5 National Trust locations to visit in Cornwall

Cornwall never stops giving as a location. Whether you live locally or are visiting from further afield, this lovely county has so much to offer when it comes to things to see and do. This includes National Trust locations, with Cornwall featuring some truly delightful attractions that the whole family can enjoy. From beautiful gardens and coastal paths to glorious old country houses, there are so many days out to be enjoyed courtesy of the National Trust. This guide highlights five brilliant options that are available, letting you know about what you can look forward to and any pertinent accessibility information that those with stairlifts at home might find useful.

Trelissick

Trelissick is an estate located at Feock, near Truro, offering maritime views and lovely woodland walks. Visitors can look forward to exploring the picturesque garden paths or going for a wander through 300 acres of beautiful countryside. If you are looking for a relaxing day out and a way to connect with nature, the peaceful atmosphere of Trelissick won’t disappoint.

Claire, from the family travel blog Tin Box Traveller, has visited Trelissick on multiple occasions and spoke about what she enjoys most about the location: “We've been back to Trelissick several times during our visits to Cornwall. It's the extensive grounds overlooking the River Fal and its wildlife that keep calling us back. We know there's plenty of space for our kids to run around. And the winding paths of the formal gardens are always fun to explore. Another bonus is that the gardens and grounds are open all year round, so it's the perfect place to visit in the autumn and winter months.”

Frankie, from the blog Meet Me by the Sea, has also spent time at Trelissick, and shared her thoughts: “There is something to see in every corner of Trelissick, including secret doors, carpets of bluebells, and viewing huts. Enjoy a walk through the garden, or venture down to the shingle beach which can be found through the fields. Trelissick Gardens also has a shop, second-hand bookshop, and a cafe that serves local pastries, light lunch, and coffee.”

By combining the gardens, woodland walks, and cafe, a day spent at Trelissick is incredibly appealing. In terms of access, there is a step-free route around the formal and woodland gardens, accessible toilet, and scooter/wheelchair hire for the gardens.

You can find the full access statement here.

Cotehele

Located in the east of Cornwall, Cotehele is a magnificent medieval house with Tudor additions, boasting valley views, an expansive estate, gallery, and gardens to enjoy. The stone manor sits on the banks of the River Tamar and has changed little over the last 500 years. Inside the house, you will find a fascinating glimpse into the past and the antiquarian collection of its former inhabitants. Outside there are 14 acres of enchanting gardens, 12 acres of orchards as well as a massive estate that spans 1,300 acres, featuring woodland, fields, industrial ruins, chapels, flora, fauna, and working farm buildings.

Katrina, from the travel blog Real Girls Wobble, has visited Cotehele and it is one of her favourite National Trust properties. Sharing her thoughts, she said: “It is easy to see why the Cotehele Estate is one of the most popular properties in the National Trust collection. You can expect to spend a good few hours here, exploring the grounds and history of the house.

“The Tudor House dates back to the 14th Century and is one of the least altered in the UK. It even contains many of the original furnishings, including tapestries, carved oak furniture and one of the oldest domestic clocks in England. The view from the gardens is breathtaking.”

Image credit: Real Girls Wobble

When it comes to the estate outside, Katrina advises visitors to “follow the marked paths, which are hilly and uneven in places. At first, you’ll discover the Chapel in The Wood where Sir Richard Edgecumbe tricked his enemies into believing he drowned. You’ll end up in Cotehele Quay and Mill. If you don’t want to walk or have limited mobility, you can drive.

“You can also see The Shamrock – a fully restored sailing barge, The Bull Pen Gallery selling work from local artists and craft makers. Plus, the National Trust shop, plant centre, a second-hand bookstore, a restaurant and tearoom.”

“Your four-legged friends are more than welcome too. Dogs will love the walk, plus they can take a dip in the stream and even get a few treats in the café. Water bowls can be found outside the toilet block, visitor reception, tearoom, restaurant and mill buildings. The only place they can’t access is the house, formal garden and orchards.”

Cotehele is the perfect location to stretch your legs, walk the dog, and enjoy a bit of history all in one visit. If you get hungry after all of your exploring, there are plenty of picnic spots as well as the aforementioned restaurant and café. There is a disabled car park, disabled toilets, a step-free route around the garden, and assistance dogs are welcome.”

You can find the full access statement here.

Godolphin

At Godolphin visitors will be welcome into an atmospheric estate, comprised of a medieval garden and historic house, all of which boasts a long and fascinating history. Entering into the confines of Godolphin is truly like travelling back in time, thanks to some wonderful preservation. The Grade I listed mansion and gardens are a relic of the Stuart/Tudor era and it also boasts Elizabethan stables from the 1600s. When visiting Godolphin, you can find yourself exploring the historic rooms and corridors of the house itself and the wonderful gardens, including the 16^th-century King’s Garden. Further still, there are some lovely walks to enjoy, including riverside and hill walks.

Dan, from the blog The Frustrated Gardener, has visited Godolphin and describes the scene: “Surrounded by bluebell woods, fields and historic, mined landscapes, the atmosphere at Godolphin is one of antiquity and serenity. It’s as if the clock stopped at the end of the 18th Century, with few obvious clues as to what happened thereafter. I am half inclined not to give too glowing an account lest the place become overrun with visitors, but somehow I doubt it.”

Dogs are welcome at Godolphin and there is a tearoom for some light refreshments. In terms of accessibility, assistance dogs are welcome, there is a wheelchair path along the riverside, scooter hire, disabled parking, accessible toilet, but it should be noted that Godolphin is an ancient, rural location and not built on level ground.

You can find the full access statement here.

Pentire

When in Cornwall, taking the time to explore and enjoy the coast is a must. Cornwall has such incredible coastlines and one of the most dramatic is certainly the National Trust location of Pentire. Located on the North Cornwall coast, Pentire headland boasts spectacular views across Padstow Bay and beautiful cliff top walks as well as a cosey café, making it the perfect location to take in some sea views even during the colder months. This unspoilt coastline is a true joy, is teeming with wildlife, and has plenty of options when it comes to walks.

Pentire is also an ideal spot for a picnic, there is a restored orchard, an outdoor and undercover courtyard, and the clifftop itself. In terms of accessibility, Pentire offers a disabled toilet and disabled parking and an all-terrain mobility scooter which you can hire.

Lanhydrock

The Victorian Lanhydrock country house and estate is spectacular and an easy addition to any Cornwall attraction to-do list. The magnificence and grandeur on display won’t fail to impress, with perfectly groomed gardens and truly impressive structures. There’s cycling trails, woodland paths, historic parkland, tours of the house, and plenty of history to uncover. While much of the house dates back to Victorian times, parts are older, going all the way back to the 1600s. If you are looking for a taste of Victorian life or just a lovely day out exploring a truly beautiful area of Cornwall, Lanhydrock ticks all the boxes.

The estate also offers a plant centre shop with proceeds helping support Lanhydrock and there is a café on-site serving up hot and cold meals to sustain you while you meander around the estate and learn about what life was once like here hundreds of years ago. Lanhydrock offers scooter and wheelchair hire, access buggies, accessible toilets, and plenty of places to grab a seat and rest while admiring the wonderful scenery.

You can find the full access statement here.

National Trust locations to visit in Cornwall

• Trelissick
• Cotehele
• Godolphin
• Pentire
• Lanhydrock

As you can see, there are some amazing National Trust locations available in Cornwall. If you like the sound of some of the above, give them a try and look forward to a wonderful day out. No matter your level of mobility, if you are looking for some solitude or to visit with children, grandkids, or friends, there’s plenty on offer.

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