Christmas at Cotehele

Girl playing with wooden horse with Christmas trees in background — Girl playing with wooden horse at Cotehele Mill, Cornwall | © National Trust / Steven Haywood

Celebrate Christmas with a festive day out to Cotehele. Step into the Great Hall to see the spectacular 60-foot garland, see Cotehele Mill decorated for a family Christmas and head out on a frosty walk around the estate

Cotehele’s Christmas Garland

Every year Cotehele’s gardeners build a 60-foot garland from thousands of flowers grown on the estate. A tradition since 1956, the garland adorns the Great Hall throughout Christmas. The number of flowers varies each year depending on the growing season.

Preparations for the garland began in January when the flower seeds are sown in the Cut Flower Garden. Our team of garden volunteers and staff then start picking flowers from late April which are then dried over the summer and autumn before the garland is put together over two weeks in November.

See this year's garland in all its glory from daily Saturday 18 November - Sunday 7 January, 10.30am-4pm. (Closed 25-26 December).

You do not need to book to visit Cotehele, for groups with a party size of 15 or more booking in advance is essential. Contact our team to book your group visit to Cotehele this Christmas via cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk or calling 01579 351346.

The dried flower garland made of golden coloured flowers hanging within the Great Hall at Cotehele — The Christmas Garland at Cotehele in 2022, what will the 2023 garland look like? | © Trevor Ray Hart

Christmas at Cotehele Mill

Follow the festive lights along the stream to find Cotehele Mill tucked within the Morden Valley. The mill will be decorated in traditional Victorian style and you’ll be able to discover how families like the Langsfords, who lived at Cotehele Mill, celebrated Christmas in those times.

The doors to the Saddlers, Meal Floor and the Bakery will be open for everyone to peer in and experience the sights and smells of a flour mill at Christmas time. Head to the first floor for toys to play with, costumes to adorn and craft activities to complete. Due to damage to the weir, we unfortunately won’t be able to turn the waterwheel and produce flour.

Open on 18, 19, 25 and 26 November, 2, 3, 9 and 10 December and then daily from 16 December – 1 January (closed 25 – 26 December) from 11am-3.30pm.

Walkers along the festoon lit path towards Cotehele Mill | © Trevor Ray Hart

Festive fun for everyone

Outdoor festive performances

Throughout the festive period we’re delighted to be welcoming various choirs and performers to Cotehele. Grab a hot drink and head towards the house. Smaller groups will perform within Hall Court and larger groups just outside it.

With all performances being held outside, we recommend wrapping up warm in a cosy scarf. These performances are weather dependant, we might need to pull some performances at the last minute for everyone’s safety.

Who’s performing when?

Sunday 3 December, 11.30am-12noon and 1-1.30pm - South West Chamber Choir

Saturday 9 December, 1.30-2pm and 2.30-3pm - Callington Town Band

Saturday 16 December, 11.30am-12noon - St Austell Town Band

Sunday 17 December, 11.00am-12noon - Barrett's Privateers

Lets Wassail!

On Saturday 23 December, 11am-12.30pm, come and join us for our annual Wassail as we attempt to scare away the evil spirits from the Mother Orchard to ensure their is a bumper crop next year.

Fancy dress is highly encouraged and don't forget to bring something noisy too. Meet outside Visitor Reception at 11am for the start of the procession which then heads through the garden to the orchard.

Visitors sitting outside with hot drinks — Sitting outside with hot chocolates at Cotehele | © Trevor Ray Hart

Seasonal eating, drinking and shopping

Hot chocolates galore

Heading off around the garden or estate for a winter stroll? Keep those mittens toasty by stopping by the Piggery in the farm yard for our miniature hot chocolate haven. With various flavours and toppings to chose from, you can design your own hot chocolate treat or chose from one of our team favourites. Enjoy under the festoon lights in the farm yard or whilst exploring the woodland paths across the estate.

The Piggery is open weekends throughout November and December, 12noon-4pm.

Search for the perfect gift

Get this festive season merrily underway with our range of Christmas essentials, inspired by the special places we care for. From Christmas garlands to Christmas Eve games, festive tree decorations and luxury Christmas biscuits, find inspiration to make the holidays extra special this year.

Visit the Bull Pen Gallery for unique gifts lovingly made by artists and makers from across the West Country and beyond.