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.
We've put together a handy guide about what to expect when you visit Cotehele.
Whether you are visiting the house, mill, gardens or wider estate, you do not need to book your visit in advance.
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 Cornish 'jam-first' 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 | N/A | £10.00 |
| Child | N/A | £5.00 |
| Family | N/A | £25.00 |
| 1 adult, 2 children | N/A | £15.00 |
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 a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
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:
| 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 |
*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.
Our car parks are pay and display. Members can park for free by scanning their membership card at a machine to obtain and then display a ticket in your vehicle. For non-members parking is £1 for up to 1 hour, £3 for up to 3 hours and £5 for over 3 hours. You can pay by cash at the machine, by downloading the PayByPhone parking app or by visiting Visitor Reception or The Edgcumbe tea-room to pay by card.
You don't need to pre-book your visit to Cotehele or to park in the car parks.
National Trust members visit for free.
The house (limited rooms), mill garden, estate, restaurant, tea-room (takeaway), gallery (Fri-Tue only) and shop at Cotehele are open. You don't need to book your visit in advance. Our quieter times are weekday afternoons.
