Family-friendly things to do at Trelissick
Discover all the things to do on a family day out to Trelissick. Explore the garden and house, or head out on an adventure around the countryside estate. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and plan your visit to Trelissick.
Storm Austen
Please note that the Dark Cornwall creatures exhibited outdoors as part of the Kalan Gwav experience will be taking shelter from the evening of 22 October as we prepare for Storm Austen. They will return to the garden on Monday 26 October for an exciting half term week full of storytelling with Story Republic and James and his dragon friend Jasper.
Planning your family visit to Trelissick
• Free entry for under 5s
• Baby-changing facilities available
• Buggy-friendly route around the garden, orchard and countryside
• Children’s lunchboxes available within Crofters Café
• Pocket money gifts and children’s books available in the shop
• Sensory bags available for use during your visit
Dark Cornwall presents Kalan Gwav at Trelissick
17 October - 1 November, 10am-4.30pm
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.
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.
Tales of Kalan Gwav: Halloween storytelling this half term
Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November
Visit the storytellers at Trelissick as they tell some well-known and some not-so-well-known stories of Cornish folklore as part of the Kalan Gwav celebrations taking place this October half term at Trelissick.
Join Story Republic on 24, 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 25, 28 October and 1 November at 11am, 1pm and 3pm to tell stories and play games.
Through tales that have influenced the Dark Cornwall team, they’ll share the magic of Cornwall’s past with families of all ages.
Dust off the Halloween costumes!
Why not give your Halloween costume a second life this half term? Reuse, restyle or reinvent your favourite costume when you join us for a celebration of myth, magic and Kalan Gwav at Trelissick.
Father Christmas at Trelissick
Father Christmas brings festive magic to the stable yard this December, where he’ll tell a special story of a Cornish Christmas at Trelissick. Once the storytelling has finished, he’ll hand out a small gift to each child.
There are three different types of Father Christmas visit at Trelissick this year, click below to find out more.
Sensory bags
There are 3 sensory backpacks and ear defenders available for use during your visit to Trelissick. They are to help visitors with autism, sensory processing disorder, or those who think they would benefit from them. These bags are available on a first-come basis from the welcome team.
Rainy days at Trelissick
Don't let the showers put you off, there's still plenty to do on a rainy day when you visit Trelissick this autumn.
- Get your wellies ready and splash your way around the garden, who can find the biggest puddle?
- Find your next favourite read in the Trelissick second-hand bookshop
- Shelter with a sweet treat in Crofters Café or picnic in a summerhouse
50 things to do before you’re 11¾
Here are our top 3 favourite '50 things' to do this autumn at Trelissick:
- #28 Climb a huge hill
The countryside at Trelissick has a few huge hills for you to scale but our favourite has to be from the beach to the car park on the south woodland walk where you'll find spectacular views of the river and garden once you reach the top.
- #33 Go cloudwatching
Whether you're looking through the gaps in the canopy of trees in the woodland or from the grass of the tennis lawn there are plenty of areas to stop and see what shapes you can spot in the clouds above you.
- #44 Watch a bird
Find a quiet place to sit, watch and wait to see the birds that call Trelissick home. The summerhouses are some of our favourite places to settle in for some birdwatching in the garden. See how many you can spot as they soar and sing, being careful not to startle them.
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Things to see on the estate at Trelissick
Visit the estate for walks with far reaching views. An abundance of wildlife fills the air with sounds at this green haven in Cornwall.
Events at Trelissick
Find out more about what's coming up at Trelissick including Kalan Gwav celebrations this Halloween and Christmas at Trelissick.
