✅ Car park ✅ Restaurants & Shops ✅ Museums & Cafes ✅ Toilet ✅ Walks/Hikes
✅ Steps/uneven terrain ✅ Dog Friendly 🟥///fictional.morphing.magma

Embarking on a leisurely journey to Cotehele, guided by the whims of apple-picking and the allure of a quaint Tudor house perched above the River Tamar. Here’s a glimpse of our day, where history intertwines with nature, and every step is a dance between the past and the present.

Mark, drawn by the prospect of a bountiful apple harvest, opted for a large hessian bag to capture the essence of the orchards. Meanwhile, I set out with the dogs towards the Quay and Mill, each step revealing a tapestry of natural wonders.

The walk unfolds with a breathtaking view of the river, offering a picturesque spot with a bench, inviting weary travellers to pause and absorb the serenity. A quaint old church crowns the cliff further on, an ode to the passage of time. Down at the Quay, visitors await canoeing adventures, and the National Trust's welcoming station and the discovery centre tell the Tamar Valley's story.

In the 19th century, Cotehele Quay pulsed with life as vessels bustled, loading and unloading cargo. Paddle steamers voyaged upriver to witness the blossoming orchards, while smaller boats ferried produce down the river. Today, the restored sailing barge 'Shamrock' graces the quay, a silent witness to the vibrant history.

Bridging the way to the Cotehele Mill, a short walk through the Morden valley.

Adorned with super-friendly faces, The Mill staff welcome you into a realm of blacksmithing, woodwork and Mill charm. A Little NT shop and a woodwork haven await your perusal. The Mill surroundings provide an ideal pause for a serene picnic, embraced by the tranquillity of nature. Birdsong and bug enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted.

Although the wheel currently rests due to weir damage, the working mill resonates with the echoes of a time when corn was ground for the local community. From wheelwright's to saddler's workshops, the outbuildings echo the industry of a bygone era.

Cotehele's grounds unveil a botanical symphony year-round. From spring's floral crescendo to autumn's orchard bounty, the formal terraces, Valley Garden, and medieval stewpond beckon exploration. Tranquillity awaits in the Upper Garden, and two orchards cradle local apples and cherries.

Cotehele, the ancestral home of the Edgcumbe family, perched majestically above the River Tamar, invites you to step into a Tudor world. Tapestries, arms, armour, pewter, and oak furniture adorn the house, transporting you through centuries that whisper tales of the past.

The estate's history is a grand tapestry unfurling through the ages. Acquired through marriage in 1353, Cotehele evolved with each generation of Edgcumbes. The Battle of Bosworth heralded a new chapter, followed by Georgian renovations and royal visits.

In the 20th century, Cotehele became a haven during the Second World War. Destroyed in the Plymouth Blitz, Mount Edgcumbe's ruins led to Cotehele being gifted to the National Trust in 1947.

Cotehele's allure extends beyond English borders. Amidst quintessentially English decor, objects from the Caribbean, New England, and beyond grace the house. Items like wassail bowls, birch boxes, and Spanish wool bed hangings narrate the tales of a vibrant transatlantic trade era.

As we bid adieu to Cotehele, its timeless beauty echoes in our hearts. A haven where nature's canvas meets history's tale, every visit unfolds a new chapter in this enchanting saga.

Cotehele Paths and Footpaths map

St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele

Link to the website I use for public footpaths - Public Footpath

What3Words -:- Disabled Parking - ///hoops.stuffy.arrival
Main Parking - ///fictional.morphing.magma
Quay Parking - ///deprive.glance.bombshell

I hope you found this blog insightful. If you have a specific question; ask away in the comments section.

(Note: This review is based on our personal experience and observations during our visit. Individual experiences may vary.)