The top National Trust places to visit in Cornwall

Home to some of the most outstanding beauty spots in the country, from white sandy beaches to subtropical gardens, as well as an abundance of historic sites, it’s no surprise that the National Trust in Cornwall has over 50 places to visit across the county.

More than half of the Cornish coast is owned by the National Trust, and much of Cornwall’s industrial heritage has also been preserved by the charity with the purchases of tin mining sites and fishing coves. And with knowledgeable staff and volunteers on hand, the places that they manage are perfect for all ages to discover the sights, sounds and stories of Kernow.

We have chosen some of the top National Trust places to visit in Cornwall, including grand stately homes, exotic gardens and beautiful beaches. Many of them feature tearooms and gift shops, as well as special events throughout the year plus trails, quizzes and play areas for children – several allow dogs too. And if you’re a National Trust member, you may even be able to enter the sites for free.

Why not click the button below to browse our collection of cottages in Cornwall?

Cornwall cottages

Best National Trust house: Lanhydrock House, Bodmin

One of the best-preserved and presented National Trust houses in Cornwall, Lanhydrock is a grand Victorian country property near Bodmin with fifty beautiful rooms to explore. Wander through the kitchens, nurseries and servants’ quarters to gain a glimpse of life ‘below stairs’, before discovering the comforts of ‘upstairs’ living within the luxurious family areas, elegant dining room, and spacious bedrooms. Set within 1,000 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens with clouds of magnolias in spring, walkers, cyclists and families can enjoy the estate throughout the year. One of our favourite National Trust properties in Cornwall, this is a must visit - it even made it onto our list of the best National Trust places to visit in the whole of the South West. 

Bodmin cottages

Best National Trust garden: Glendurgan Garden, near Falmouth

Glendurgan near Falmouth is one of the best-known sub-tropical National Trust gardens in Cornwall, featuring exotic flowers, bamboo and huge tree ferns. Spanning three valleys, the lush jungle-like gardens are peppered with enchanting trails which wind their way through a myriad of tropical delights including a giant tulip tree and the garden’s famous laurel maze, originally planted in 1833. Continue further and you will eventually find yourself on its sheltered beach in the pretty little hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River.

Falmouth cottages

Best National Trust beach: Kynance Cove, The Lizard

With its sparkling turquoise water, pristine white sand and colourful serpentine rock stacks, it’s easy to see why Kynance Cove is one of the most popular National Trust beaches in Cornwall. Found on the west side of the iconic Lizard Peninsula, this is one of the most photographed coves in the country and has even starred in Poldark as Ross and Demelza's beach at Nampara. Take a dip in the crystal-clear sea and, at low tide, explore its mysterious caves and blowholes, including one aptly named the Post Office for its ability to create enough suction to draw a letter into it! 

Lizard cottages

Best National Trust place in North Cornwall: Boscastle

Owned by the National Trust in North Cornwall, Boscastle is a picturesque natural harbour and unspoilt village surrounded by spectacular coastal walks. Just 5 miles north of Tintagel, this is one of the best National Trust places in Cornwall, where you can spend a leisurely afternoon dipping in and out of the village’s quaint shops and tearooms and enjoy a Cornish clotted cream ice cream on the Elizabethan quay while watching the fishermen bringing in their catch. Venture beyond the charming harbour and you can follow the cliff path to Willapark headland and an intriguing ex-folly, now used as a Coastwatch lookout.

Boscastle cottages

Best National Trust place in South Cornwall: St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

Steeped in over 1,000 years of history and folklore, St Michael’s Mount in Marazion is certainly one of the National Trust sites in Cornwall not to miss. It's a great day out for the whole family; when the tide is out, stroll across the causeway where a legendary giant once walked, or hop on a boat to reach this incredible island crowned by a magnificent medieval castle and church. Scale the fairy-tale turrets of this treasured landmark and admire the mesmerising views over the surrounding sub-tropical terraced garden and across Mount’s Bay, before tucking into some fresh seafood or a cream tea in the restaurant or cafe.

Marazion cottages

Best cultural National Trust place: Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Penzance

Dramatically perched on the exposed cliffs of the ‘Tin Coast’, Levant Mine and Beam Engine is one of the best National Trust places in Cornwall for those eager to discover more about the county’s fascinating mining heritage. Near St Just and part of the UNESCO Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, the main engine house is home to the oldest beam engine in Cornwall, which has been fully restored and rebuilt, and is once more being driven by steam. Take part in a guided tour to discover more about Levant’s history and pick up a ticket to see the beam engine in action.

Penzance cottages

Holidays in Cornwall

With such a wide variety of National Trust properties, gardens and beaches to explore during a holiday in Cornwall, you’ll need somewhere warm and cosy to relax after your adventures. Whether you’re searching for a romantic retreat for two, a big bolthole for the whole family or a place where your dog will feel just as welcome as you, our holiday cottages in Cornwall offer the perfect setting. Click the button below to browse our full collection of Cornwall cottages.

Cornwall cottages