The second-hand bookshop at Cotehele

Find hundreds of good quality donated books in our volunteer run second-hand bookshop located within Retainer’s Court. Every time you buy a book from the bookshop you help care for Cotehele.

Please book ahead before visiting the garden and orchard

The garden and orchard at Cotehele are now open. We've introduced advance booking to keep everyone safe and maintain social distancing. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at busier times such as weekends and bank holidays. You can book your tickets online or by calling 0344 249 1895. Where space is available on weekdays, pre-booking may not always be necessary. You do not need to book if your are visiting the quay, gallery or restaurant. We're looking forward to welcoming you back.

Book now

The second-hand bookshop is located in Retainer’s Court and is open seven days a week from 12noon-4pm.

We are delighted to be able to welcome visitors back to our bookshop; there’s just a few changes that have been made to help keep everyone safe.

There is now a separate entrance and exit to the bookshop.
On entry please use the hand sanitiser provided otherwise you will not be able to handle any of the books.
In line with government guidance, visitors to the bookshop will be required to wear a face covering. Please bring one with you.
Please keep a safe distance from others in the bookshop.
When you make a purchase, we will be able to accept cash but we are unable to provide any change. If you wish to pay by card or contactless you can do so in the shop (closed Wed-Thu) and at the Welcome desk.
We have made changes to how we accept donations to the bookshop.

Donating books

We are so thankful for everyone’s donations towards the bookshop. Although we are accepting donations, we are asking you to organise a donation with us in advance by calling the property office on 01579 351346. We will agree a date and time for you to donate (this is separate from our pre-booking system for the garden). Books must be donated in sealed boxes or tied up bags that we will keep. If you arrive with books but haven’t called ahead, you will be asked to leave and organise with us a suitable time to donate.

Our bookshop wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers

Without the help of our small team of dedicated volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to keep the bookshop open. They work hard sorting through all the books given by generous visitors to ensure the shelves are continually stocked.

Last year with your support, either through donating books or purchasing them, more than £8,000 was raised. All funds contribute to vital conservation work at Cotehele, ensuring that Cotehele will be looked after for everyone, for ever.

Thank you

We couldn't do it without you

The money raised from our bookshop goes directly into funding the vital conservation work happening here at Cotehele. To everyone who has donated a book or bought one – thank you.