A family day out at Cotehele this half-term

Hop on the train to Calstock for a spooky family day out this October half-term at Cotehele National Trust.

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What’s on at Cotehele

All of Cotehele’s half-term events are free to join, and there’s no need to book in advance for the main trail. Normal admission charges for non-members apply.

Swashbuckling Scarecrows at Cotehele

Saturday 25 October – Sunday 9 November 2025 / 10:00 – 16:00 daily

Navigate to Cotehele this half-term to see how many pirate-themed scarecrows you can discover while exploring the gardens. Pick up a free trail sheet from their welcome desk, then set off to find the swashbuckling scarecrows hidden throughout the grounds.

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Getting there

It’s a scenic 30-minute journey on the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Calstock. Hop off and either grab some lunch in the village at The Tamar Inn (just a 7-minute walk from the station) or head off on a crisp riverside and woodland 1.2-mile walk (note: the path up through the woods is steep and uneven in places) to Cotehele National Trust.

Or if you want to cut out some of the walk, take electric Calstock Ferry from Calstock to Cotehele Quay! Please note: the ferry runs 2–3 hours either side of high tide, so plan ahead at calstockferry.com.

Trains leave Plymouth every 2 hours. The Off-Peak Day Return fare from Plymouth to Calstock is £8.30 for adults, with 5-15 year-olds half price, and under 5’s go free. 

Save a third off the adult fare for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £2) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £13 a year for local residents, now available to buy online.

Look up train times and buy rail tickets on the GWR website or app.