Enjoy some spooky fun with The National Trust at Cotehele this half-term. Get there by train on the Tamar Valley Line.

What’s on
At Cotehele Quay there are activities each day from 11am to 3pm:

• Mon & Tues: Monster making (wild art, £1)
• Wed: Leaf crowns (wild art, 50p)
• Thurs and Fri: Pumpkin carving (£3)

The sessions are drop-in, so no booking necessary. There may be a queue at busy times. Normal admission charges do not apply unless you’d also like to visit the house, garden or mill (which has its own Halloween activities, including a spooky trail).

Fancy dress is encouraged and your dog on a lead (with or without fancy dress) is welcome. Read more on the National Trust website.

How to get there
Take the train from Plymouth at 10 54, arriving at Calstock (after crossing the impressive viaduct shown above) at 11 27.

From Calstock, it’s a picturesque 1.2-mile walk along the riverside to Cotehele (see simple directions and map). You can then choose whether to grab some lunch at the barn restaurant next to the main Cotehele house (ask at reception to go to the restaurant only – then you won’t have to pay house admission) or head straight to Cotehele Quay for the activities.

The train back departs at 15 56 from Calstock, arriving into Plymouth at 16 30.

The Off-Peak Day Return fare from Plymouth to Calstock is £6.10 for adults, with 5-15 year-olds half price, and under 5s free. Buy your train tickets at Plymouth station before boarding the train.