Cotehele
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![View of the east range of the house and East Terraces garden in autumn at Cotehele, Cornwall]()
The East Terraces in autumn at Cotehele -
![The Mother Orchard with hand sculpture and apples in autumn at Cotehele, Cornwall]()
The Mother Orchard at Cotehele -
![The Valley Garden in autumn at Cotehele]()
The Valley Garden at Cotehele
Tudor house with superb collections, garden, quay and estate
Tudor house with superb collections, garden, quay and estate
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.
The restored sailing barge 'Shamrock' is moored at the quay where you’ll also be able to treat yourself to a proper Cornish cream tea in the Edgcumbe tea-room. The Discovery Centre here tells the story of the Tamar Valley, offering a gateway to the wider estate and is just a short walk through the Morden valley to our sister property Cotehele Mill.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Child | £5.50 | £5.00 |
| Family | £27.50 | £25.00 |
| 1 adult 2 -3 children | £16.50 | £15.00 |
|
Group Adult
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £9.00 |
|
Group Child
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £4.50 |
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | N/A | £3.00 |
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £7.50 | £6.50 |
| Child | £3.75 | £3.25 |
| Family | £18.75 | £16.25 |
| 1 adult, 2-3 children | £11.25 | £9.75 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
From 31 October - 31 December admission is £6 (National Trust Members and under 18s free). Car parking is free to National Trust members with car stickers. Machines accept coins only. Groups must be booked in advance. To obtain the group discount and to learn more about visiting as a group please ring 01579 351346. Voucher for those arriving by bicycle or public transport.
Opening times change on 30 October. The hall of the house and First World War exhibition (but not the rest of the house) are open from 31 October - 31 December, except 25 and 26 December. The gardening team will make the garland in the hall from 2 - 11 November and you are welcome to watch them at work. The completed garland will hang in the hall and is on view from 12 November - 31 December, except 25 and 26 December. With the exception of the countryside and garden, Cotehele is closed on 25 and 26 December. The remainder of the house will be closed for conservation from 31 October, 2016 - 10 March 2017.
