Family day out to Cotehele this half term – get there by train

Visiting Cotehele National Trust is the perfect trip on the train this half term. From Halloween trails to exploring the historic house and gardens, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

Cheeky piskies and Cornish tales, Halloween trail
Daily from 22nd to 30th October (10am-4pm)

Cotehele’s resident piskies have been up to no good this Halloween. They’ve hidden a secret message all around the gardens at Cotehele. See if you can find all seven of their secret doors and read the stories from local folklore to solve the mystery. Pick up your free trail from the welcome centre when you arrive.

Please note – There is no need to book in advance. Normal admission charges apply for non-members.

How to get there
Trains run every two hours on the scenic Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Calstock, with the journey taking just over half an hour. Example train times:

Monday – Friday
Take the train from Plymouth at 10:28, arriving at Calstock at 11:01. The train back departs at 15:31, arriving into Plymouth at 16:04.

Saturday
Take the train from Plymouth at 10:24, arriving at Calstock at 10:57. The train back departs at 15:26, arriving into Plymouth at 16:00.

Sunday
Take the train from Plymouth at 11:10, arriving in Calstock at 11:43. The train back departs at 16:22 and arrives into Plymouth at 16:56.

The adult Off-Peak Day Return ticket costs £6.70, with 5-15 year olds travelling half-price and under 5s free.

Save a third off adult fares for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £1) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £12 a year for local residents.

Walk directions
From Calstock, it’s a picturesque 1.2-mile walk along the riverside to Cotehele (see directions and map). You can then choose whether to grab some lunch at the barn restaurant next to the main Cotehele house or head straight for the trail.

Buying tickets
Look up train times and buy rail tickets on the GWR website or app. Tickets can also be bought on the day. No pre-booking required.

More to Explore

Walks from the railway

Rail Ale Trails

Foodie Guides

Beaches by train