Tour the historical buildings on the grounds and try the activities offered at a sprawling country estate, once the seat of the Earls of Edgcumbe.
Wander the halls and rooms of Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park, which has been restored to its 18th-century style. Relax in the various gardens, which feature ancient and rare trees. Take up an activity at the Barrow Centre, play a round of disc golf on the green or ride a Segway out on an adventure tour of the 865-acre (350-hectare) estate.
Explore the house itself, which has been restored in a neo-Georgian fashion. Wander the Hall, with its impressive staircase and gallery. In the Drawing Room, see a Boulle desk and views of the gardens. Admire the numerous paintings here, including a portrait of the 2nd Lord Edgcumbe by Reynolds and two seascapes by Van de Velde. Throughout the house, spot antiques on display, such as 16th-century Flemish tapestries, Irish Bronze Age horns and 18th-century Chinese and Plymouth porcelain.
Walk the gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery. See the ancient trees in the Earl’s Garden, which was created in the 18th century. There’s a 400-year old lime, a Lucombe oak and a Mexican pine, as well as garden houses and a shell seat. The Formal Gardens were created over 200 years ago and feature an American plantation and an area in the style of a New Zealand garden. Wander the Amphitheatre with its small ponds, which attract a great deal of wildlife.
Head into the grounds and enjoy the many attractions and activities. Play a game of disc golf, a cross between golf and Frisbee. Ride an all-terrain Segway across coastal footpaths, balance beams and hilly descents. Visit the artist studios and blacksmith’s forge or book a course on survival techniques. Afterward relax with a drink or light lunch in one of the cafés.
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is a 50-minute drive from Plymouth, with parking available on the grounds near the Deer Park or near the river at Cremyll. There’s also a ferry for foot passengers which runs between Plymouth and Cremyll. Opening times and entry fees differ between the various attractions, so be sure to check ahead before visiting this varied and exciting estate.
