Cotehele

Cotehele is a Tudor house with all the stories and legends you would expect of a building steeped in such a lengthy history. Draped with tapestries, adorned with textiles, bristling with arms and armour, the table set with pewter and brass, creaking oak staircases. A visit to Cotehele is to take a walk through history. Outside, you can explore the formally planted terraces, or lose yourself in the Valley Garden, which includes a medieval stewpond and dovecote. You can enjoy the tranquility of the Upper Garden, or visit the two orchards planted with local apples and cherries, fruitful testimony to the efforts made in recent years to revive something of the fruit-growing tradition for which the Tamar Valley was once renowned. Cotehele Quay is the home of the restored sailing barge Shamrock and gateway to the wider estate. The Discovery Centre tells the story of the Tamar Valley, and down at the Mill are workshops demonstrating traditional skills and trades, a reminder of the industry that one thrived in the Tamar Valley. A full-colour birds-eye view shows the extent of the riverside estate. Reconstruction drawings help to unravel some complex building history of Cotehele House and important historic items from the collection are colourfully highlighted. Nature notes focus on some of Coteheles common flora and fauna.