Days out in Cornwall

Near Torpoint, the garden at Antony is home to playful topiary, intriguing sculptures, fountains and sweeping views over the water. Right now the summer borders are alive with buzzing insects and bright colours.

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 herbaceous borders are spectacular at this time of year.

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. The wildflowers are over leaving lush greens and long grass which is a haven for wildlife.

An estate with maritime views and woodland walks, near Truro. Explore the meandering paths through the garden, leading to exotic plants and herbaceous borders. Summer is when the luxuriant main lawn looks it's best and the deep, richly planted borders are fit to burst.

Sheltered garden bursting with exotic trees and shrubs where you can follow in the footsteps of the 1920s plant hunters. During summer the lush, cool greens of the giant tree ferns and native beech trees blend with pockets of vibrant flowers throughout the garden.

Tranquil small but varied garden complete with Elizabethan knot garden, wild meadow and orchard. The turf labyrinth is 50m wide and 1km to the middle and out again - a great way to let off some steam.

An ancient and atmospheric estate with a medieval garden rich in archaeology and wildlife. The Kings Garden is a scented sun trap at this time of year, while the herbaceous borders of the Side Garden (left largely untouched since the 16th century) are full of height, colour and scent.

You'll find ancient woodlands and tranquil riverside paths on Lanhydrock's estate, near Bodmin. The extensive gardens have year-round colour from herbaceous borders and fabulous formal parterre.

Rocky island crowned by a subtropical terraced garden with views of spectacular Mount's Bay.

Find out which other gardens and outdoor spaces we care for in the South West are open by county, and how to book to visit.

Stuck for something to do on a rainy day, or looking for houses to explore for a dose of history? In the South West, we're reopening the buildings you love, safely and in line with government advice.

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, playing in and relaxing in.

Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore the Cornish coast and countryside. The colours change and the light shifts, making memorable walks shrouded in nature. Here are some favourites.

In Cornwall as autumn unfolds you can take your pick for your family’s next adventure. Antony, Cotehele, Glendurgan Garden, Godolphin, Lanhydrock, St Michael's Mount, Trelissick, Trerice and Trengwainton Garden are all open for autumnal fun: please book ahead of your visit. Plus beaches and countryside to visit, woodland to walk through and much more.

Whether you’re looking for fuel to kick-start a chilly 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 refuel and enjoy a treat or two. 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.

Make the most of seasonal food with these recipes which celebrate the best of autumn produce. In the South West we care for acres of ancient orchards, so apples feature heavily in our recipes, as do foragable berries and other seasonal favourites.

Every year we usually run a programme of events celebrating the orchards and apple harvest across the South West. Due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis we are unable to host our usual apple festivals in the orchards we care for this year. However at Cotehele we have moved lots of great content online so you can enjoy the festivities and continue to the celebrate the orchards from your home.

Looking for some inspiration for your next walk? Here's the nine most popular National Trust walks in the South West at the moment. Please follow social distancing measures, and don't forget to check the property home pages before you set out for your walk, for up to date opening details and see if you need to book.

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.