Cotehele feel historic to its core. Much of the building dates from the Tudor era and stone corridors link dimly-lit, wood-panelled rooms. Outside lush woods and landscaped terraces slope down to the River Tamar. There’s a restaurant and tea room as well.

Inside

Parts of Cotehele date from 1411, with many sections re-built in Tudor times. It’s full of dark oak furniture, tapestries, armour and weapons.

The barrel-roofed Great Hall is studded with breast plates, swords and pikes. Fine stone carvings frame wooden doors leading into bedrooms.

The Grounds

Outside, you call stroll from the wisteria-clad walls down through the Valley Garden, past a thatched summerhouse, a dovecot and a pond. In spring expect magnolias and rhododendrons, as well as bluebells in the Acer Grove and blossom in the 12 acre orchard.