Discover more at Cotehele
Find out when Cotehele is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Festival of Blossom
Experience the beauty of blossom at Cotehele this spring as our orchards are brimming with blossom and buzzing with pollinators. This year we're celebrating with a special program of blossom themed events and activities across the entire Tamar Valley and Plymouth.
What is the Festival of Blossom?
'Blossom' simply means flowers on a tree - typically conspicious flowers in springtime that develop into nuts, seeds, or berries later in the autumn.
The Festival of Blossom
This year we're inviting everyone to notice blossom and celebrate it through connections to nature and each other.
Throughout April and May, a number of events are happening across Cotehele, the Tamar Valley and Plymouth to celebrate all things blossom.
We thank the players of People's Postcode Lottery for the funding to support the National Trust Festival of Blossom.
Festival of Blossom at Cotehele
Orchard Blossom Day, Orchard Tour & Picnic
Friday 24 April, 1pm, meet at Visitor Reception
Join Head Gardener Dave Bouch for a tour of the blossom Mother Orchard at Cotehele. Hear about the orchard's history and importance, whilst learning about the care of the trees and the cyclical changes that take place. Before the tour, a light picnic lunch will be provided to be enjoyed under the blossom. Entry to Cotehele included.
Booking essential, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements for the light lunch picnic when booking.
Blossom Activities in the Mother Orchard
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April, 10am-5pm
Join our Blossom Bunch volunteers at Cotehele for a fun filled weekend of activiites and blossom crafts. Head up to the pink blossom gazebo in the Mother Orchard and find an array of blossom related activities to take part in, such as nature detectives, garden games and information on how to get the best blossom-y photo for yourself or with your friends and family.
Normal admission charges apply to Cotehele. Booking not required.
Sammy Davies: Spring, in Reverie
Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 May, 12noon-4pm
As part of Cotehele's spring season that bursts with blossom and colour, immerse yourself in Sammy Davies' first exhibition in the Victorian East Range of the house.
Let colour and fine detail wash over you as you stand and admire, or sit and contemplate her unique and thought-provoking, illustrative artistic style.
Normal admission charges apply to Cotehele. Sammy's artwork is for sale and available to purchase at the exhibition.
Blossom Yoga in the Old Orchard at Cotehele
Thursday 7 and Sunday 10 May. Adults yoga (open to all abilities) at 10am, Family yoga (open to all abilities, including children) at 11.30am
Join yoga instructor Sarah Spear for a relaxing yoga session under the blossoming fruit trees in Cotehele's Old Orchard. Bring your own yoga mat or borrow one of ours - along with other aids and equipment that may make yoga more accessible, enjoyable and benefical to you. In case of poor weather, this event will be moved inside.
Booking essential
Festival of Blossom in the Tamar Valley and Plymouth
As well as events happening at Cotehele, we are working in partnership with Food Plymouth and the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership to spread our blossom activities around the Tamar Valley railway line and Plymouth. Find out how to join in the fun near you.
Springtime Blossom Walk & Picnic in Keyham
Monday 20 April, 10.35am, meet at Keyham Station
Join Tess Wilmot from Food Plymouth on a guided springtime walk taking in the blossom in and around Keyham, finishing at Alexandra Park for a light lunch.
Hop on the train from any station on the Tamar Valley Line (tickets included for this event) and meet us at Keyham Station.
Walk approximately 1 mile, hilly in places.
Booking essential, please text Tess on 07531 506481 or email digfordevonport@hotmail.co.uk, confirming what station you are joining from if travelling by train (train times below), and any dietary requirements for the picnic.
History & Blossom Walk around Bere Ferrers
Tuesday 21 April, 10:45am, meet at Bere Ferrers Stations
Explore the pretty riverside village of Bere Ferrers with local resident and historian Clive Charlton who will bring to life the fascinating history of the village, including it's orchards and market gardening heritage.
Hop on the train from any station on the Tamar Valley Line (tickets included for this event) and meet us at Bere Ferrers Station.
Walk approximately 2 miles, please bring your own refreshments.
Booking essential, please text Rebekah on 07977 832312 or email rebekah.mason@nationaltrust.org.uk, confirming what station you are joining from if travelling by train (train times below).
Walks near a station along the Tamar Valley Line
Your nearest orchard or view of blossom is closer than you think. The Tamar Valley Line, from Plymouth to Gunnislake runs 7 days a week all year round. For details visit the Great Scenic Railways.
Circular walk from Bere Ferrers Station
Follow this self-guided walk around the skirts of the riverside village of Bere Ferrers, spotting blossoming hedges and trees as you go.
Approximately 3 miles.
Download the Bere Ferrers circular walk
Circular walk from Bere Alston Station
A varied circular walk which starts from the station and takes you along the riverbank and under Calstock Viaduct. Look out for blossoming trees as you walk past Kingston Orchard.
Approximately 5 miles.
Download the Bere Alston woodland & riverside walk
You might also be interested in
Visiting Cotehele's garden
Take a stroll around the 5.5 hectares of Cotehele's garden where you’ll discover terraced herbaceous borders, a lily pond as well as a medieval stewpond and dovecote.
Eating and shopping at Cotehele
Tuck into a cream tea at one of Cotehele’s cafés, find an eco-friendly gift or plant at the shop, and discover local artists at The Bull Pen Gallery.
Visiting Cotehele with your dog
Dogs are welcome to join you at Cotehele. There are miles of paths and loads of space where they can stretch their legs and bowls of clean water once they’re thirsty. Cotehele is a two pawprint rated place.
Family-friendly things to do at Cotehele
Discover all the things to do on a family day out to Cotehele. Explore the garden and orchards and head out on an adventure around the estate. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and how best to plan your day out at Cotehele with children in mind.
Exploring the Cotehele estate
There's lots to discover at the Cotehele estate. Miles of pathways lead you through ancient woodland, past a historic chapel, and to an important Victorian quay.
Caring for Cotehele's orchards
Cotehele relies on its dedicated gardeners and volunteers to care for the estate’s orchards, protecting them for the future and allowing resident wildlife to thrive.
