The temperature is starting to dip and the leaves on the trees are changing from green to brown. Where better place to welcome the season than Tehidy Country Park, perfect for lovers of all things autumnal. This West Cornwall delight has 9 miles of paths that crisscross the park, with a variety of trees, wildlife and lakes all waiting to be explored.
The first signs of autumn are upon us, and what better place to visit to welcome the start of the season than Tehidy Country Park? The Park is one of only four in Cornwall and boasts the largest area of woodland in West Cornwall. It has 250 acres of woods to explore, lending itself perfectly to autumn walks in Cornwall and enjoying all the delights that autumn brings. Dig out your trusty walking boots and cosiest cardigan and immerse yourself in nature!
Start your adventure at one of the woods’ five access points, with three main car parks. The most popular car park is the South Drive car park, with easy access to the café, picnic areas and lakes. There are two additional car parks, one at East Lodge and another at the North Cliffs entrance to the woods. Meander along one of the 9 miles of paths that crisscross the park, taking in the delightful array of autumnal colours from the fallen leaves. The walks are signposted throughout Tehidy, labelled for a variety of users. Blissfully stomp and crunch your way through the piles of leaves on your travels. Do make sure to stick to the marked trails, as these are the best routes around the park.
The Country Park has a long history and the Tehidy Estate was obtained by the Basset family in the 12th century. Over the years, the Basset’s former home has been expanded, rebuilt, burned down in 1919 and rebuilt once again in its present form. In more recent years, Tehidy was home to a hospital, treating patients with strokes, respiratory problems and head injuries. Cornwall County Council purchased the estate in 1983, creating the park we know and love today. The council leased sections of the estate to form Tehidy Golf Club and sold the house and grounds to be built on. Access to this part of the estate is now restricted to residents only, as the house has been converted into luxury apartments and luxury houses have been built on the grounds. Today, the house can be seen from a distance along the road that connects the South Drive entrance to the park and the private residence. There are other relics linking to the Basset family can be found at the park. The gate stones that once stood at the entrance of the house can now be found at the South Drive entrance to Tehidy.
The estate’s formal gardens from the days of the Basset’s ownership have long faded, but there are still plenty of secret beauties to find amongst the Park’s grounds. There are a wide variety of trees, twisted, ancient and wind-blown. Follow the sign posted trail to the beautiful Rose Garden and spot the blooming autumnal flowers against the woodland shades. Tehidy has many other beautiful spots, including the manmade lake, which dates back to the mid-18th century. The lake is home to a number of birds, including ducks, swans and geese. Other wildlife at Tehidy includes grey squirrels, rooks, jackdaws, otters and badgers. Do remember to take some heathy treats with you for squirrels and birds!
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Tehidy Country Park, Camborne TR14 0HA
