Gwel an Bleujenn (View of the flowers) 

Join us as we celebrate the beauty of blossom with our first blossom procession! 

April 28 - April 28 2024

Blossom Bioblitz at Cotehele 

As part of the Festival of Blossom, join a blossom biolitz in the Mother Orchard, with University of Plymouth 

What's Nearby?

Lanhydrock Best Days Out Cornwall

Lanhydrock

A magnificent late Victorian country house with garden and wooded estate, the National Trust’s Lanhydrock, near Bodmin, is the quintessential country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. After […]

Discover More
Bodmin and Wenford Railway Best Days Out Cornwall

Bodmin Railway

Discover the nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on Cornwall’s leading full-size railway operated by steam locomotives. Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13-mile round trip, taking in the sights, […]

Discover More
Sandcastle Best Days Out Cornwall

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and offers from Cornwall's top attractions

 

 

We'll stay in touch with you each month - sending you special offers, exclusive competitions and the latest news and events. Don't miss out! Stay in the know with Best Days Out Cornwall.

You have Successfully Subscribed!