If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through windswept cliffs, secret gardens, and historic cottages steeped in stories, then Cornwall’s National Trust sites should be top of your travel list. The National Trust, guardians of over 780 miles of coastline and countless heritage treasures across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, has a particularly enchanting portfolio in Cornwall.
This rugged southwestern tip of the UK
is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes and quirky
historic gems, from Victorian country houses (we're looking at you,
Lanhydrock) to lush medieval gardens (Godolphin) that are open to
members and visitors alike. We've handpicked our favourites for you
to discover in our guide to the best National Trust sites
in Cornwall, and you can find out how to get a free pass in your area
here.
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The Best National Trust Places In Cornwall
1. Cape Cornwall
- Address: Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 7
- Entry price: free
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/cape-cornwall
Part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Cape Cornwall is a captivating National Trust site located near St Just on Cornwall’s rugged west coast. As one of only two capes in Britain, it marks the point where the Atlantic currents divide, offering dramatic coastal views and a rich tapestry of history and wildlife. The distinctive chimney stack at the summit, dating back to 1894, is a remnant of the Cape Cornwall Mine, which extracted tin and copper from beneath the sea.
Here you can enjoy a variety of activities, including coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, leading to nearby Sennen Cove or Pendeen Lighthouse. The area is also renowned for its seasonal bluebell displays in late spring, creating a sea of blue across the landscape. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot seabirds such as gannets and fulmars, and during the summer months, rare solitary bees and butterflies like the pearl-bordered fritillary are active in the meadows.
Cape Cornwall (pictured) is also dog-friendly.
2. Lanhydrock
- Address: Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 4AB
- Entry price: from £22 per adult, £11 per child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
In the heart of Cornwall’s lush countryside, Lanhydrock is a Victorian country house with a story to tell, as this grand estate offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of both the aristocracy and their servants in the late 19th century. Wander through over 50 rooms, from the opulent Long Gallery with its stunning plasterwork ceiling to the bustling kitchens and nurseries below stairs. It’s like stepping into a real-life period drama, complete with hidden staircases and vintage copper pans.
The estate sprawls across 1,000 acres of parkland, ancient woodlands, and riverside paths, perfect for walking, cycling, or simply soaking in the Cornish air. In spring, the gardens burst into colour with rhododendrons and magnolias, while autumn paints the trees in fiery hues.
Lanhydrock (pictured) is a picturesque day out in South West England.
3. Tregwainton Garden
- Address: Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8RZ
- Entry price: from £13 per adult, £6.50 per child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/trengwainton-garden
When it comes to National Trust gardens, Cornwall is home to a tempting handful that'll cater to green fingers, and one of its prettiest is Tregwainton Garden. This botanical treasure boasts a unique microclimate that allows rare and tender plants from around the world to flourish, such as towering tree ferns, vibrant camellias, and rhododendrons that look like they’ve leapt from a tropical rainforest.
The walled garden, with its beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses, is a horticultural haven, while winding paths lead you through lush, leafy tunnels and up to a viewpoint with sweeping vistas across Mount’s Bay. Once a site of scientific ambition linked to the 19th-century quest to measure the Earth, the garden still carries an air of quiet curiosity and discovery. Oh, and it's a perfect place for a stroll with a Cornish cream tea to round things off.
Look out for ponds, streams and pretty sea views at Trengwainton Garden.
4. Godolphin
- Address: Godolphin Cross, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9RE
- Entry price: from £13 per adult, £6.50 per child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin
Godolphin is a beautiful estate, cared for by the National Trust. Once home to one of Cornwall’s most powerful families, the 15th-century house and its romantic ruins whisper stories of wealth, ambition, and decline. Wander through the intimate, Grade II-listed gardens, where mossy paths and old apple trees lead to one of the oldest surviving formal gardens in Europe, lovingly restored to echo its Tudor roots.
With bluebell woods in spring, peaceful countryside walks (there's over 500 acres of countryside), and views stretching to St Michael’s Mount, the estate is a haven for nature lovers and dreamers alike. You can also stop off at the Piggery tea room, complete with original wooden slats, and serving an array of drinks, cakes and sandwiches.
Godolphin House (pictured) is Grade I-listed, and its farm buildings are Grade II.
5. St Michael's Mount
- Address: Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0EG
- Entry price: £16 per adult, £8 per child (under 5's go free)
- Website: stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Rising dramatically from the sea just off the Cornish coast, St Michael’s Mount is the stuff of legends. This tidal island, crowned by a medieval castle and church, has been a site of pilgrimage, myth, and power for over a thousand years. It's accessible on foot at low tide via a cobbled causeway or by boat when the tide rolls in. Inside the castle, you’ll find a treasure trove of history, from ancient armour and religious relics to panoramic views that stretch across Mount’s Bay.
The subtropical terraced gardens cling to the rocky slopes, bursting with exotic plants that defy the salty sea breeze. Below, the harbour village hums with charm, offering cosy cafés, artisan shops, and stories passed down through generations of islanders. Fun fact: this spot has also featured in film and TV productions, such as the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon and a James Bond film.
You'll want to bring your camera to capture the glory that is St Michael's Mount (pictured).
6. Tintagel Old Post Office
- Address: Fore Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0DB
- Entry price: from £8 per adult, £4 per child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/tintagel-old-post-office
Tintagel Old Post Office is a delightful slice of history wrapped in slate and charm. This 14th-century stone building, with its wonky roof and thick walls, once served as a Victorian letter-receiving office, but its story stretches much further back to medieval times. Step inside to explore a beautifully preserved medieval hall house, complete with period furnishings, quirky nooks, and a peaceful cottage garden out back.
And while you're in Tintagel, there’s plenty more to discover. Just a short stroll away lies the legendary Tintagel Castle, dramatically perched on sea-carved cliffs and steeped in Arthurian myth. Cross the striking footbridge to check out the ruins and take in breathtaking coastal views. Wander the village’s shops, enjoy a Cornish pasty, or follow scenic walking trails along the South West Coast Path.
This medieval building has a cute cottage garden too.
7. Trelissick
- Address: Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL
- Entry price: from £17 per adult, £8.50 per child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/trelissick
The National Trust in Cornwall is blessing us with this beauty; perched above the waters of the Fal Estuary, Trelissick is a garden with a view. This gem near Truro is a feast for the senses, with sweeping lawns, exotic planting, and woodland walks that open up to breathtaking river vistas. The garden is a vibrant tapestry of colour through the seasons, from spring magnolias to autumn’s fiery foliage, all set against the backdrop of a grand Georgian house.
Beyond the blooms, Trelissick is a walker’s paradise. Trails wind through ancient oak woods and along the estuary’s edge, offering peaceful spots to pause and watch the boats drift by. There’s even a ferry landing, making it a perfect stop on a scenic river journey, and a second-hand bookshop (the second largest in the National Trust) too.
The south-facing rooms of the house are open for a place to sit.
8. St Anthony's Head
- Address: St Anthony Head, near Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5HA
- Entry price: free, but parking is £2 for an hour, £4 for four, and £8 for all day
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/st-anthony-head
At the top of the Roseland Peninsula, St Anthony’s Head is Cornwall at its most dramatic and windswept, with panoramic views across the Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary. Once a strategic military lookout, the site still bears the remnants of its defensive past - from Napoleonic-era fortifications to World War II bunkers. You can even book a tour to uncover the hidden stories of the St Anthony Battery, built in the late 19th century to guard Falmouth’s vital waterways.
The rugged cliffs and wildflower meadows are a haven for seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might spot seals bobbing in the surf below. The South West Coast Path winds through the headland, offering walkers breathtaking views and a bracing sea breeze. At the tip of the headland stands the iconic St Anthony’s Lighthouse, a striking white beacon that has guided ships safely into harbour for over a century. It’s even had a brush with fame, starring in the beloved children’s TV show Fraggle Rock.
Discover bunkers and dramatic views.
9. Cotehele
- Address: St Dominick, near Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA
- Entry price: from £17.50 per
adult, £8.50 per
child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele
Cotehele is a pretty Tudor property nestled above the River Tamar, with medieval roots and centuries-old stories - it's one of the most enchanting National Trust houses Cornwall has to offer. Wander through the Tudor manor, where tapestries, armour, and ancient oak furniture whisper tales of the Edgcumbe family who once called it home. Outside, the Valley Garden tumbles down to the river, bursting with blooms and secret paths, while the Prospect Tower offers sweeping views and a perfect picnic perch.
Down at Cotehele Quay, you’ll find a lovingly restored Victorian mill, a charming café, and even a historic sailing barge. The quay was once a bustling hub of river trade, and today it’s a peaceful spot to watch the water and maybe spot a bat or two (eight species call Cotehele home). With 1,300 acres of woodland and fields, it's also perfect for walkers. Follow trails through ancient trees, past hidden chapels and babbling streams, and discover its wild side.
At Cotehele, there are 14 acres of gardens and 12 acres of orchard to explore.
10. Trerice
- Address: Kestle Mill, near Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 4PG
- Entry price: from £13 per adult, £6.50 per child
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/trerice
Imagine strutting around a regal Elizabethan in a quiet valley near Newquay. Well, at Trerice, you can. With its mullioned windows, creaking floorboards, and peaceful gardens, this National Trust treasure is a real highlight of our guide. Built in the 1570s, it's barely changed in centuries, thanks in part to absentee owners who left its charm untouched. Inside, the manor is a feast for the senses: rich tapestries, ornate plaster ceilings, and a long gallery.
Outside, the Elizabethan knot garden is a delight, framed by apple trees and bursting with seasonal colour. You can try their hand at kayling, a traditional Cornish skittles game, or simply soak in the stillness that makes Trerice so special. The barn café serves up cream teas and light bites, while the second-hand bookshop and gift shop are perfect for a leisurely browse. And with regular talks, family-friendly activities, and peaceful walking trails, there’s something here for every kind of explorer.
Keep an eye out for Tudor costume days and falconry displays.
11. Sandymouth Bay Beach
- Address: Stibb, Bude, EX23 9HW
- Entry price: free
- Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/sandymouth
If you fancy a day by the sea and are on the lookout for the best National Trust beach, Cornwall's Sandymouth Bay Beach delivers it in spectacular style. Just north of Bude, its twisted cliffs tower above a pebble ridge and golden sands stretch out as the tide retreats. It’s ideal for surfers, rock-poolers, and coastal wanderers. The beach is backed by cliffs that date back millions of years, revealing layers of geological history in every crag and fold. At low tide, the beach opens up to reveal a vast sandy playground, perfect for exploring or simply soaking up the salty air.
The South West Coast Path runs right along the cliffs, offering breathtaking views and a bracing walk for those who love a bit of adventure. And if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon the remnants of a buried shipwreck or the intricate honeycomb homes of sandcastle worms. Dogs are welcome year-round, making it a great spot for four-legged friends, too.
Make your way over to Sandymouth Bay Beach for an ice cream and to hear the sound of the waves.
For more historic sites, check out our guide to National Trust locations in London.
