Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park |
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The Country Park
Created in 1971, the park covers over 800 acres and is owned by Cornwall County and Plymouth City Councils. Mount Edgcumbe has been famous since the 18th Century for its landscape and gardens. Scattered throughout the Park are buildings - Thomson's Seat, Milton's Template, the Folly, the Arch - consciously sited to create views and atmosphere. Individual trees and plantations are placed to enhance a magnificent setting above Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar. Woodlands contain specimen trees such as Californian Redwood and Stone pines, and provide shelter for the herd of wild fallow deer. The Coastal
footpath runs along the shores of the Park from Cremyll to Whitsand Bay. Grassy lawns sweep down to attractive shingle beaches only a stroll away from the Cremyll Ferry.Mount Edgcumbe House & Earl's Garden
Sir Richard Edgcumbe of Cotehele built a new home in his deer park at Mount Edgcumbe in 1547-53. Miraculously the walls of his red stone Tudor House survived a direct hit by bombs in 1941 and it was restored by the Earl of Edgcumbe between 1958-64.It is now beautifully furnished with family possessions, including paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Gerard Edema and William van der Velde,
Irish bronze age horns, 16th century tapestries and 18th century Chinese and Plymouth porcelain.The Earl's Garden was created beside the House in the 18th century. Ancient and rare trees including a 400 year old lime, a splendid Lucombe oak, and a Mexican pine are set amidst classical garden houses and an exotic Shell Seat. Colourful flowers and heather grace the re-created Victorian East Lawn Terrace, which has spectacular views over Plymouth Sound.
The Formal Gardens
The formal gardens are grouped in the lower park near Cremyll. Originally a 17th century "wilderness" garden, the present scheme was laid out by the Mount
Edgcumbe family in the 18th century. The Orangery housed orange trees which were taken out each summer into the Italian Garden with its mermaid fountain and classical statues. The French Garden overlooked by a conservatory is formally laid out with flower beds and box hedges. This contrasts with the English Garden with irregular lawns around the pretty English Garden House (1729). Here are unusual trees - cork oak, magnolias, a ginko and a paulownia tree. The modern American and New Zealand Gardens (with a geyser) reflect family connections. Since 1976 Mount Edgcumbe has also housed the National Camellia Collection.
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Opening Times
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(2007 times)
The House & Earl's Garden: 1st April to 30th September Sunday to Thursday 11.00am to 4.30pm, last admission 4.00pm. Closed on Friday and Saturdays.The Country Park is open every day of the year. Orangery Restaurant open throughout the summer months with restricted opening time during the winter. |
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Admission Charges
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(2007 prices)
Country Park: FreeHouse & Earl's Gardens: Adults £4.50; Children (5 - 15) £2.25; Concessions £3.50; Family (2 adults + 1 or 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children) £10.00 Season £7.50; Group rates available for 10 or more people, please call the House for charges. |
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Directions
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From Plymouth via Cremyll Foot Ferry, Torpoint Ferry or Saltash Bridge. From Cornwall via Liskeard - to A374, B3247, follow brown signs |
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Nearby Attractions
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Buckland Abbey
(9 Miles)*
Buckland was originally a small but influential Cistercian monastery. The house, incorporating the remains of the 13th-century abbey church, has rich associations with Sir Francis Drake and his seafaring rival, Sir Richard Grenville. |
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Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum
(18 Miles)*
Discover the story of Kingsbridge in our 17th century schoolroom, complete walk - in Victorian kitchen, Edwardian pharmacy and large farm gallery. |
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Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre
(19 Miles)*
Winner of National Farm Attraction of the Year, Pennywell Farm near Buckfastleigh treats the whole family to a great value, action packed day out. There are up to 20 hands on activities, shows and displays throughout the day. |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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