Swing into summer with the National Trust in Cornwall

    Across Cornwall, National Trust places are alive with the promise of warm summer days, lazy weekend picnics and trips out with family and friends. There’s loads going on this season from pond dipping to willow craft, and dressing up like a Tudor to seeing the machines that help care for the countryside up close, and much more.

    Antony

    Summer Games at Antony Every Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun in Jun. 12 – 4.30pm Celebrate the arrival of summer with some traditional garden games at Antony. Why not challenge your friends or family to a game of cornhole, see who comes out on top in a game of croquet, and take part in a sack or egg and spoon race. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Antony A-Z Every Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun to 11 Jul. 12 – 5pm Pick up your free activity card to find an object around the house and garden for every letter of the alphabet. Challenge your friends and family to see who can complete their list quickest. What new objects will you discover, and who can come up with the most unusual answers? Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    D-Day 80: Antony and D-Day walking talk Thu 6 Jun. 1 -2pm Join us for a walking tour and talk to discovery the role of Antony during D-Day and the Second World War. Visitors will discover how the house was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence for the WRENs stationed at nearby H.M.S Raleigh, as well as hear some of their stories and memories of Antony. The group will then progress along Ferry Lane, learning how the road was paved by American soldiers in preparation for D-Day. The group will then discover how the surrounding woodlands were used by American troops to train for the invasion, and discover the secrets that they still hold. The tour will then return to Antony House, where they will hear the stories of local bombing and the Plymouth Blitz. Please note: This tour takes place outside, but in the event of bad weather, an alternative indoor venue is available. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    Wimbledon at Antony Every Tue, Wed, Thu & Sun from 2 – 11 Jul. 12 – 4.30pm Celebrate Wimbledon at Antony with a game of tennis on the cork oak lawn. Take up your racquets and challenge your friends and family to a game of Tennis at Antony. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Cornwall in Conflict Every Tue to Thu & Sun to 31 Aug and then every Tue to Thu to 31 Oct. 12.30 – 4pm Pick up an information booklet and discover the stories behind some of the artefacts and militaria found throughout the house. From the English Civil War to the Second World War, the Carews of Antony have been involved in local and international conflicts. Learn more about these clashes, read their war stories, and discover the treasure trove of militaria that the Antony collection holds. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Botallack

    Rose Mack Exhibition Daily to 31 Jul. 10am-5pm A graduate of Canterbury University, Rosie Mack studied classical oil painting with Robert Greenham and lives and works in North Cornwall. This exhibition, inspired by the landscapes of Cornwall, draws from many sources "imprinting a memory of light, colour, place and shape".

    "The landscape of Cornwall has long been my inspiration, it's ephemeral light qualities and ever changing moods fascinate me. One of my ongoing themes is the exploration of the rich local landscape with its range of industrial architecture, which acts as man-made geological layers. The remains of the old tin and copper mines both blend into and form the existing geography, the previously bruised landscape being absorbed back into nature." Price: Free (car parking charges apply for non National Trust members). No booking necessary.

    Cotehele

    Nature Walks Sun 30 Jun, Sun 28 Jul & Sun 25 Aug. 11am – 1pm Andy will lead a walk and talk of 60-90 minutes from Cotehele Quay through our amazing estate. Discover seasonal highlights, what the Rangers have been doing to care of the estate and learn about all the flora and fauna which can be found on our patch of the Tamar Valley. Please note: walks are subject to cancellation based on inclement weather conditions. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    **PondLife! at Cotehele Quay ** Sat 6 Jul & Sat 3 Aug. 10am – 1pm Join us as we hunt for the creatures which live in (and on!) the pond. Watch the water closely, or have a go at pond dipping, and identify any insects, fish, or amphibians you may find. First come first served as limited space on the pond platform. Subject to cancellation in event of poor weather. Please check our social media feeds and website nearer each event. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Willow Weaving: sustainable bird feeders Wed 10 Jul. 10.30am – 1.30pm Join Jasmine Fassenfelt who will show you how to make your very own cone bird-feeder, perfect for fat balls or treats. No previous weaving experience needed as you will be guided through each step. Please bear in mind it can get fiddly so not recommended for people who experience bad joint pain in their hands. We will go at a pace comfortable for everyone in the group and group sizes are kept to a minimum of 10 so that everyone gets the desired attention and tuition. Everything you need is provided to create a bird feeder/ veg or fruit basket to take home or give to someone as a lovely garden gift. The course is suitable for beginners and requires no specialist knowledge. Price: £45. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    Really Wild Day Out at Cotehele Quay Tues 6 Aug. 10am –4pm Come to Cotehele Quay and learn all about the amazing wildlife that lives on our estate and the habitats they call home. There will be activity stations, animal experts and much more for you to discover. Price: Free. Some events may require booking, please visit our website for more information.

    Life on the Tamar Daily. 10am-4pm Discover more about the life on the banks of the River Tamar at our brand new exhibition 'Life on the Tamar' will be on display in the Breakfast Room of Cotehele House. This exhibition will explore our local patch of this remarkable river, which ebbs and flows through time. We will take a closer look at the wars the valley’s occupants experienced, the industries which helped the area thrive, the wildlife that live in the winding waters and on its varied banks, and the impact the river has had on our culture. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Glendurgan Garden

    Garden Tours Thursdays from 6 Jun. 11am – 1pm Join a member of the garden team for a private tour of this subtropical valley on the Helford River. Garden guides will share their outstanding expertise and expansive knowledge of plants and trees as well as some bonus tips for your garden at home. Glendurgan is packed full of exotic plants, rare trees and wildflowers, making it the perfect place to expand your horticultural knowledge. Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended. The price for this garden tour is by a donation on arrival, Glendurgan want this to be inclusive to everyone and the donation you make will raise crucial funds for this special place. Price: Donation on arrival. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    Winged Insects of Glendurgan Garden 25 Jul to 1 Sep (excluding 29 Jul). 10.30am - 5pm Join us this summer to discover the fascinating world of insects thriving in Glendurgan Garden. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Godolphin

    Guided estate walks Every Mon. 11am-12.30pm Join a guided walks and explore the wider estate of Godolphin. Walks alternate between different parts of Godolphin estate, including Godolphin Hill, Woods and along the River Hayle. Please note: walks are subject to cancellation based on inclement weather conditions and are subject to volunteer availability. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Visit the house at Godolphin First week of every month. 10.30am – 5pm Join us on the first week of every month, from the first Saturday to the following Thursday as the doors to Godolphin House open to the public. Venture into Godolphin House and discover the rich history within the walls of this once great mining powerhouse. Find out more about those who lived here at lives they lead in what was once Cornwall's largest and finest house. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Short Guided Walks through a Mining Landscape Every Tue, Fri & Sat. 1.15 – 2pm Enjoy a short walk through a mining landscape, with one of our volunteer guides, who will highlight the features of mining that remain and tell you more about the historic relationship between Godolphin and mining. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Trust10 Sun 23 Jun, Sun 28 Jul & Sun 25 Aug. 8.30 – 11am Join a fun, free and friendly trail run around the beautiful Godolphin estate. Two loops of 5km with stunning views throughout. Post run refreshments and cake available from the tea-room. Price: Free. No booking necessary.

    Lanhydrock

    Visiteering – clean the bronze urns 6 to 9 Jun. 11am-3.30pm Fancy doing something a bit different with your visit to Lanhydrock? You have the chance to help clean, wash and wax the bronze urns in the formal garden. These 18th century French bronze urns are an important part of the collection and have been at Lanhydrock for generations, featuring in many of the photos of the Victorian family enjoying the gardens. To survive the winter cold and rain, they need to be cleaned and waxed every summer. The urn cleaning will take place between 11am and 3.30pm. You can drop by for 10 minutes on your way to the house, or you can spend all afternoon with the team. Please note that there will be a break for lunch at around 1pm and the urn cleaning is dependant on weather. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Specialist tours: Lanhydrock Long Gallery ceiling 11 Jun and 9 Jul. 9.30-11am Join a specialist conservator or curator on an exclusive tour of Lanhydrock's Long Gallery ceiling, which is currently undergoing major conservation. Walk the full length of the Long Gallery ceiling and marvel at the intricate Jacobean plasterwork as you are guided through its history and conservation by a team of Lanhydrock's experts. Tickets for this tour are strictly limited so book now to secure your place on this unique tour. Price: £15 (normal admission applies). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    Big Butterfly Count at Lanhydrock Daily from 12 Jul to 4 Aug. 10.30am-4.30pm Take part in Butterfly Conservation's Big Butterfly Count in Lanhydrock's beautiful formal gardens. Visit the historic thatched cottage to learn how you can support native UK butterflies and moths and have a go at drawing with some butterfly stencils, before finding a spot in the gardens or parkland to conduct your count. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Meet the Machines with the Ranger Team at Lanhydrock Tue 30 Jul, Tue 13 and Tue 20 Aug, 11am – 3pm Come along to the parkland to meet Lanhydrock's Ranger Team and some of the machines they use to take care of Lanhydrock's more 900 acres of countryside. The rangers will be in the parkland to meet you with equipment including tractors and mowers. Explore the machines, chat to the rangers, and find out what it takes to care for the countryside at Lanhydrock. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Lizard Point

    Lizard Point Walks 13 Jul 1-3pm, 7 Aug 10am-12pm and 19 Aug 1-3pm Join us for a wildlife walk at Lizard Point, taking in the surrounding countryside and dramatic coastline including the Wildlife Watchpoint and the opportunity to spot seals and choughs. The walk is approximately 2 miles and led by volunteer walk leaders, offering the opportunity for fresh air and time in nature. Everyone welcome of all walking experience. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Mullion Cove

    Teneriffe Farm Campsite walks 16 Jun 10.30am-1.30pm, 9 Jul 11am-1pm and 16 Aug 1-3pm. Everyone is welcome to join us for a social walk starting at Teneriffe Farm Campsite, taking in the surrounding countryside and dramatic coastline along the south west coast path. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles and led by volunteer walk leaders, offering the opportunity for fresh air and time in nature. Everyone welcome of all walking experience. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Penrose

    Social walks (Degibna) Tue 11 Jun. 10am-12pm Everyone is welcome to join us for a gentle walk from Degibna car park taking in the parts of the south west coast path, woodland and views across Loe Pool as part of our social walk series. The walks are led by volunteer walk leaders and offer the opportunity for anybody to spend time in nature and meet new people. Everyone is welcome, of all abilities and experience, and the walk leader will facilitate the walk to ensure everybody feels comfortable. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Social walks (Highburrow) Sat 29 Jun. 10am-12pm Everyone is welcome to join us for a gentle walk at Penrose, as part of our social walk series. This walk starts at Highburrow car park near Porthleven and will take in views across Loe Bar and the surrounding countryside. The walks are led by volunteer walk leaders and offer the opportunity for anybody to spend time in nature and meet new people. Everyone is welcome, of all abilities and experience, and the walk leader will facilitate the walk to ensure everybody feels comfortable. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Social walks (around Loe Pool) Tue 2 Jul. 10am-3pm Everyone is welcome to join us for a gentle walk around Loe Pool at Penrose, as part of our social walk series. This walk is approximately 6 miles and will include a stop for lunch (please bring your own). The walks are led by volunteer walk leaders and offer the opportunity for anybody to spend time in nature and meet new people. Everyone is welcome, of all abilities and experience, and the walk leader will facilitate the walk to ensure everybody feels comfortable. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Social walks (Penrose Hill) Tue 16 Jul. 10am-12pm Everyone is welcome to join us for a gentle walk from Penrose Hill car park taking in the parkland at Penrose, as part of our social walk series. The walks are led by volunteer walk leaders and offer the opportunity for anybody to spend time in nature and meet new people. Everyone is welcome, of all abilities and experience, and the walk leader will facilitate the walk to ensure everybody feels comfortable. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    The Dodman

    Hemmick beach clean
    Sat 6 Jul & Sat 3 Aug. 10 – 11am
    Can you spare half an hour or so to help us keep Hemmick beach looking beautiful, and safer for wildlife? Children are very welcome (with accompanying adults) and we will provide gloves, bags and litter pickers.  Price: Free (car parking charges apply for non-members). No booking necessary.

    Roseland

    Pendower community beach cleans Mon 1 Jul & Mon 5 Aug. 2 – 3pm Soak in fantastic views and fresh air whilst helping to keep this beautiful beach clean. Gloves, bags and litter-pickers provided. Just bring your enthusiasm to help out for an hour or so. Please also feel free to bring your own gloves if you’d like. Price: Free. Booking not required.

    **Porthcurnick community beach cleans ** Mon 1 Jul & Mon 5 Aug. 10 – 11am Soak in fantastic views and fresh sea air whilst helping to keep this beautiful beach clean. Gloves, bags and litter-pickers provided. Just bring your enthusiasm to help out for an hour or so. Please also feel free to bring your own gloves if you'd like. Price: Free. Booking not required.

    St Anthony Battery unearthed 2024 Sun 7 Jul and Sun 4 Aug. 11am – 12.30pm and 1.30 – 3pm Hidden under tons of earth for decades, the battery at St Anthony Head was pretty forgotten. Now it is opened up again you can come and find out about the history of the place, going back through different threats of invasion up to when it was finally decommissioned. (£5 suggested donation on the day for tours and free access to the outer battery area). Suitable for people of all ages. Price: Free (£5 suggested donation on the day). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    St Agnes Head

    St Agnes guided walk 21 Jun 10.30am-1pm, 16 Aug 10am-12pm Lose yourself in myth, magic and history on these guided walks around St Agnes, starting at various locations around St Agnes. Each walk to weave in different tales from the landscape and history around the area. Please arrive in good time to head off promptly at the start time. the walks are free, donations gratefully received. Price: Free. Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    Tintagel Old Post Office

    A patchwork of quilts Daily 10 to 23 Jun. 10.30am-5pm A quirky collection of quilts from Victorian bedspreads to modern masterpieces will be on display throughout the house. Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.

    Trelissick

    Summer archery at Trelissick Every Fri from 2-30 Aug, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm Try your hand at archery on the West Lawn at Trelissick this Summer of Play. With a coach and volunteers on hand to show you the basics of handling a bow and hitting the target, you’ll be scoring bulls-eyes in no time! Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.

    Big Butterfly Count at Trelissick Fri 12 Jul - Sun 4 Aug Help Butterfly Conservation take nature's pulse by joining the Big Butterfly Count. How many different species will you be able to identify? We'll provide recording sheets for your sightings and this will help us assess the health of the environment. Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.

    ‘Thunderboots’ story sessions with author Naomi Jones Fri 16 Aug, 10.15 – 11.15am and 11.30am – 12.30pm Join children's author Naomi Jones as she reads her latest picture book Thunderboots. Find out about the inspiration behind the story, practice your superhero moves and create your very own superhero in an interactive workshop. Children should not be left unattended during the storytelling or story-writing activity. The storytelling sessions are aimed at ages 2-9 and cost £6 per child attending. There is no ticket fee for adults and up to two may attend the sessions with each child ticket. Please be aware assistance dogs only are permitted in the stables. Price: £6 per child (normal admission prices apply). Booking essential 0344 249 1895 or via the website.

    Trengwainton Garden

    Summer adventures with the plant superheroes Sun 21 Jul to Sun 01 Sep (closed Fridays & Saturdays) 10am-5pm Get set for family fun at Trengwainton with playful activities that include wild art, tug-of-war, 3-D jigsaw, storytime and lots more. Follow the trail around the garden and discover all sorts of fun facts about the plant superheroes that live here. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays the den building woods will be open. or you can simply soak up the atmosphere of the winding paths, streams, walled gardens and award-winning plant collection. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Wednesday walk and talk 3 Jul. 11am-12pm Are you looking for some company while you explore Trengwainton? On the first Wednesday of every month we're offering you the chance to 'walk and talk' with one of our volunteers and perhaps make some new friends along the way. Meet in the plant centre at 11.00am and then spend an hour or so wandering Trengwainton's paths, taking in the changing seasons and hopefully chatting with other like-minded souls. This isn't a formal guided walk, but an informal way of exploring Trengwainton with others. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Trerice

    Costume Day Mon 22 & Mon 29 Jul and Mon 5 & Mon 12 Aug, 11am – 3pm Join in with our volunteers and get the whole family dressed up in Tudor and 1950s-inspired costumes made by the volunteer costume group here at Trerice. There is something fit for everyone, not just the kids! Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    St Agnes Silver Band at Trerice 23 Jun and 14 Jul. 1.30-3.30pm Come along and listen to St Agnes Silver Band on the parade ground at Trerice! Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Trerice Choir performances 30 Jun, 3, 9, and 14 Jul. 2 – 3 pm To mark the 70-year anniversary of the National Trust's purchase of Trerice in 1954, the Trerice volunteer choir will be singing a selection of 1950s songs throughout the summer season here at Trerice. Come along to have a listen. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Archaeological tour of Trerice Fri 14 & Fri 28 Jun, Fri 12 & Fri 26 Jul and Fri 23 Aug. 2.00 – 3.00pm You can learn about the archaeological and architectural history of Trerice on an hour long guided tour of the gardens. Find out about key features of the property and how they have changed over time, as well as archaeological digs and finds across the whole site. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Family-friendly archery at Trerice Every Tuesday and Thursday from 30 Jul – 29 Aug. 11am – 3pm. Have a go at archery this summer at Trerice, with family-friendly arrow kits and targets on the parade ground. Price: Free (normal admission prices apply). No booking necessary.

    Summer of Play with the National Trust

    From 21 July Discover a world of adventure and play this summer across many National Trust places in the South West. There'll be lots of fun for you and your family from lawn games, such as quoits and skittles, to den-building, arts and crafts to pop up sports days, costumes and role play to giant Jenga, there is something for everyone.
    Price: Free, normal admission prices apply. Booking not required.

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