Traditions old and new at Cotehele

The annual Christmas flower garland has been hung, the choirs have started to sing and the chefs are busy cooking festive lunches in the restaurants. Christmas is in full swing at Cotehele, the National Trust place near Saltash.

The gardeners worked all year to grow and dry flowers and this year 32,000 individual stems survived the wet summer to grace the garland with their presence. The 60ft-long decoration will be on display in the Great Hall until 6 January (closed Christmas and Boxing Day).

Family activities include a dog-friendly woodland trail, art and craft fun, and Mother and Father Christmas in their grotto for four days.

The Barn Restaurant at the house and the Edgcumbe tea-room on Cotehele Quay are serving holiday menus for lunch and afternoon tea. There are beautiful gift ideas for everyone on your list in the shop and in the ‘All That Glitters’ exhibition in Cotehele Gallery.

Booking is essential for the garland. Find details at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele

Family fun for Christmas at Cotehele

Various dates between 2 Dec – 6 Jan, see website for dates, times and prices

Celebrate all-things dormant on a ‘Time for Bed’ dog-friendly nature trail, divulge your secrets to Mother and Father Christmas, and get creative during festive art and craft fun.

Let's wassail at Cotehele

Sat 23 Dec, 11.30am-12noon

Put on your festive waistcoat, dig out your trombone, and help scare away the evil spirits from the Cotehele orchards to ensure a successful crop in 2018. Embellished hats and fancy dress encouraged. Free, assistance dogs only

Volunteer recruitment day at Cotehele

Wed 24 Jan, 11am-3pm

Do you have an interest in volunteering at Cotehele? Meet the team, have a cup of tea and a chat and learn about volunteering at Cotehele. No need to book, just drop in anytime during the day – free entrance.