Skip to content
Skip to content

Dark Cornwall presents Kalan Gwav at Trelissick

Cornish legends call Trelissick home this October as Dark Cornwall create an immersive folklore experience through the magic and myths of Cornwall in the garden and house.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Please note that the Dark Cornwall creatures exhibited outdoors as part of the Kalan Gwav experience will be taking shelter from this weekend's storms. They will return to the garden on Monday 26 October.

As you explore you’ll travel through a series of realms where figures of folklore from coast, sea and woodland have been brought to life. A dragon, giants and faefolk are just some of the creatures who’ll thrill and excite families of all ages.

Kalan Gwav is a Cornish celebration that marks the first days of winter, a time when myth becomes reality and tales become legends. Join us to celebrate the new season with displays, installations and activities inspired by Cornish folklore.

From Saturday 17 October until Sunday 1 November creatures of Cornish mythology will be on display throughout the garden and house and an exhibition of high fantasy artworks curated by the Dark Cornwall team will feature in the West Library.

Join Story Republic on 26, 27, 29, 30 and 31 October between 10.30am-3.30pm as they share their passion for Cornwall’s rich folklore this half term. Cornwall Heritage Trust’s resident storyteller James Parnham-Kenny will be joined by his puppet friend Jasper the Dragon on 28 October and 1 November at 11am, 1pm and 3pm to tell stories and play games.

Dogs on short leads are permitted in the garden at Trelissick, only assistance dogs are permitted in the house.

Admission to Trelissick applies, free for National Trust members.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

Upcoming events

Dark Cornwall Community Exhibition at Trelissick 

Visit the West Library where an exhibition of works submitted by the Dark Cornwall community will be on display throughout the Kalan Gwav celebrations. There’ll also be a chance to find out more about the installations on display throughout...

Event summary

on
25 Oct to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 16:30+ 7 other dates or times

Tales of Kalan Gwav: Halloween half term storytelling 

Please note that this event has been cancelled on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October due to the high winds forecast for Storm Austen. Visit the storytellers at Trelissick as they tell some well-known and some not-so-well-known stories of Cornish...

Event summary

on
26 Oct to 1 Nov 2026
at 10:30 to 15:30+ 10 other dates or times

Meet the maker: Loveday Distillery 

Visit the National Trust shop at Trelissick on Wednesday 28 October to meet the makers behind Loveday Distillery. They'll be with us between 12noon and 3pm with tastings of their award winning gin.

Event summary

on
28 Oct 2026
at 12:00 to 15:00

Cornwall Arthritis Trust: Pilates 

Cornwall Arthritis Trust have partnered with National Trust Trelissick to offer some 'Freedom to Move’ sessions. These include education and tips on how you can live well and keep mobile and active even if you have joint or back pain, as well...

Event summary

on
3 Nov 2026
at 13:00 to 15:00