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Historical places #1 in Bodmin

National Trust - Lanhydrock

4.8 · 5,651 reviews
Reflective and historically immersive.
National Trust - Lanhydrock, B3268, Bodmin PL30 4AB, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

Following the 1881 fire, the house was rebuilt by architect Richard Coad to be fireproof, incorporating metal joists and thick stone walls.

2

The house retains an original 17th-century barrel-vaulted plaster ceiling in the Long Gallery, which is considered one of the finest in England.

3

The servant's wing is remarkably well-preserved, featuring a scullery, larder, and kitchen that showcase the logistical scale required to run a Victorian estate.

4

Lanhydrock was home to the Robartes family for over 300 years.

5

The estate features a dedicated mountain bike hub with trails ranging from easy to black-grade technical routes.

Overview

Lanhydrock is a late Victorian country house near Bodmin, Cornwall, managed by the National Trust. The estate is distinguished by its extensive contrast between the opulent, modernized family living quarters and the stark, preserved Victorian kitchens and servant service areas. The original 17th-century gatehouse survived a major fire in 1881, which destroyed much of the main house. The property was subsequently rebuilt in a high-Victorian style featuring the latest technological advancements of the era, including electric light and central heating. The estate encompasses nearly 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland, featuring a diverse collection of magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons. Visitors can walk through the original long gallery, which retains its ornate 17th-century plasterwork ceiling. The grounds include dedicated cycle trails and mountain bike paths. It stands as one of the most complete examples of a high-status Victorian household in the United Kingdom.

Photo spot

The Long Gallery with its intricate plaster ceiling and the view of the gatehouse from the formal garden terrace.

Insider tips

Prioritize exploring the 'Below Stairs' kitchen section first to understand the household's operational scale before moving to the family apartments.

Bring sturdy footwear if planning to explore the wider woodland or the designated cycle trails outside the immediate house gardens.

Visit the church of St Hydroc located on the grounds, which dates back to the 15th century and predates the current mansion.

What to avoid

Attempting to see both the entire house and the extensive parkland trails in a single two-hour visit, as the property is vast.

Good to know

The house and gardens operate year-round, though some secondary estate buildings may have reduced access during mid-winter.

Etiquette

Photography is generally permitted inside, but the use of flash is prohibited to protect historic textiles and pigments.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-5 hours
Best time to visit
Spring for the flowering of the extensive magnolia and camellia collections in the gardens.
Address
National Trust - Lanhydrock, B3268, Bodmin PL30 4AB, United Kingdom
50.441, -4.697
Get directions
Details
Key exhibits17th-century Long Gallery, Victorian 'Below Stairs' kitchens, family apartments
Architectural styleVictorian Gothic Revival

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring for the flowering of the extensive magnolia and camellia collections in the gardens..

The Long Gallery with its intricate plaster ceiling and the view of the gatehouse from the formal garden terrace.

Close by you'll find Cardinham Woods, Bodmin Jail Attraction, Restormel Castle.