The National Trust is a charity that works to preserve some of the UK's most important historical and natural sites. In Cornwall, they manage a range of properties, from stately homes to gardens and even beaches and parts of the South West coast path.
We'll explore the best 15 National Trust places to visit in the county, with up-to-date visitor information.
From historic houses and beautiful gardens to coastal paths and low tide areas, there's something for everyone to enjoy, even on a rainy day.
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Lanhydrock
Lanhydrock House is a grand country house in Bodmin, Cornwall that dates back to Victorian times. The house is set in extensive gardens and parkland, which are great for exploring. The house is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the house and gardens.
Inside the house, visitors can see luxurious family areas, including an elegant dining room and a great hall with a magnificent fireplace. The house is filled with treasures, including a collection of paintings, ceramics, and furniture.
Outside, visitors can explore the extensive gardens, which include miles of woodland walks and beautiful valley views. There's also a formal garden, a valley garden, and a magnificent collection of rhododendrons and camellias.
The estate also features a cycle trail that's great for families and a tea room that serves delicious local food and drinks. Visitors can also enjoy free parking and a gift shop that sells a range of souvenirs and gifts.
The house and gardens offer visitors a glimpse into Victorian life, and the estate's extensive parkland is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.
📍Lanhydrock, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB
Opening Times: House 11 am - 5:30 pm, Garden 10:30 am - 5:30 pm
Admission: Free with National Trust Membership or Adult £18, Child £9
Cotehele
Cotehele House is a beautiful Tudor house near Saltash, that dates back to the 15th century. The house is open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the house to learn about its fascinating history. Inside, visitors can see a range of interesting features, including a grand hall, a medieval great hall, and a beautiful chapel.
Surrounding the house are beautiful gardens, including a formal garden, a valley garden, and a medieval garden. The gardens are home to a wide range of plants, including exotic plants and rare varieties of apple trees. Visitors can also explore the orchards, which produce a range of delicious fruits.
The estate also features Cotehele Quay, a historic quay on the River Tamar that dates back to the 15th century. The quay is home to a working flour mill, a tea room, and a gift shop. Visitors can take a boat trip on the river or explore the nearby woodland walks.
📍Cotehele, St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA
Opening Times: House 11 am - 4 pm, Gardens 11 am - 5 pm
Admission: Free with National Trust membership or Adult £14, Child £7
Trelissick
Trelissick is a beautiful garden and estate located in Feock near Truro.
The main attraction at Trelissick is the garden, which covers over 30 acres of land and is home to a wide range of plants and trees. The garden features many different areas, including a beautiful walled garden, a subtropical garden, and a valley garden. Visitors can also explore the woodland walks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The estate features a grand Georgian house that's open to the public. Inside the house, visitors can see a range of interesting features, including elegant drawing rooms, a beautiful dining room, and a fascinating collection of ceramics.
The estate also features a tea room, a gift shop, and a second-hand bookshop.
📍Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL
Opening Times: 10 am - 5 pm
Admission: Free with National Trust membership or Adult £14, Child £7
Trerice
Trerice is a magnificent Elizabethan manor house located near Newquay.
The house was built in 1573 by Sir John Arundell, a wealthy landowner and member of the Elizabethan court. The house is built of local stone and features a range of interesting architectural details, including a grand porch, a beautiful great hall, and a long gallery.
The estate also features beautiful gardens, including a formal garden, a knot garden, and a wildflower meadow.
📍Kestle Mill, near Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PG
Opening Times; 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Admission: Free with National Trust Membership or Adult £12, Child £6
Antony House
Antony House is a beautiful 18th-century mansion located in Torpoint.
The house was built in the early 18th century by Sir William Carew, a wealthy landowner and member of Parliament. The house features a beautiful façade with elegant Palladian windows and a grand entrance.
Inside the house, visitors can see a range of interesting features, including a magnificent library, a beautiful drawing room, and a fascinating collection of artwork and furniture. One of the highlights of the house is the beautiful Chinese wallpaper in the drawing room, which is over 250 years old.
Surrounding the house are beautiful gardens, which feature a range of interesting plants and trees, including an historic collection of daylilies. The gardens also offer stunning views of the nearby Lynher River and are home to a range of wildlife, including kingfishers and otters.
📍Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2QA
Opening Times: 12 noon - 5 pm (check website for which days)
Admission: Free with national Trust membership or Adult £11, Child £5.50
Godolphin
Godolphin is a beautiful estate located near Helston.
The main attraction at Godolphin is the historic house, which dates back to the 15th century. The house is filled with treasures, including a collection of historic furniture, artwork, and ceramics. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house to learn about its fascinating history and the people who lived there.
Surrounding the house are beautiful medieval gardens, which feature a range of interesting plants and trees, and are Grade II* listed. Visitors can also explore the nearby Mary's wood, home to a mudpie kitchen and barefoot trail.
The Piggery tearoom serves hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes.
📍Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE
Opening Times: Gardens open daily 10 am to 5 pm with the house open to the public for the first week of every month.
Admission: Adult £11, Child £5.50
St Michaels Mount
St. Michael's Mount is a tidal island situated in Mount's Bay, with a history that spans over 2,000 years. Since 1650, it has been the home of the St Aubyn family and is one of the most popular landmarks in Cornwall, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
The island boasts a medieval castle and a breathtaking garden, which is open to visitors during the summer months. It's essential to check the tide times before embarking on your journey, as the island is only accessible on foot during low tide. In case of high tide, boat tickets are available for purchase.
📍St Michael's Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 OHS
Opening Times: The Mount is open to visitors from April to October 9:30 am - 5 pm.
Admission: Adults £15, Child 5-17 £7.50, U5's Free. National Trust members can gain free access with membership verified on arrival.
Tintagel Old Post Office
The Tintagel Old Post Office is a medieval farmhouse, modified over six centuries, and used as a letter-receiving office during the Victorian period. It's now a museum (owned by The National Trust) that showcases the history of the area and the postal service. You can explore the historic building (including the cottage garden) and learn about the daily life of the people who lived there.
📍Tintagel Old Post Office, Fore Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0DB
Opening Times: 10:30 am - 5:30 pm April to October
Admission: Adults £6.50 Child £3.25
Trengwainton Garden
Trengwainton Garden is a beautiful garden located near Penzance.
The garden covers over 25 acres of land and features a wide range of interesting plants and trees. It's divided into different areas, each with its own unique character and style. Visitors can explore the winding paths and discover a walled garden, a fernery, and a beautiful stream garden.
One of the highlights of the garden is the collection of exotic plants, which includes species from around the world.
📍Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8RZ
Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Admission: Free with National Trust memberhip or Adult £11 , Child £5.50
Glendurgan Garden
Glendurgan Garden is a beautiful and historic garden owned by the National Trust. Set within a tranquil wooded valley, the garden spans over 30 acres and features a remarkable collection of subtropical plants, exotic flowers, and mature trees. Glendurgan Garden is a popular destination for nature lovers, families, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
One of Glendurgan's most famous features is its 19th-century laurel maze, which provides a fun challenge for visitors of all ages. The garden also offers several walking trails that lead you through its diverse plant collections and stunning landscapes, including a beautiful wildflower meadow.
The on-site tea house provides a selection of homemade cakes, snacks, and refreshments, as well as hot and cold drinks. It's a lovely place to relax and refuel after exploring the gardens.
📍Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ
Opening Times: 10 am - 5 pm Daily (although sometimes closed on Mondays so check the website)
Ticket Prices: Adult £11. Child £5.50, Family £27.50
Levant Mine and Beam Engine
Levant Mine and Beam Engine is a historic mining site located near St Just.
The mine was originally opened in the 18th century and was worked until the early 20th century. The mine was known for producing tin and copper, which were important metals during the Industrial Revolution.
The site is home to a magnificent beam engine, which was used to pump water out of the mine. The engine is a fascinating example of Victorian engineering and is still in working order. Visitors can see the engine in action and learn about its history and operation.
The site also features a range of other interesting features, including the remains of the mine workings and the engine house. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site to learn about its history and the lives of the miners who worked there.
📍Trewellard, Pendeen, near St Just, Cornwall, TR19 7SX
Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday by pre-booked tour only.
Admission: Adult £11, Child £5.50
East Pool Mine
East Pool Mine is a historic mining site located near Redruth.
The mine was opened in the mid-18th century and was worked until the early 20th century. The mine was known for producing copper and laterly tin.
The mine was very profitable for much of its life and was one of the largest and most prosperous mines in the area. The mine closed in 1945, and the engine was purchased for preservation by an American engineer-historian, who gave it to the Cornish Engines Preservation Society. They, in turn, gave it to the National Trust in 1967. Today, visitors can learn about the history of mining in the local area and see two great beam engines, originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers introduced by Richard Trevithick.
📍Pool, near Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3NP
Opening Times: Open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday, for pre-booked tours only.
Admission: Adult £9.50, Child £4.75
Sandymouth Beach
Sandymouth Beach, in North Cornwall (a stone's throw from Devon), is a true gem of the region, boasting dramatic cliffs, intriguing rock formations, and a vast expanse of golden sand, not to mention Sandymouth beach cafe perched above the beach, offering a range of delicious hot and cold food (try the Surf Burger when you visit!).
Managed by the National Trust, this picturesque beach is well-maintained and equipped with a dedicated car park nearby, ensuring visitors can park with ease. Although the beach is accessible via a moderately steep path from the car park, it might be challenging for those with mobility issues or pushing a stroller.
Nevertheless, it's an excellent destination for families, and children will love exploring the numerous rock pools during low tide.
📍Sandymouth Beach EX23 9HW
Pentire Point
Pentire Point is a beautiful headland located near Wadebridge offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal paths or take a more challenging hike to the top of the headland.
The headland is home to a range of interesting plant and animal species, including wildflowers and seabirds. Visitors can also spot seals and dolphins in the waters around the headland.
One of the highlights of Pentire Point is the beautiful beach at Pentireglaze Haven, which is a 20 minute walk from the car park.
📍Pentire, near Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6QY
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Trust is an organisation that protects and preserves historic buildings, gardens, and countryside across the UK.
Some of the best National Trust properties to visit in Cornwall include Lanhydrock House, St Michael's Mount, Tintagel Old Post Office, Trengwainton Garden, and Trerice.
Yes, there are cycle trails at some National Trust properties in Cornwall, including Lanhydrock House and Trelissick Garden.
Most National Trust properties in Cornwall are open year-round, but opening times may vary depending on the property. It's always best to check the National Trust website for up-to-date information on opening times.
Many National Trust properties in Cornwall are dog-friendly, but there may be some restrictions depending on the property.
Cornwall's heritage is rich and diverse, and the National Trust properties in the region are a testament to this. From historic houses to dramatic coastlines, there is something for everyone to explore.
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