Lanhydrock House and Garden

One of the most beautiful National Trust properties in Cornwall, Lanhydrock House and gardens are a must-see all year round. Superbly set in wooded parkland of 1,000 acres and encircled by a garden of rare shrubs and trees.

Lanhydrock House has fifty rooms open to view, ranging from the richly furnished main rooms to servants' bedrooms, nursery and the great kitchen. Through the crenellated gatehouse dated c1641, an idyllic walk down to the River Fowey at Respryn Bridge and back through the woods, should not be missed.

The historical garden with its 30-acres of woodland was laid out back in 1857, but its present format was actually established later on in the Victorian period, and many of the plants are no more than 70 years old. However, a grand atmosphere permeates the entire setting and compliments the brilliant planting of more modern times.

Explore formal parterres of dazzling bedding plants and wander along paths that wind through a woodland landscape planted in a semi-formal Cornish fashion - rhododendrons and Himalayan magnolias lurching to their full-size in the fresh Cornish air. Because the grounds lie inland and rise up to 130-metres above sea level, the plants have to cope with harsher climates than the lush valley gardens of the south coast. In spite of this, Lanhydrock still puts on one of the county's most colourful spring shows, with over 120 species of cream and white magnolias featuring amongst a flurry of wild blooms that carpet the woodland.

Take-in the sweeping views over the gardens and the valley landscape, and it's pretty obvious that this is prime garden for walkers. Not only is there 30-acres of formal and informal woodland to explore, but the garden opens onto an extensive network of footpaths zig-zagging through 900-acres of beautiful countryside.

And with so much space to roam, Lanhydrock makes a very family friendly day out. Whilst the fresh air and colourful surroundings will captivate the kids' imaginations and wear them out, the restaurant has a fantastic children's menu and there are excellent baby-changing facilities on-site. Don't overload with family survival kits - there are baby slings, infant seats and pushchairs for loan, as well as a children's play area to keep them amused whilst you lie-back and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Opening arrangements

House: 15 Mar - 2 Nov, 11am - 5.30pm (5pm from 1 Oct) every day except Monday
Garden: All year, 10am - 6pm every day
Shop and Refreshments:
5 Jan - 3 Feb, 11am - 4pm, Sat & Sun only
9 Feb - 14 Mar, 11am - 4pm, every day
15 Mar - 2 Nov, 11am - 5.30pm (5pm from 1Oct) every day
3 Nov - 24 Dec, 11am - 4pm every day
27 Dec - 31Dec, 11am - 4pm, Mon,Tues,Fri,Sat,Sun.
Also open Bank Holiday Mondays & Mons in Aug
Refreshments available from 10.30am in main season