On a recent staycation, I got to visit another National Trust property, Cotehele Estate, near St Dominick in Cornwall. It’s easy to see why it is one of the most popular properties in their collection. Usually, our visits elsewhere in the NT collection are for an hour or so, but we were here for hours. There is so much to see and history to soak up. So, here’s everything you need to know and my subjective opinion about Cotehele House Cornwall Review.
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About Cotehele Cornwall
Firstly, the National Trust label it as; an atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on a historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore.
I spent a long time just looking into the horizon. For instance, the views from Cotehele house and gardens are breathtaking. There is something to look at from every angle.
The Medieval Manor house dates back to the 14th Century. It is one of the least altered Tudor houses in the United Kingdom. It is situated on an elevated site on a peaceful wooded hillside above a bend in the River Tamar. Cotehele Manor is made from local granite and slate. On its grounds is a beautiful garden and cobbled courtyards.
Cotehele House History
It is one of the finest Tudor Houses Cornwall, and the rooms contain much of the original furnishings. For instance, exemplary tapestries and carved oak. Even one of the oldest domestic clocks in England which was constructed in 1489 and is still in its original location. It has no clock face; the hours of the day are marked by a bell striking the hour. Even the estate workers were able to hear this.
You can lose yourself in the history of the house. With winding staircase, cobbled corridors and heavy arched doorways. The first-floor rooms have secret cubicles where you can spy on visitors in the Great Hall or look down into the private chapel. In particular, the armour room helps set the scene, with carved chairs, stuffed animals – even whalebone tusks, heavy breastplates, and huge broadswords. The National Trust volunteers talked with excitement about how vicious these instruments were and how they might have been used.
Cotehele Estate History
The Cotehele estate spans 1,300 acres and includes woodland, fields, industrial ruins and working farm buildings. Outside there is a beautiful terraced garden that drops into the steep valley. You can explore the enclosed walled gardens, fish ponds and even an old orchard. There are hundreds of old varieties of apples from the region. Perfect for making Cornish cider. Which, at times, you can see being made using traditional machinery.
Who lived at Cotehele?
Cotehele was the ancestral home of the Edgecumbe family for centuries. In 1353 Hilaria de Cotehele married William Edgecumbe, passing the house into the family. The house was rebuilt by successive generations between 1485 and 1560, resulting in today’s Tudor house.
However, Mount Edgecumbe in southeast Cornwall was the primary residence. It was largely destroyed during the Second World War, and Cotehele became the family home once again. In 1947, Cotehele was given to the care of the National Trust in lieu of death duties. And the contents followed in 1974.
Cotehele House and Quay
Cotehele Quay below the house was once a busy place. However, now you’ll just encounter other walkers and explorers like yourself. But there are buildings to visit and boats to see. Cotehele Quay history boomed during the 19th Century. It would have bustled with vessels loading and unloading cargo. Crowded paddle steamers travelled upriver to Plymouth, and small boats carried produce for sale at Devonport Market.
If you don’t want to walk here or have limited mobility, you can drive. There is another pay and display car park here (National Trust members park for free). However, it is small, and at times can be full.
Canoe, kayak and paddleboard owners can launch from the slipways on the quay – as long as you can carry the equipment from the car park. In addition, there is a charge of £2 per vessel to use the slipway, which can be paid for in the car park. Plus, larger boats need to be pre-booked and cost £10.
The Shamrock
Usually, you can see The Shamrock on the water, the only fully-restored ketch-rigged Tamar sailing barge in the world. The boat was built in Plymouth in 1899 to carry cargo on the river. She is now retired and spends her time on Cotehele Quay.
Until COVID-19 put a stop to this. At the moment, she is locked in the boat shed slowly degrading. Coronavirus has meant that there has been a reduction in restoration hours and the team being furloughed, and no funding for the last two years. For instance, the bottom hull planks are already drying out, and the gaps getting larger. I would have liked to have seen the boat, but it sounds like it may have a sad ending.
Cotehele Quay Café
You can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the quayside. Or, you can visit the Cotehele cafe tea room. The Edgecumbe Tea Room offers takeaway hot and cold drinks, light snacks and ice cream.
Cotehele Mill
A short walk from the quay is Cotehele Watermill. It had been restored and was in working order until flooding in December 2020. The ancient wheel and millstones until recently were used to grind grain into flour. You could even buy some on site. The bridge over Cotehele Wier was also damaged. Because of this, the National Trust is working with the Environment Agency to assess the full extent of the damage and plan for the future.
Prospect Tower
Unfortunately, I was unable to visit Prospect Tower as access had been restricted due to COVID-19 measures. The three-sided tower can be climbed, giving you a panoramic view of the Tamar Valley. A sight I wish I had seen.
It was built in the late 1780’s, and it is believed it was erected to commemorate the visit of King George III to Cotehele in 1789. However, no one is certain of its intended purpose. Possibly it was to see who was approaching or a signalling tower – should the need arise.
Chapel In The Wood
The Chapel-In-The-Wood, otherwise known as The Chapel of SS George and Thomas Becket. Here Sir Richard Edgecumbe was able to escape his enemies. After a failed rebellion against King Richard III, the kings’ men pursued Edgecumbe through the woods. He threw his hat into the river, and his foes thought he had drowned trying to cross the water. Finally, he was able to get to safety in Brittany. A few years later, Henry VII defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, and Edgecumbe reclaimed his estate at Cotehele.
Cotehele Gallery National Trust
The Bull Pen Gallery at Cotehele is open daily. It is dedicated to hosting, exhibiting and selling the work of local artists and craft makers. The gallery is found in one of the old farm buildings, next to the restaurant. It was built when the house was remodelled around 1860. But now, it has been transformed into a light and airy space, perfect for showcasing what’s on offer.
Shop, Plant Centre and Second-Hand Book Store
Like most National Trust properties, there is a second-hand book store where you can browse the covers of hundreds of quality donated books. In the shop and plant centre, you can buy a souvenir or gift. From eco-friendly homeware, foods such as cider, chutney, jam and fudge or clothing and bags. Finally, there’s always plenty for those with green fingers too, with plants, sculptures and future to enhance your garden.
Cotehele Walks
There are so many walks near Cotehele. I would recommend wearing hiking boots or trainers. In the summer you could get away with sensible shoes. Keep an eye on the arrows and footpaths too. So, I wasn’t paying attention and ended up by the viaduct near Cotehele and had to turn around.
There is a network of footpaths to explore – many of them circular walks. There are some steep but manageable hills and some uneven ground. The paths interlink with other trails to Danecombe Valley and the villages of Calstock, Metherell and Harrowbarrow.
The Cotehele walk map can be picked up in the visitor centre or view it here: Cotehele estate map.
- Cotehele Circular Walk
- Cotehele Quay Walk
- Danescombe Valley Walk
- Cotehele and Bohetherick Woodland Walk
- Cotehele to Calstock Walk
- The Cotehele and Metherell Circular Walk
Is Cotehele dog friendly?
Absolutely, there is so much at Cotehele for dogs. Ivan the Irresistible had a ball here. He could stretch his legs, take a dip in the stream and even got a few treats in the restaurant. All of the trails are suitable for a Cotehele dog walk. There is water outside the toilet block, visitor reception, restaurant, tea room and mill buildings. Plus, plenty of poop bins too.
So, unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the formal garden, orchards and house. So, if there are a few of you, you may need to take it in turns if you want to go inside.
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Cotehele Barn Restaurant
The restaurant is open for hot and cold drinks, breakfast rolls, lunches, cream teas and snacks. It is not the most affordable option, so you may prefer to bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the estate. The Cotehele Barn Restaurant menu includes sausage, egg and bacon baps at breakfast. The lunch menu includes sandwiches, paninis, salads, sausage rolls and other light snacks. Plus, cakes, bakes, crisps and ice cream.
Indoor seating is available, as well as outdoor furniture. And, there are picnic benches, some of which have a sun umbrella. Plus, dogs are welcome too.
Cotehele National Trust Opening Times
Is Cotehele open today? The car park and walks at Cotehele opening hours are between dawn and dusk daily.
When is Cotehele house open? Currently, Cotehele house opening times are between 11am-4pm, Monday to Sunday. The garden is open from 10am-4pm. The Barn Restaurant and Edgcumbe Tea Room is open between 11am-5pm.
The Gallery is open between Friday-Tuesday between 11am-5pm.
So, what’s on at Cotehele this weekend? There are often special events. See what’s on here.
Cotehele Booking Visits
Is Cotehele free? So, if you are a National Trust member, you don’t have to pay the Cotehele entrance price or in the car park. Members park for free by scanning their membership card at the machine to obtain a ticket to display in their car.
For our couple’s membership, we pay £10 per month. As well as free admission to their portfolio, you also get free parking. I’d highly recommend purchasing one. If you do sign up, don’t forget to go via TopCashBack.
The Cotehele admission charges are £13 per adult, £6.50 per child, £32.50 for a family or £19.50 for 1 adult and 2 children. The car park is £1 for 1 hour, £3 for 3 hours and £5 for over 3 hours.
But, you do not need to pay the entrance fee if you are just coming to stretch your legs, visit the quay and wider estate. Only for the house and gardens.
Also, you do not need to book your visit in advance; however, you are more than welcome to get Cotehele tickets to guarantee entry. Apparently, the quieter times are weekday afternoons.
Postcode for Cotehele
It is tricky to find, use your SatNav or maps, but follow the brown signs when you see them. The lanes are very narrow. I had the windows open and ended up with lots of branches and leafs in the car. But the white-knuckle ride will be worth it when you get there.
Cotehele postcode is PL12 6TA
Where is Cotehele house? What county is Cotehele in? St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall.
National Trust Cotehele Cottages
If you don’t fancy staying in a hotel, you can actually stay at Cotehele. In other words, the Cotehele National Trust cottages are full of character. There are eight in total, two at the house, two at the mill, one on the quay and three others in the woods. However, four of Cotehele accommodations are dog-friendly too.
National Trust Holiday Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
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How is Cotehele pronounced?
I was pronouncing it as coat-heel-ee. Apparently, Cotehele is pronounced as coat-eel.
Cotehele House Wedding
The manor house has previously been used as a wedding reception venue, with arrival drinks and a sit-down dinner. So, the gardens would be the ideal background for wedding photographs. But a stunning shot from every angle.
Cotehele Christmas
There’s plenty of festive cheer at Cotehele at Christmas. The house is decorated for the season, with a 60-foot garland in the Great Hall, wreaths on the doors and other seasonal displays. Once it is dark, the lights come on in the garden, including on the Christmas tree. You can also expect musical performances, Father Christmas and Mrs Claus meeting and greeting and the annual wassail. (The wassail is a Welsh Christmas tradition too!)
Cotehele Halloween
The colours at Cotehele during the Autumn are stunning. Expect to see lots of reds, oranges and yellows. In addition, Halloween week, half term, there’s plenty to keep your little monsters busy with. Each year there are different Halloween activities, including pumpkin carving, making leaf crowns and other arts and crafts.
Cotehele Social Media
You can also follow Cotehele on social media:
Will you be visiting Cotehele in Cornwall?
So, I hope you got all the information you needed from my Cotehele House Cornwall Review. I stayed in Gunnislake, so Cotehele was a 10-minute drive. But if you are in North Cornwall near Tavistock, Callington or Saltash, it is close by. Plus, it’s even within an easily driveable distance of Plymouth, Looe, and Liskeard.
Don’t forget to check out more of my reviews on historic sites and National Trust properties.
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The Welsh have a very close connection with the Cornish people. I am Welsh too.We have our male voice choirs wa love Rugby, so many place names in Cornwall have Welsh soundings EG, Penryhyn. Pen in English is Head.
There is a little village near to where I was born called Penrhys littereley The Head of Rhys, Rhys is a boys name in Wales.. I do love Cornish pasties by the way.
Yes, the Cornish and Welsh language are very similar. Pasties always taste better in Cornwall!