Pick Your Own Apples at Cotehele
Help collect the harvest from Cotehele's Mother Orchard and take some of this years crop home to enjoy.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
The Mother Orchard is home to more than 300 trees and 125 different heritage varieties of dessert, culinary and cider apples.
Bags will be available from visitor reception for a suggested donation of £3 for a small bag, or £5 for a sack. You are welcome to bring your own bag, but we ask for a donation to go towards the upkeep of Cotehele. By taking part and donating, you'll be able to take a selection of these special varieties home with you, whilst helping us look after the orchard and Cotehele for generations to come. Normal admission charges to visit apply.
Our top tips for picking apples: -The orchards at Cotehele can be uneven in places; please mind how you go. - Watch out for biting and stinging insects; they like fruit too. - Do not climb on the delicate fruit trees; they are old with weak branches. - Please pick gently without tugging or pulling too hard, as this can damage the tree. If the apple easily comes away, then it is ripe. If not, leave on the branch for a bit longer. - Give all the apples a wash with water when you get home, before consuming.
Not looking to take any apples home? Help us collect the windfall and drop it off at one of our collection stations to help us create cider in the future.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Meeting point
Pick up a bag from Visitor Reception when you arrive, suggested donation £3 per paper bag or £5 per sack.
- What to bring and wear
Please wear sturdy footwear. The orchards at Cotehele can be uneven in places.
- Other
Dogs are welcome in much of the gardens at Cotehele, but we ask that they do not enter the orchards, due to our 'paws on paths' policy. This does not apply to assistance dogs. If you are visiting with a group and a dog, you may want to have a think about who can look after the dog whilst other members of the party complete the activities within the Mother Orchard. Please note: due to the prolonged hot and dry weather this summer, this year's apple crop is smaller than usual. Normal admission charges apply for this event.
Upcoming events
Heritage Open Days: Visit Cotehele for free!
Join us as we celebrate England's biggest festival of culture and heritage by offering you the chance to visit the house and garden at Cotehele for free.
[SOLD OUT] Heritage Open Days: Architectural Tour of Cotehele
As part of Heritage Open Days, join a volunteer guide for an external architectural development of Cotehele over time.
Woven Through Time Exhibition
Discovery more about the textiles and tapestries in the Cotehele collection.
Mark Fielding: Colours of Cotehele
In collaboration with the Bull Pen Gallery, visit Cotehele through the seasons in Mark Fielding's new exhibition.