10 of Cornwall's best National Trust houses and properties

Some of the most spectacular National Trust sites in Cornwall

Cornwall is widely known as one of the most alluring parts of England, and its National Trust properties certainly live up to that reputation. From the stark natural beauty of Kynance Cove to the stunningly designed Lanhydrock House, there’s something for everyone here. Below we’ve put together a shortlist of some of Cornwall’s finest offerings.
 

 1. Lanhydrock House, Bodmin

© JoachimFlügel / Adobe Stock

The Lanhydrock Estate in North Cornwall is an extravagant country house, built in the 17th century and refurbished in Victorian times. Surrounded by enchanting gardens and woods, the property is home to several cycle trails and walks. It’s also the National Trust’s Cornwall headquarters and hosts a restaurant along with various shops.

Postcode: PL30 4AB
Opening times: 11am - 5pm March to October. Closed November to February.
Facilities: Café, shop, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Dogs welcome in the courtyard cafés and countryside. Assistance dogs only in the house and garden.
Nearby town/village: Bodmin
Nearest parking: On-site parking available

2. Cotehele, St Dominick

© Paul / Adobe Stock

Situated in the parish of St Dominick near Saltash, Cotehele is another grand country house surrounded by woodlands, footpaths, and a variety of gardens. The estate has a restaurant, gallery, shops and even a working watermill found on the quay nearby.

Postcode: PL12 6TA
Opening times: 11am - 4pm. Closed early January to mid February.
Facilities: Baby changing facilities, shop, gallery, restaurant and bistro
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads welcome to the estate. Assistance dogs only in the formal garden and orchards.
Nearby town/village: St Dominick
Nearest parking: On-site parking
 

3. St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

For anyone planning some Cornwall sightseeing, St Michael’s Mount is not to be missed. Found just off the coast of Marazion, this picturesque island is accessible by boat or causeway depending on the tide, and some of the oldest buildings are nearly a thousand years old. Recently appearing as Driftmark in Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon, booking tickets for the medieval castle is highly recommended.

If you’re looking for a holiday home near St Michael’s Mount with exquisite views of the west coast, Ednovean House may just be the ideal property for you.

Postcode: TR17 0HS
Opening times: 9:30am - 5pm
Facilities: Café, shops, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Marazion
Nearest parking: Mainland Marazion

4. Levant Mine, Pendeen

Straddling the clifftop of the Tin Coast a few short miles from Land’s End, Levant Mine and Beam Engine is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage site and makes for a fascinating visit. The tin mine’s engine has been fully restored and runs on steam even now. The guided tours are a must for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the mine and to see the engine at work.

Postcode: TR19 7SX
Opening times: 10:30am - 4:30pm, Sunday - Thursday
Facilities: Accessible toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Pendeen
Nearest parking: Geevor Mine car park
 

5. Glendurgan Garden, Falmouth

© Rolf / Adobe Stock

The sub-tropical garden of Glendurgan is one of Cornwall’s best known and highly regarded National Trust sites. Encompassing the breadth of three valleys, the gardens are populated with all manner of exotic plants and winding trails. The property also features the Glendurgan Teahouse Café.

Postcode: TR11 5JZ
Opening times: 10:30am - 5:30pm mid February to early November
Facilities: Café, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Mawnan Smith
Nearest parking: On-site parking
 

6. Boscastle

© Colin & Linda McKie / Adobe Stock

Located five miles north of Tintagel, Boscastle is a picturesque harbour and village comprising of old-fashioned shops and thatched cottages. Devastated by floods in the early-2000s, most of the village has since been rebuilt and now offers plenty to see and do on a day out, from museums and shops to boat trips and coastal walks.

If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay near Boscastle, The Paddock and The Yellow Cottage are located in nearby Trebarwith Strand and both boast incredible views of the coastline.

Postcode: PL35 0HD
Opening times: 10am - 5pm
Facilities: Shops, café, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Dogs welcome
Nearest parking: Boscastle pay and display car park
 

7. Trerice House, Kestle Mill

Trerice is another of Cornwall’s glorious manor houses, built well over 400 years ago. The house has been largely unchanged since being built and contains a huge collection of historical art and furnishings for your perusal. The garden, particularly impressive in summer, is host to various Tudor games like bowling, and even has a turf maze.

Postcode: TR8 4PG
Opening times: 10:30am - 4:30pm late February to late October; 11am - 4pm early November to mid December (weekends only); 11am - 4pm 17th - 23rd December.
Facilities: Shops, café, toilets, baby changing and feeding facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Kestle Mill
Nearest parking: 300 yards away
 

8. Kynance Cove

© hardyuno / Adobe Stock

This striking stretch of beach hidden in the depths of the Lizard Peninsula is one of the most popular coves in both Cornwall and England as a whole – and for good reason. The area’s striking sands and almost ethereal waters have been widely frequented since the 19th century, and low tides allow visitors to explore its various caves and grottos.

Postcode: TR12 7PJ
Opening times: All day
Facilities: Café, car park toilets
Dog-friendy? Seasonal dog ban 10am - 6pm between 1st July - 31st August. Dogs welcome the rest of the year.
Nearby town/village: Helston
Nearest parking: Car park on the cliffs above Kynance Cove
 

9. Antony House, Torpoint

The next National Trust property on our list was used as a location for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and is remarkable to look upon. Found on the Rame Peninsula, the imposing building contains some stunning artwork and sculptures, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

While you're visiting the South Cornwall coast, our property Eden provides the perfect sanctuary for small families, couples and groups of friends.

Postcode: PL11 2QA
Opening times: 12:30pm - 4:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (plus Sundays in June, July and August)
Facilities: Café, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Torpoint
Nearest parking: 120 yards away
 

10. Trelissick Gardens, Feock

© Trent / Adobe Stock

With views of the Fal Estuary, Trelissick is home to 30 acres of beautiful gardens and a charming country house. Explore the art gallery, shop and café, or head outdoors and discover the wonderful woodlands and gardens.

Postcode: TR3 6QL
Opening times: 10am - 5pm
Facilities: Café, art gallery, shop, bicycle racks, toilets, baby changing facilities, wheelchairs and a mobility scooter
Dog-friendliness: Dogs welcome in the parkland. Assistance dogs only in the house and garden.
Nearby town/village: Feock
Nearest parking: On-site parking
 

Image credits: Main image from Helen Hotson via Adobe Stock.