Tudor house with superb collections, garden, quay and estate
Some people say that daffodils are a sign that spring has arrived. If that's true, spring is in full glory in the garden at Cotehele. The collection of historic daffodils includes 250 varieties, some over 200 years old and all celebrated in a fortnight-long Daffodil Festival.
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 | £13.60 | £12.20 |
| Child | £6.80 | £6.10 |
| Family | £34.00 | £30.50 |
| One adult | £20.40 | £18.30 |
| Group Adult | N/A | £11.50 |
| Group Child | N/A | £5.70 |
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.
Car parking is £3 or free to National Trust members, please scan your membership card to obtain a free ticket at the car parking machines. Machines accept coins only.
~~ Groups must be booked in advance on 01579 351346.
