When visiting a National Trust property in Cornwall, there are always three things you have to remember, your National Trust card, your wellies and to make sure you put the jam onto your scones first!
All over Cornwall there are some great National Trust properties to visit, here are a few that are nearby.
Godolphin
Just a stone’s throw from the Woodland Collection, Godolphin is a lovely estate, perfect for winter walks with muddy boots. There are woods, river side walks and a hill with stunning views of the local countryside. On a fine day you can see the sea on both the north coast at Hayle and St. Ives and the south coast at Penzance. You can even try to work out which fields belong to the Woodland Collection, extra points if you can do this without your phone!
The house is only open on the first week of each month, but there is still plenty to explore, and the estate is great for dogs, although they are not allowed in the house and have to stay on leads in some areas due to roaming livestock. There is still a lot of room for them to explore, with water bowls and dog bins available.
St. Michael’s Mount
One of the most spectacular postcards scenes of Cornwall. St. Michael’s mount is a tidal island just off the coast in Mount’s bay near Penzance. To get to it, you either have to walk along the causeway or take a short boat ride when the tide is in.
In recent years over the busy summer period the whole island is restricted to paying customers or members and sadly dogs are not able to visit the island at all.
But, during the off season, dog are allowed on the island and anyone can explore the harbour and small village on the island without paying. All the more reason to visit Cornwall outside of the summer months and enjoy the quieter beaches and attractions without so many restrictions.
It takes about 10–15 minutes to drive to Marazion from the Woodland Collection, with pay and display car parks in Marazion. After visiting the mount, if you still have energy, take a walk along the coast to Penzance.
Remember to visit the website for more information and up-to-date information.
Trengwainton Gardens
Visit Trengwainton, a sheltered garden behind Penzance with beautiful views across Mount’s Bay. The mild weather allows a mix of tender and exotic trees and shrubs with a great history, hosting some of the first flowing specimens in Britain. There are plenty of areas for dogs all year round, with 25 acres to explore.
Trengwainton is a 20 minute drive from the Woodland Collection, and is just a few minutes off the main A30 route through Cornwall. The A30 continues on towards Land’s End, which makes it the perfect stop off on your way back from the beautiful beaches of Sennen or Porthcurno or a trip to the Minack Theatre.
Penrose
Penrose is just outside Porthleven, a garden and countryside area with a variety of walks nearby. The house is privately owned, but there is still a walled garden, café and second hand bookshop.
There are a broad range of walks available, through the nearby woodland, around The Loe, the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall, or along the beach and Loe Bar, the thin stretch of sand that separates the lake from the sea.
Dogs are free to explore everywhere at Penrose and this really is a great stop, particularly if you’re already exploring the lizard or nearby Helston or Porthleven. Penrose is about a 20-minute journey from the Woodland Collection.
Coastal Car Parks
There are plenty of other uses for your National Trust membership around west Cornwall, with multiple coastal car parks free for members.
There are two car parks at Godrevy. Sand stretches all the way from the headland down to Hayle and is perfect for a family day at the beach, long walks with dogs and surfing. You can walk around the headland to Mutton cove and if the tide is low you should see the colony of grey seals resting on the beach.
There is at National trust car park at Botallack, towards land end, a stunning area of coast with two picture perfect engine houses perched on the cliff edge.
There are also multiple National Trust car parks on the Lizard, including Church Cove and Kynance Cove.
Visit the National Trust website for more information and ideas.
