Overview

Pencarrow House and Gardens is a historic estate located in Cornwall and has been the home of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for nearly five centuries. What makes this property unique is that it is not part of the National Trust. The estate is situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including families. The estate boasts a Grade II listed garden, an Iron Age fort, a children’s play area, a café, and a gift shop. Despite being an elegant stately home, it is very child-friendly and an ideal place for families to visit. Pets are welcome, and the estate is also dog-friendly. With 50 acres of land to explore, there is something for everyone.

Things to do

Visitors can explore the beautiful Grade II listed 50-acre garden, which includes formal and woodland gardens, a Victorian rockery, an Italian garden and a lake. The garden also has a stunning collection of rhododendrons, an Iron Age hill fort and an icehouse. There are both short and long circular walks, some with wheelchair access.

Once they’ve let off some steam in the gardens, book a guided tour of the house and uncover the secrets of this ancient family home. There are hidden passageways, furniture and porcelain to wonder at, portraits with eyes that follow you, and even statues wearing top hats! Pencarrow isn’t your run-of-the-mill country home—it’s quite an extraordinary place.

Best of all, children can enjoy free entry to Pencarrow, one of the few free things for kids in Cornwall!

Food & Drink

The Peacock café is the place to be if you’re looking for fresh coffee, yummy cakes with gluten-free options, delicious lunches and, of course, the quintessential cream tea. The café is housed in a beautiful vaulted building with plenty of outdoor space to relax in. They use only the best Cornish produce to make their food, so you know it will be good!

If you have little ones with you, they have a lovely little play area outside with a slate-roofed Wendy house. Let the kids go wild while you sip your coffee and enjoy the peace.

By the way, hanging out at the café is free. Just give the staff a heads-up when you arrive.