Autumn can be one of our favourite seasons at the Talland Bay Hotel, whether hunkering down in front of the fire or embracing some of the clement, sunny days Cornwall is often blessed with. Game season comes into play on the menu, balanced with seasonal delights from the sea and flavoursome fruits. It can also be a fantastic time to explore the nearby National Trust properties, each with their own unique tales and glorious estates to explore.
Cotehele, St Dominick, near Saltash
A jewel in the crown of South East Cornwall and the Tamar Valley, Cotehele is a Tudor house set in glorious woodland overlooking the River Tamar. The annual highlight of their busy calendar is a trip during autumn to see the gardeners create the legendary Cotehele Christmas garland, a 60-foot-long wreath made from thousands of flowers grown on the estate (taking place this year from 1-10 November). The finished garland will adorn the Great Hall from 11 November 2017 to 6 January 2018, which is open daily to visitors.
(image: National Trust website)
Lanhydrock, Bodmin
Further to the west sits Lanhydrock, a late Victorian country house whose gardens are ablaze with fiery reds and yellows at this time of year. There are guided walks of the estate every Thursday in October, and free tours of the listed gardens taking place throughout the month.
(image: National Trust website)
Antony House, Torpoint
To the east, on the Rame Peninsula, we have Antony House whose gardens put on their own rich display of colours during autumn.
The Carew Pole family are still in residence at this grand home, which enjoys a stunning setting on the banks of the River Lynher. Treasures in the house include portraits painted by Joshua Reynolds, but the real draw on a fine autumn day is the Humphry Repton designed landscape. Tim Burton shot his 2010 Alice in Wonderland blockbuster here, a great excuse for a visit for fans of the Talland Bay Hotel’s own quirky artefacts.
(Note there are restricted opening hours during October and the House and Gardens are then closed November-February, visit the website for the most up to date information.)
(image: National Trust website)
Other great days out
Closer to the hotel there are plentiful stretches of National Trust owned coast to explore, perfect for autumn rambles: Polperro, Looe and Whitsand Bay fall under the remit of the National Trust, as do picturesque Lansallos, Lantic Bay and the Fowey Estuary. All great spots to take one of the Talland Bay Hotel gourmet picnics!
Other top autumn days out from the Talland Bay Hotel include a visit to the pretty fishing town of St Ives and the remodelled Tate St Ives. Following a four-year build to double the space, the gallery’s transformation is unveiled this month (14 October) and is well worth the visit.
Of course, that’s if you can bear to drag yourself away from the hotel at all!
Don’t miss our October late availability rate. Want to time your visit to coincide with seeing the Cotehele Garland? Stay from £235 per night including a three course dinner in the fine-dining Terrace Restaurant or take advantage of our three-night Foodies Escape from just £200 per night including Cream Tea on arrival and three course dinner nightly in the Terrace Restaurant.