Cotehele

At the head of the Tamar Valley sits the Tudor manor of Cotehele, one of the Edgcumbe dynasty's modest country retreats. The gardens sweep down past the 18th-century Prospect Folly to Cotehele Quay, where there's a discovery center exploring the history of the Tamar Valley and a vintage sailing barge, the Shamrock.

If the interior has reopened you'll see a cavernous great hall and an unparalleled collection of Tudor tapestries, armor and furniture.

A short walk inland leads to the restored Cotehele Mill. If it's operating, you'll be able to watch the original waterwheel grinding corn several days a week, and see a miller and baker at work. The house is famous for its Christmas wreath, a massive ornamental ring of foliage made from materials gathered on the estate.

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