A Grade-I listed building, Lanhydrock House is a romantic country house and estate perched on the fringes of the wild Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall. With roots buried as far back as the early 1600’s, much of the house was rebuilt in the Victorian times after a devastating fire in 1881 all but brought it to its knees. Fortunately, the house’s 17th century Long Gallery survived the flames and you can still visit it today, admiring the rare book collection under the gallery’s intricately carved ceiling.
Despite exuding the unpretentious feel of a much-loved family home, the wealth and luxury poured into Lanhydrock House is undeniable. Open to the public during certain hours, the house offers a fascinating insight into the two parallel worlds at work within its walls. From the ‘downstairs’ living of the kitchens, nurseries and servant’s quarters to the glamorous ‘upstairs’ living of the well-heeled High Society, you can gaze into two very different sides of Victorian life.
As well as the house’s 50 rooms waiting to be explored, there is much to see outside too. Nestled within wooded parkland covering 1,000 acres and encompassed by a garden of rare shrubs and trees, a paradise for mini-adventurers and budding horticulturalists awaits. To start, make your way to the historical garden, first laid out in 1857. Buzzing with atmosphere, alive with colour and home to a small army of fluttering butterflies, flitting birds and fluffy bumblebees going about their business, it’s a perfect spot to while away the hours.
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Leading you around the perfectly manicured plant beds, the paths navigate onwards through luscious woodland, planted in a semi-formal Cornish style. Here, vibrant camellias and rhododendrons and soaring Himalayan magnolias are the real stars of the show. Especially beautiful in spring, the garden’s 120 species of cream and white magnolias attract visitors from near and far to see the show and celebrate the start of spring in the UK.
To enjoy a slightly quicker pace around the ancient woodlands and riverside paths, there are off-road cycle trails, with options for families and novice riders too. Bring your own bike or hire one from Lanhydrock and zip through the extensive network of paths. When you are ready to take a break, there is a great restaurant onsite that serves a children's menu and also has baby-changing facilities.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in North Cornwall here.
Lanhydrock House, Bodmin PL30 5AD | 01208 265950 | www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
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