National Trust Places in Cornwall

Trelissick

Trelissick is a beautiful garden and estate located in Feock near Truro.

The highlight of  Trelissick is its expansive garden, which spans more than 30 acres and showcases a diverse array of plants and trees. The garden is divided into several distinct sections, such as a charming walled garden, a subtropical garden, and a picturesque valley garden. Visitors can also wander through the woodland paths, which provide breathtaking views of the nearby countryside.

Additionally, the estate boasts an impressive Georgian house that welcomes visitors. Inside, guests can admire various captivating features, including stylish drawing rooms, a lovely dining room, and an intriguing assortment of ceramics.

The estate also features a tea room, a gift shop, and a second-hand bookshop.

📍Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL

Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm

Admission: Free with National Trust membership or Adult £14, Child £7

Trerice

Trerice is a magnificent Elizabethan manor house located near Newquay.

The house was built in 1573 by Sir John Arundell, a wealthy landowner and member of the Elizabethan court. The house is built of local stone and features a range of interesting architectural details, including a grand porch, a beautiful great hall, and a long gallery.

The estate also features beautiful gardens, including a formal garden, a knot garden, and a wildflower meadow.

📍Kestle Mill, near Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PG

Opening Times; 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

Admission: Free with National Trust Membership or Adult £12, Child £6

Antony House

Antony House is a beautiful 18th-century mansion located in Torpoint.

The house was constructed in the early 1700s by Sir William Carew, a wealthy landowner and a member of Parliament. The house boasts a stunning exterior adorned with graceful Palladian windows and an impressive entrance.

Inside, guests can explore a variety of captivating features, such as a magnificent library, an elegant drawing room, and an intriguing assortment of art and furniture. One of the highlights is the exquisite Chinese wallpaper in the drawing room, which dates back over 250 years.

The property is surrounded by lovely gardens that feature a diverse array of plants and trees, including a historic collection of day lilies. These gardens provide breathtaking views of the nearby Lynher River and are home to various wildlife, including kingfishers and otters.

A fantastic national trust property in Cornwall.

📍Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2QA

Opening Times: 12 noon – 5 pm (check website for which days)

Admission: Free with national Trust membership or Adult £11, Child £5.50

Godolphin

Godolphin is a beautiful estate located near Helston.

The highlight of Godolphin is its historic house, which has roots going back to the 15th century. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of historic furniture, artwork, and ceramics. Guests can join a guided tour to dive into the intriguing history of the house and the lives of its former residents.

The house is surrounded by stunning medieval gardens, which features a variety of unique plants and trees, and these gardens are  Grade II* listed. Plus, there’s nearby Mary’s wood, where you can discover a mud pie kitchen and a barefoot trail.

Don’t forget to stop by The Piggery tearoom for some hot and cold beverages along with delicious homemade cakes!

📍Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE

Opening Times: Gardens open daily 10 am to 5 pm with the house open to the public for the first week of every month.

Admission: Adult £11, Child £5.50

National Trust St Michaels Mount

St. Michael’s Mount  is a tidal island located in Mount’s Bay, rich in history that goes back more than 2,000 years. Since 1650, it has been the residence of the St Aubyn family and stands as one of Cornwall’s top landmarks, drawing in thousands of visitors each year.

The island features a stunning medieval castle and a beautiful garden that welcomes guests during the summer. Be sure to check the tide schedules before you head out, as you can only walk to the island at low tide. If the tide is high, you can buy boat tickets to reach it.

📍St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 OHS

Opening Times: The Mount is open to visitors from April to October 9:30 am – 5 pm.

Admission: Adults £15, Child 5-17 £7.50, U5’s Free. National Trust members can gain free access with membership verified on arrival.

Tintagel Old Post Office

The Tintagel Old Post Office The Tintagel Old Post Office is a medieval farmhouse that has been altered over the past six centuries. It served as a letter-receiving office in the Victorian era. Today, it operates as a museum, managed by The National Trust, where you can dive into the local history and the evolution of the postal service. Visitors can wander through the historic structure, including the charming cottage garden, and discover what daily life was like for the people that live there.

📍Tintagel Old Post Office, Fore Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0DB

Opening Times: 10:30 am – 5:30 pm April to October

Admission: Adults £6.50 Child £3.25

Trengwainton Garden

Trengwainton Garden is a beautiful garden located near Penzance.

The garden spans more than 25 acres and features a diverse array of fascinating plants and trees. It’s organised into various areas, each showcasing its own distinct charachter and style. Guests can wander along the meandering paths and uncover a walled garden, a fernery, and a stunning stream garden.

A standout feature of the garden is its collection of exotic plants, featuring species from all corners of the world.

📍Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8RZ

Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday 10 am – 5 pm

Admission: Free with National Trust membership or Adult £11 , Child £5.50

Glendurgan Garden

Glendurgan Garden is a stunning and historic garden managed by the National Trust. Nestled in a peaceful wooded valley, this expansive garden covers over 30 acres and boasts an impressive array of subtropical plants, exotic blooms, and mature trees.

It’s a popular place to visit for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a serene escape. One of the garden’s standout attractions is its 19th-century laurel maze, which offers a delightful challenge for visitors of all ages.

There are also several walking paths that guide you through the diverse plant life and breathtaking scenery, including a lovely wildflower meadow. After wandering through the gardens, you can unwind at the on-site tea house, where you’ll find a variety of homemade cakes, snacks, and drinks, both hot and cold. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and recharge.

📍Glendurgan Garden, Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 5JZ

Opening Times: 10 am – 5 pm Daily (although sometimes closed on Mondays so check the website)

Ticket Prices: Adult £11. Child £5.50, Family £27.50

Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Levant Mine and Beam Engine is a historic mining site located near St Just.

The mine first opened its doors in the 18th century and continued operations until the early 20th century. It was known for producing tin and copper, two metals that played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution.

One of the standout features at the site is a stunning beam engine, which was utilized to pump water from the mine. This engine is a remarkable example of Victorian engineering and is still operational today.

Guests can witness the engine in action and discover its fascinating history and how it works. Additionally, the site boasts several other intriguing features, such as the remnants of the mine workings and the engine house. Visitors have the opportunity to join a guided tour to delve into the site’s history and learn about the miners’ lives who toiled there.

📍Trewellard, Pendeen, near St Just, Cornwall, TR19 7SX

Opening Times: Sunday to Thursday by pre-booked tour only.

Admission: Adult £11, Child £5.50

East Pool Mine

East Pool Mine is a historic mining site located near Redruth.

The mine was opened in the mid 18th century, primarily known for its copper production and later for tin.

East Pool Mine was quite lucrative for a significant part of its life, becoming one of the largest and most successful mines in the region. It shut down in 1945, and an American engineer-historian bought the engine to preserve it, eventually donating it to the Cornish Engines Preservation Society. They passed it on to the National Trust in 1967. Nowadays, visitors can explore the mining history of the area and check out two impressive beam engines that were originally powered by high-pressure steam boilers introduced by Richard Trevithick.

📍Pool, near Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3NP

Opening Times: Open five days a week, Tuesday to Saturday, for pre-booked tours only.

Admission: Adult £9.50, Child £4.75

Sandymouth Beach

Sandymouth Beach, located in North Cornwall just a short distance from Devon, is a real treasure of the area. It features stunning cliffs, fascinating rock formations, and a wide stretch of golden sand. Plus, there’s the Sandymouth Beach Cafe situated above the beach, where you can grab some tasty hot and cold meals—definitely try the Surf Burger when you’re there!

This beautiful beach is managed by the National Trust and is kept in great condition, with a convenient car park close by for easy access. While there’s a moderately steep path leading down from the car park to the beach, it may pose a bit of a challenge for those with mobility issues or for anyone pushing a stroller.

Still, it’s a fantastic spot for families, and kids will have a blast discovering the many rock pools when the tide is low.

📍Sandymouth Beach EX23 9HW

Pentire Point  Pentire Point is a stunning headland near Wadebridge, offering spectacular views of the coast.  You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal path or challenge yourself with a hike to the top of the headland.

The area is home to with a variety of plant and animal species, including vibrant wildflowers and various seabirds. If you’re lucky, you might spot seals and dolphins playing in the nearby waters.

One of the highlights of Pentire Point is the beautiful beach at Pentireglaze Haven, which is just a 20-minute walk from the car park.

📍Pentire, near Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 6QY