Family-friendly things to do at Trelissick

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. 

Kalan Gwav has been produced by Dark Cornwall in collaboration with National Trust Trelissick, working together sustainably to celebrate local makers and artists alongside Cornish nature and folklore.

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.