Historic houses & gardens

There are many gardens and historic sites to visit in Cornwall, here are a few within an hour of Botelet. The symbol NT denotes that they are National Trust properties and if you are a member you will find further details of these and other properties (also in Devon) within your handbook. If you are not a member and plan to visit more than two NT premises then it may be worth joining. This would also enable you to park free of charge in a number of coastal car parks. English Heritage (EH) manage some properties, and membership will gain free access. Please check opening times (which may be seasonal) and accessibility via each property’s website.

Bury Down Iron Age Hill Fort (at Botelet) 
For a historical site on your doorstep, walk up to Bury Down iron age hill fort, here at Botelet. It takes about 20 minutes to walk to the top of Bury Down, you can then stroll around the remains of the old ramparts and take in panoramic views. Look closely for the outer ring which can only just be seen (easier viewed from an aerial view) - the outer ring is thought to be neolithic.

Boconnoc Gardens (10 mins along the lanes from Botelet)
Boconnoc House is privately owned, the gardens open for a few charity events each year, check their website for details.

Lanhydrock House & Gardens (20 minutes from Botelet)
Magnificent late Victorian NT country house with 52 rooms, extensive gardens and woodland. Restaurant and café at house, further café, wooden children’s play area and cycle trail through the woods

Restormel Castle, near Lostwithiel (20 minutes from Botelet)
English Heritage 13th Century castle, one of the most remarkable of its kind in Britain. Fantastic views, take a picnic or walk along the trail to the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery Café.

King Doniert’s Stone (20 minutes from Botelet)
There are a number of historic sites/monuments all within three miles of one another: King Doniert’s Stone (9th Century Celtic cross), Trethevy Quoit (Neolithic burial chamber), Hurlers (early bronze age stone circles) and Cheesering (granite tor, a natural geological formation formed by weathering). King Doniert’s Stone could be viewed on the drive up the valley towards Minions, from where you can walk out on the moors Hurlers, then on to Cheesewring. Trethevy Quoit could be visited on the return journey. Cafés at Minions or Golitha Falls.

Tregrehan Gardens. near St Austell (25 minutes from Botelet)
Family owned estate with very tall ancient trees, early spring flowering shrubs, walled garden and 19C glasshouse. Open March - end May four days per week, June - August Wednesday afternoons. At other times by appointment. Tea and coffee available. 

Eden Project, near St Austell  (25 minutes from Botelet)
Botanical gardens planted in and around three giant biomes. Transformed from a redundant china clay pit in 1995 to a multi purpose ‘garden’ venue. Check their website for daily children activities or Eden music sessions. 

Antony House, Torpoint (35 minutes from Botelet)
18C Grade 1 listed house overlooking the River Lyner. NT gifted property but still home to the Carew Pole family. House hosts a splendid collection of portraits, garden designed by Humphry Repton. House, formal and extended woodland garden open to public March - October. Tea room serving light lunches and cakes.

Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey (45 minutes from Botelet)
Europe’s largest garden restoration. 200 acres of reinstated garden completely lost and overgrown for 70 years. Cafe, bakery and excellent farm shop. Open all year.

Trewithen Gardens, Grampound (45 minutes from Botelet)
18C Elegant house (currently closed for refurbishment) and stunning 200 acres of spring gardens and parkland. Includes one magnolia over 65’ high. Tea Shed cafe open March to end October. Gardens open March - June.

Cotehele, Calstock (45 minutes from Botelet)
NT Medieval Grade 1 listed house with Tudor additions, formally planted terraces, valley garden, working mill and quay on the River Tamar. The house has no electricity so a visit on a bright day is recommended. Restaurant and quay cafe.

Mount Edgcumbe, Cremyll (45 minutes from Botelet)
Tudor House with Grade 1 listed parkland, one of four designated country parks in Cornwall. Overlooking Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar the grounds and gardens are a mix of temples, follies, formal, woodlands and ‘wilderness.’ The house was extensively damaged during the war and restored to 18C style. The park and formal gardens are open everyday between 8am and dusk all year, admission is free. The Southwest Coast Path runs for nine miles through the park. Cafes in the Orangery and Stable. House open April - end of September.

Trelissick House and Gardens, Feock (55 minutes from Botelet)
Early 19C house with neoclassical columns. Gardens set on it’s own peninsula with panoramic views over the Fal estuary. Herbaceous borders, meandering paths, exotic plants and woodland walks. Renowned art gallery, second-hand book shop and cafe.

Caerhays Castle Estate, near St Austell (55 minutes from Botelet)
Set next to a sandy beach, a semi-castelleated grade 1 listed Manor House with 120 acres of garden navigated by a series of trails, grassy paths and steps. Of particular interest are the early flowering mix of azaleas, camellias and over 250 types of rhododendron. The garden also has the largest collection of magnolias in the UK. Castle tours available mid March to mid June, booking advisable. Tea room with plant sales then head for the beach!