Days out in Cornwall

Near Torpoint, the garden at Antony is home to playful topiary, intriguing sculptures, fountains and sweeping views over the water. In spring, the garden comes to life with pear blossom, daffodils, primroses, wisteria, mimosa, rhododendrons and more.

Reopening from Tuesday 18 May, the 18th-Century house of silver grey stone is a beguiling mixture of the formal and informal. It's believed to be one of the finest surviving Queen Anne buildings in the West Country.

Glorious Cornish garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore. The garden features terraces, ponds and orchards with 150 local apple varieties.

The Tudor house, perched high above the River Tamar, is decorated with tapestries, arms and armour, pewter, brass and old oak furniture. The Great Hall and Breakfast Room will reopen from Monday 17 May, as will Cotehele Mill.

An ancient and atmospheric estate with a medieval garden rich in archaeology and wildlife. In the walled King's Garden, cloud-like box hedges follow neat paths that shelter the primroses flowering below them come spring.

This Victorian watermill and workshops nestled in a wooded valley is an atmospheric reminder of the recent past when corn was ground here for the local community.

We're welcoming visitors back to the ground floor of the mill, including the shop, bakery and water wheel. You don't need to prebook to visit the mill, but due to social distancing guidance there is limited capacity. For this reason, we cannot guarantee entry even if you have a ticket to Cotehele house and gardens.

At the very heart of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site sits the great beam engine in Taylor's engine house, originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers introduced by local hero Richard Trevithick. On a guided tour you'll discover the whole dramatic story of Cornish mining.

Peaceful and playful valley garden near Falmouth, where big leaves and exotic flowers thrive in the jungle-like lower valley and sun-loving specimens enjoy the upper banks. Colourful camellias, snowdrops and early daffodils and primroses bring colour to the garden for local visitors to enjoy.

You'll find ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths on Lanhydrock's estate, near Bodmin. There's no need to book to walk around the estate, but booking to visit the garden is advised, featuring herbaceous borders, a formal parterre and colourful higher gardens filled with camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.

After a devastating fire in 1881 the Jacobean house was refurbished in high-Victorian style, with the best in country house design and planning and the latest mod-cons. The house is reopening from Monday 17 May.

Sheltered garden bursting with exotic trees and shrubs where you can follow in the footsteps of the 1920s plant hunters to see plants that flowered in Britain for the first time. Award-winning magnolias and rhododendrons will bring spring colour, and winding wooded paths lead to sea views across Mount's Bay.

A working beam engine running on steam where mining history comes to life: learn of Levant's industry and tragedy. You can visit the buildings at Levant by booking a guided tour. Some buildings or areas may be using a one-way system to help with keeping you safe. Indoor spaces will have capacity limits, this means that in some areas only one visitor at a time will be allowed in that area.

An estate with maritime views and woodland walks, near Truro. Explore the meandering paths through the garden, leading to exotic plants and herbaceous borders.

Tranquil small but varied garden complete with Elizabethan knot garden, wild meadow and orchard, open for local walkers.

The Elizabethan manor house with fine interiors remains little changed by the advances in building fashions over the centuries, thanks to long periods under absentee owners. Trerice house is reopening, with a one-way system in place to maintain social distancing, from Monday 17 May.

Cornwall is not only home to far stretching dramatic coastline and countryside, but also a number of beautiful and historic gardens. Across this ancient land are gardens rooted in history; here's a list of the best of them to visit in Cornwall which we're reopened in line with Government guidance for exploring local to you.

The National Trust conserves and cares for miles of coast and foot paths for walking around Cornwall. With so many types of walks for all abilities, you can find the right trail for you.

Spring colour and new life have taken hold of the places we care for in Cornwall, which makes it an ideal time to head out exploring. Tranquil beaches await fresh footprints along the shore. Where will your next family outing take you?

From Godolpin in Cornwall to Stourhead in Wiltshire, places in the South West are brimming with bluebells during the spring months. Find out if a beautiful bluebell spot can be visited on your local walk, or let us bring the bluebells to you.

As well as providing us with beautiful spaces to relax and delicious food and drink to enjoy, traditional orchards and gardens with flowering fruit trees in are home to many birds, bees, butterflies and insects.

See the full list places we care for in the South West which are open by county.

Whether you’re looking for fuel to kick-start a ramble on the coast, or are returning from a gentle stroll in the woods, you’ll find these kiosks, cafés and tea-rooms are great places to stop for a treat. What's more, every visit you make and piece of cake you buy helps us carry on looking after special places for everyone to enjoy, for ever.

Connecting with nature can bring a sense of continuity and calm. Whether it be on a walk, from your window or in your garden, here are some tips for looking out for nature.

We’re doing everything we can to make space for nature in the countryside, thanks to your support. Find out about the projects that are taking place in the South West to create space for nature.