Cornwall's National Trust properties are preparing for a busy autumn of events. Families, history enthusiasts, walkers and craft lovers can explore Antony, Cotehele and Lanhydrock over the coming months.
As the season brings changing colours and crisp autumn days, the National Trust is offering trails, exhibitions, workshops and guided experiences from September through to early November.
At Antony, a magical potion trail runs from October 6 to 29, Tuesday to Thursday between noon and 4pm. Families follow clues through the autumnal gardens, searching for hidden ingredients to complete a trail designed around creating an enchanted elixir. The event is free, though normal admission charges apply, and no booking is required.
At Cotehele, the autumn programme focuses on history and crafts. The Woven Through Time exhibition runs until November 1, from 11am to 4pm, exploring the property's collection of tapestries and textiles. Visitors can discover how items including cushions were created, learn about natural dyes and see objects previously kept in storage.
There are also creative workshops. A paper collage workshop on September 9 is led by local artist Cathy Harrison, followed by a Sashiko stitching workshop on October 7. Both cost £45 and require booking. A beginners' festive calligraphy workshop takes place on November 4, also costing £45.
At Lanhydrock, visitors can delve into the estate's history. The Libraries of Lanhydrock runs until November 1, offering a look at the Agar-Robartes family's library and books revealing stories about the Victorian household. The exhibition also examines medical texts consulted by John Robartes, who served as resident physician at Lanhydrock, and the medicines he prepared for his family and household.
Book lovers can attend Turning the Page on September 10 and October 8, exploring rare and historic books from the collection. The property will also open its Costume Collection behind the scenes on September 17 and 18, showing Eton uniforms, childhood fancy dress and servants' livery. The famous Cockleshell Dress, an Edwardian costume featured in the National Trust publication 100 Things To Wear, will be on display until September 27.
Guided walks take place on September 17 and October 15, focusing on hidden nature and conservation grazing. Visitors can also join the Stranger Folk digital adventure from October 1 to November 1, using a free app to follow an interactive folklore quest with stories, puzzles and challenges.
Cornwall National Trust Sites Announce Autumn Events