Cotehele is a remarkably complete Tudor manor built between 1485 and 1627 by the Edgcumbe family on the steep wooded Cornish bank of the River Tamar above Calstock. Its rooms are still hung with tapestries, lit by daylight and log fires rather than electricity, and furnished with armour and pieces original to the house. Terraced gardens drop into a valley garden, and woodland paths lead to a chapel in the woods and down to Cotehele Quay, where the Tamar sailing barge Shamrock is moored; a short walk along the Morden stream reaches Cotehele Mill, still grinding flour, with craftspeople in the workshops. Play areas by the main car park and at the quay suit families; dogs go on short leads in parts of the garden but not in the house. Reviewers praise the atmosphere, the friendly volunteers and the Barn Cafe. Tips from visitors: the brown signs thin out on the narrow lanes, and drive down to the quay car park rather than walking, as the climb back is steep.
