Half term activities at National Trust gardens and homes in Cornwall

From dressing up in Tudor-inspired costumes to beach cleans and learning all about bugs and flowers to a guided art tour, there will be lots to keep the whole family entertained.

Here is what’s happening near you this May half term - check property website for opening days and times: 

Glendurgan Garden 

Nature Activities - Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4, 10am to 5pm.

Join some nature-based activities at Glendurgan this half term and start ticking off some of the '50 Things' activities list at Glendurgan. Go on a bug hunt, create some wild art and plant a seed are just some of the activities you can take part in.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Nature activities at Glendurgan (Image: National Trust Images, Mary Cobill)

Godolphin 

50 Things adventure - Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4, 10am to 5pm.

Join the team form a '50 Things' adventure this May half term, exploring your senses around the ancient garden at Godolphin. Be inspired by nature, find out about Godolphin's history, and get creative in the Cider House. Barefoot trail and mud-pie trail open.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Guided estate walks  - Monday, May 29, 10.45am to 1pm.

Learn more about the mining history of Godolphin and explore the wider estate with volunteer guided walks taking place every Monday.  Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Visitors can explore the gardens at Godolphin (Image: National Trust Images, James Dobson)

Lanhydrock

Rhododendrons & Camellias in bloom - Daily, 10.30 am to 5pm.

The rhododendrons and camellias are putting on a show in the Lanhydrock garden so now is the time to enjoy a walk in the late spring sunshine. You can find varieties including 'Westminster' and 'Blue Peter' all around the formal, higher and woodland gardens.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.

Roseland

Veryan Bunker tours  - Monday, May 29, 11am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm. 

Join tours by local expert Lawrence Holmes and the ROC team and hear the stories behind what went on in a nuclear bunker and the neighbouring starfish bunker. The nuclear bunker is the only preserved ROC nuclear bunker in the south west open to the public on a regular basis and the decoy command bunker is the only known preserved one of its type in the UK. Together they make Veryan Bunkers a unique site to visit. 

Price: £5. Booking essential 01872 501062. 

Hemmick beach cleans - Saturday, June 3, 10am to 11am.

Can you spare an hour or so to help keep Hemmick beach looking beautiful, and safer for wildlife? Gloves, bags and litter pickers provided. Please also feel free to bring your own gloves if you'd like. 

Price: Free. Booking not required. 

Trelissick

May half-term trail at Trelissick - Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4, 10am to 5pm.

Take part in a nature trail around the garden during May half-term.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Trerice

Celebrate 450 years of Trerice - Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Trerice is marking 450 years since the rebuilding of the Elizabethan manor house was finished in 1573. Join the team in celebration throughout the weekend and have a go at hobbyhorse jousting and Tudor games.

Visitors will be able to dress in Tudor outfits at Trerice (Image: National Trust Images, James Dobson)

Other special events throughout the weekend:

Saturday, May 27 - Live traditional Cornish and Celtic folk group.

Sunday, May 28 - Performances from the Trerice choir.

Monday, May 29 - Get dressed up in Tudor outfits for costume day.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Costume Day at Trerice - Monday, May 29, 11am to 3pm.

Join with volunteers and get the whole family dressed up in Tudor-inspired costumes made by the volunteer costume group at Trerice. There is something fit for everyone, not just the kids!

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Archaeological tour of Trerice - Friday, June 2, 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

Learn about the archaeological and architectural history of Trerice on an hour-long guided tour of the gardens. Find out about key features of the property and how they have changed over time, as well as archaeological digs and finds across the whole site.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required. 

Trengwainton Garden

Family fun at Trengwainton - Sunday, May 28 to Sunday, June 4 (closed Friday and Saturday), 10am to 5pm.

Head to Trengwainton this May half term and you can make fallen flower kebabs and design your own bunting. Collect a stick from the reception and gather fallen flowers as you explore the garden, then pop them in the ground to create a collective piece of wild art in the shape of a butterfly. In the summer house on the Royal Meadow, design your own bunting with the material and pens you'll find there and peg it out on the string we've laid out.

Price: Free (normal admission applies). Booking not required.

Cotehele

Marvellous Market Gardens trail - Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, June 4, 10am to 5pm.

Find out what grows in the Tamar Valley and make your own plant pot. This half-term it will be celebrating the amazing history of market gardens in the Tamar Valley. Pick up a free children's trail, make your own plant pot, sow a seed and discover all the wonderful things that grow in the garden.

Price: Free. No booking necessary. 

Pondlife! at Cotehele Quay -  Saturday, June 3, 10am to 1pm.

Discover weird and wonderful creatures in the pond at Cotehele Quay with monthly drop-in, pond dipping sessions. Join the team as they hunt for the creatures which live in (and on!) the pond. Watch the water closely, or have a go at pond dipping, and identify any insects, fish, or amphibians you may find.

First come first served as limited space on the pond platform. Subject to cancellation in event of poor weather - check social media feeds and website nearer each event.

Price: Free. No booking necessary.