Trelissick is and will always be one of my favourite places for a walk. In this post we’re going to completely ignore the main gardens, run by the National Trust, and head across the fields to the coast path.
From the car park, instead of heading past the water tower towards the garden, turn right into the fields neighbouring the main house, past the cattle grid and onto the well worn path down the field. You can meander down this field at your hearts content – just be careful of any roaming cattle. The top of the field gives great views down to the water and to the house on your left.
Trelissick house, like so many others in Cornwall has a lucrative history and has changed hands many times. Originally built around 1750 for Captain John Lawrence and has since been owned by a long list of local mine owners, a High Sheriff, a Merchant banker and the National Trust. The Copeland family still live in part of the house, with the rest opened to visitors of the garden.
Once you reach the beach, check out the little wooden hut off the the right to learn more about some of the wildlife that can be spotted in this area. Trelissick can be a great spot for any of you twitchers, and you may even catch a glimpse of an exotic Cornish bird like the *cough* Common Seagull…
This beach is super popular with humans and canines alike, being a great spot for picnics or ball throwing.
To continue, take the path through the gate on the left into the wooded area.
Eventually, you’ll reach the King Harry ferry, a crossing over onto the Roseland Peninsula. At this point, there are two options; you can turn left up the road and head back towards Trelissick carpark, or you can continue up the coast path towards Coombe and Kea.
This whole walk is free for anyone and utilises permissive pathways and the coastpath.
There is a pay and display car park run by the National Trust.
Acton, B. (2003) Around the Fal. Truro: Landfall Publications.
Gamble, B. (2014) Cornwall’s Great Houses and Gardens. Penzance: Alison Hodge Publishers.