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From the Blog

Cornwall's best National Trust houses and properties

Posted by Laura Easlick on Updated on
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Some of the most spectacular National Trust properties in Cornwall

Cornwall is widely known as one of the most alluring parts of England, and its National Trust properties certainly live up to that reputation. From the country house and gardens at Trelissick on the south coast to the stunningly designed Lanhydrock House in mid-Cornwall, there’s something for everyone here. Below, we’ve put together a shortlist of some of Cornwall’s finest manor houses and estates that are open for visitors. 
 

 1. Lanhydrock House

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© Werner Ustorf (left) and David Wilkinson (right) via Flickr 

The Lanhydrock Estate is an extravagant country house, built in the 17th century and refurbished in Victorian times.

Surrounded by enchanting gardens and woods, the property is home to several cycle trails and walks. It’s also the National Trust’s Cornwall headquarters and hosts a restaurant along with various shops.

Postcode: PL30 4AB
Opening times: 11am - 5pm March to October. Closed November to February.
Facilities: Café, shop, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Dogs welcome in the courtyard cafés and countryside. Assistance dogs only in the house and garden.
Nearby town/village: Bodmin
Nearest parking: On-site parking available

Accessibility: Visitors with limited mobility can make use of the access buggy which runs between the reception and gatehouse daily. There are also accessible toilets and level routes with slopes and ramp access.

2. Cotehele

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© Kate Iles (left) and Baz Richardson (right) via Flickr

Situated in the parish of St Dominick near Saltash, Cotehele is another grand country house surrounded by woodlands, footpaths, and a variety of gardens.

The estate has a restaurant, gallery, shops and even a working watermill found on the quay nearby. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Cotehele Quay was one of the many along the River Tamar that took copper, tin and arsenic to Plymouth and further afield. The former warehouse on the quay is now a museum and discovery centre.

Postcode: PL12 6TA
Opening times: 11am - 4pm. Closed early January to mid February.
Facilities: Baby changing facilities, shop, gallery, restaurant and bistro
Dog-friendly? Dogs on leads welcome to the estate. Assistance dogs only in the formal garden and orchards.
Nearby town/village: St Dominick
Nearest parking: On-site parking

Just over half an hour away from this striking National Trust home, you'll find Sea Edge overlooking the ocean from a clifftop position in Downderry. Sleeping six, this is the perfect property for a tranquil escape on the south coast of Cornwall. 

3. St Michael’s Mount

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© Mike Dales via Flickr

For anyone planning some Cornwall sightseeing, St Michael’s Mount is not to be missed. Found just off the coast of Marazion, this picturesque island is accessible by boat or causeway depending on the tide, and some of the oldest buildings are nearly a thousand years old. Recently appearing as Driftmark in Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon, booking tickets for the medieval castle is highly recommended.

Postcode: TR17 0HS
Opening times: 9:30am - 5pm
Facilities: Café, shops, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Marazion
Nearest parking: Mainland Marazion

If you’re looking for a holiday home near St Michael’s Mount with exquisite views of the west coast, Ednovean House (sleeps 12 - 14) may just be the ideal property for you.

4. Trerice House

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© Marion CW (left) and Mike Dales (right) via Flickr

Trerice is another of Cornwall’s glorious manor houses, built well over 400 years ago. The house has been largely unchanged since being built and contains a huge collection of historical art and furnishings for your perusal.

The garden, particularly impressive in summer, is host to various Tudor games like bowling, and even has a turf maze.

Postcode: TR8 4PG
Opening times: 10:30am - 4:30pm late February to late October; 11am - 4pm early November to mid December (weekends only); 11am - 4pm 17th - 23rd December.
Facilities: Shops, café, toilets, baby changing and feeding facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Kestle Mill
Nearest parking: 300 yards away

Looking to stay nearby? Sleeping 10, Kew House is just 25 minutes away on the north coast, offering a secluded garden and hot tub, with elegant, open plan living. 20 minutes in the other direction you'll find Mawgan Porth, home to a selection of sea-view properties, on the outskirts of Newquay.


5. Antony House

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© Baz Richardson via Flickr

The next National Trust property on our list was used as a location for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and is remarkable to look upon. Found on the Rame Peninsula, the imposing building contains some stunning artwork and sculptures, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Postcode: PL11 2QA
Opening times: 12:30pm - 4:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (plus Sundays in June, July and August)
Facilities: Café, toilets, baby changing facilities
Dog-friendly? Assistance dogs only
Nearby town/village: Torpoint
Nearest parking: 120 yards away

While you're visiting the South Cornwall coast, our property, Eden (sleeps six) provides the perfect sanctuary for small families, couples and groups of friends.

6. Trelissick Gardens

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© Baz Richardson (left) and Marion CW (right) via Flickr

With views of the Fal Estuary, Trelissick is home to 30 acres of beautiful gardens and a charming country house. Meander through the gardens, which are bursting with colour and exotic plants, enjoy a riverside woodland walk and scenic views from the shingle beach. 

Explore the art gallery, shop and café, or step back in time inside Trelissick House, where you can wander around the west library, drawing room and kitchen. South facing views of the Fal Estuary and Carrick Roads can be enjoyed in the house tearoom, with light refreshments. 

Postcode: TR3 6QL
Opening times: 10am - 5pm
Facilities: Café, art gallery, shop, bicycle racks, toilets, baby changing facilities, wheelchairs and a mobility scooter
Dog-friendliness: Dogs welcome in the parkland. Assistance dogs only in the house and garden.
Nearby town/village: Feock
Nearest parking: On-site parking

Tempted by a South Cornwall holiday? St Mawes and Feock are connected by ferry, making Trelissick the perfect day out during your waterside getaway on the Roseland Peninsula. Enjoy idyllic views of St Mawes and the Fal Estuary from Cornerways or unwind in the outdoor bar and swimming pool at Seaglass House (both sleep 8 guests).

 

7. Godolphin House

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© Derek Voller via Flickr

Situated near Helston in West Cornwall, this historic house and medieval garden is worth a visit at any time of year. Godolphin House is a Grade I listed building which is open to the public during the first week of every month (except January). Wander around the 16th century garden or discover wildlife in the wider estate.

Enjoy far-reaching views of the countryside and St Ives Bay from Godolphin Hill and explore 500 acres of scenic grounds, including woodland and river banks, before refuelling inside The Piggery Tearoom. Children will love the barefoot nature trail and mud pie kitchen in Mary’s Wood.

Postcode: TR13 9RE
Opening times: House, garden and tearooms: 10:30am – 4pm, estate: dawn - dusk
Facilities: Tearoom, toilets, accessible toilet in The Piggery, book shop
Dog-friendly? Dogs on short leads are welcome anywhere within the garden, outbuildings and tearoom. Dogs must also be kept on leads on the farmland of the Godolphin Estate. Assistance dogs only in the house and King’s Room.
Nearby town/village: Helston
Nearest parking: On-site parking and cycle parking

Helston is the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula, which is the most southerly part of the UK and renowned for unspoilt beaches and wildlife-watching. Stay at Laflouder Thatch in Mullion or Compass Point in Coverack (both sleep eight) for a luxurious holiday in the west of Cornwall. 

8. Tintagel Old Post Office

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© Baz Richardson via Flickr

Acquired in 1903, Tintagel Old Post Office is the National Trust’s first built property in Cornwall. Home to a cottage garden, Victorian post counter and wavy slate roof, this fourteenth century farmhouse offers a unique day out.

Originally a thatched farm building in the Middle Ages, then a fashionable Tudor home, and eventually becoming a post office in the 1870s, this building is brimming with character and history. There’s plenty to discover, with Victorian postal equipment and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Watch the children role play either side of the Victorian-themed post office counter before enjoying some traditional garden games outdoors.

Postcode: PL34 0DB
Opening times: Open April – October (check website for details)
Facilities: The nearest toilet is 50 yards away at Trevena Square
Dog-friendly? No. Assistance dogs only beyond the front garden
Nearby town/village: Tintagel
Nearest parking: There are several pay and display car parks in the village

Just along the rugged north coast, Trebarwith Strand is perfect for beach holidays, coastal walks and winter storm watching. The Paddock (sleeps 10 - 14) and The Yellow Cottage (sleeps nine) both provide luxurious living with far-reaching views.

9. Lawrence House

Now used as a local museum and civic centre, this fascinating Georgian house was built in 1753. Learn about local history and Launceston's intriguing association with Australia, with exhibits spread over three floors. Also on display, there's a collection of costumes dating from the 18th century to the 1960s and a Victorian kitchen with an original range and mangle.

Children can play in the toy room and, when refreshments are required, there's a great selection of cafés in Launceston town. 

Postcode: PL15 8BA
Opening times: Reopening in April 2026. Usually open every day except Sundays and Mondays. Check website for full details.
Facilities: Toilets, accessible toilet, level access
Dog-friendly? All dogs are welcome in the garden, but assistance dogs only inside
Nearby town/village: Launceston
Nearest parking: Castle Street car park

10. Penrose Estate

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© Tim Green (left) and Craig Webster (right) via Flickr

Whether on horseback, bike or by foot, Penrose has an abundance of paths to explore, through woodland, farmland and alongside the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, known as Loe Pool. The Stables Café, a 1780s stable block provides indoor and outdoor seating for lunch and refreshments, with an adjacent second-hand book shop and exhibition space to browse after.

During the Easter break, enjoy ‘Signs of Spring’ family walks, which are suitable for children of all ages. Embark on a gentle walk from Highburrow, with breath-taking views of the farmland and Loe Pool, spotting spring blooms along the way.

Postcode: TR13 0RD
Opening times: Café and book shop: 10am – 3pm, Penrose estate: dawn - dusk
Facilities: Café, book shop, toilets, parking at Penrose Hill and Helston Fairground Car Park
Dog-friendly? Yes. Dogs should be kept on a short lead around livestock.
Nearby town/village: Helston and Porthleven
Nearest parking: Penrose Hill car park (donations welcome) and Helston Fairground car park (free)

Stay near Penrose and the Loe Bar at one of our luxurious sea-view homes in Porthleven.  

 

Take a look at all our holiday properties in Cornwall to find the perfect accommodation for your next stay. 

  

Updated: 13th February 2026

 

Image credits: © Main image from Helen Hotson via Adobe Stock | © Werner Ustorf, David Wilkinson, Kate Iles, Baz Richardson, Mike Dales, Marion CW, Derek Voller, Tim Green and Craig Webster all via Flickr.

 

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Posted by Laura Easlick

Laura has lived in Cornwall most of her life and loves writing content about South West holiday destinations. When she's not in the office, she can be found walking the coast path, sunset chasing and camping with family or friends.

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