We will join Richard Blewett, the owner of the estate and sixth generation of his family to live at the manor, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the house and its 800 years of fascinating history. Having spent over 20 years researching Pengenna’s past, Richard brings the story of the manor to life with his deep knowledge and personal insight.  We will visit rarely seen areas including those parts as yet unrestored and he will answer any of our questions.   

The visit includes a delicious home-made buffet lunch, along with tea and coffee, served in one of the barns where there will also be a display of family history items, including photo albums, a family tree, and a historical timeline of the manor. We are welcome to explore the gardens and grounds, at our leisure, either before or after lunch.

Richard will guide us through the manor house in two small groups of 15. The first group’s tour will be from 10.30 -12.30 followed by lunch. The second group will arrive at 12.15 to have lunch with the first group and then start their tour at 1.30pm until 3.30pm.  Please indicate on the application form whether you prefer morning or afternoon tour. 

Tickets cost £30.00 per person including lunch

Book now to avoid disappointment. 

Any queries, please contact Kerensa Beer-Robson at kerensabeer@me.com

A new immersive historical experience opened last summer in St Ive bringing to life an untold chapter of UK history.  It has been warmly recommended by fellow societies and friends.

‘The Story of Emily’ blends cutting-edge technology with a painstaking restoration. It shines the light on Emily Hobhouse, an inspirational woman from Cornwall who challenged the social norms of the Victorian era against the backdrop of the Second Anglo-Boer War,. This is a woman who travelled alone to South Africa and became an eyewitness to the suffering of the women and children exposed to harsh weather conditions, meagre rations, lack of clean water, malnutrition, and diseases. Emily delivered aid and improved conditions for thousands of women and children during the war, impacting the lives of so many.

Emily’s Story invites visitors to leave the present behind and step into the late 19th to early 20th century. Self-guided audio tours take in Emily’s childhood home, the Victorian Rectory, which has been restored to the year 1875 when Emily was 15 years old. With an invitation to wander curiously through the house, guests can discover everywhere from Emily’s school room and bedroom to the scullery and maid’s room. The we can progress to the War Rooms in a separate building.  This is a rich immersive experience where we can understand the challenges facing Emily when she travelled to South Africa to help the women and children caught up in the second Anglo-Boer war.  The Story of Emily tells how one woman, a pacifist, brought change and above all hope. 

We can also wander round the ornamental gardens and see the kitchen garden which grows produce for the restaurant.  Lunch will be available for members to purchase in the restaurant which serves delicious South-African food. 

This is a self drive visit.  The cost will be just £15.00 per person.  Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  Book early to avoid disappointment. We regret that all places are now filled.   If you wish to be put on the waiting list please email Kerensa Beer-Robson  Click here for the booking form. 

We are delighted to be able to offer our members a special visit to Caerhays Castle and its spectacular spring garden, renowned world wide for its collections.  It will be a self-drive visit. 

The Castle

The grade 1 listed castle is still home to the Williams family so a guide will give us a tour of the main rooms on the ground floor and the collections they contain.  They have asked us to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts at 11.30 am.  It will last about an hour.

The Garden

The garden is a traditional woodland garden covering 140 acres and is spectacular in the spring.  It is home to a magnificent collection of magnolias, the famous Williamsii camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and may other beautiful flowering shrubs.  Many of these plants were collected by Charles Williams' great grandfather, JC Williams, a hundred years ago.  There are sign-posted walks around the garden of varying length.  You can also download a map of the paths from the Caerhays website, or buy a Garden Guide book from the Caerhays shop on arrival.  But a word of warning, the castle is set in a valley facing the sea.  The garden rises up the hill behind and some of the paths are steep. 

The visit is limited to a group of just 25 people so please book early to avoid disappointment.  The price is £22.00 per person.  Email jennysmith309@gmail.com to reserve your place or download the booking form here

The Magnolia Tearooms

Refreshments are available at the Magnolia Tearooms from 10.00 to 16.30, including hot drinks, homemade cakes and light lunches.  All food is made to order so if several of our group would like to have lunch there we are advised to pre-book.  Please indicate when reserving your place.  The cost of refreshments is not included in the ticket price.  Alternatively, you may prefer to bring a packed lunch and then set off to explore the gardens.  Dogs are welcome except in the Castle or Tearooms.

Caerhays have requested us to give them of the car registration numbers for our group. 

We will have a private tour of this magnificent Tudor house and its treasures while it is closed to the public.  The tour will start at 11.00 and last about an hour.  In the afternoon you will be free to explore the grounds.

The House was built between 1547 and 1550 in a revolutionary design for that period, facing outwards for the views rather than inwards for security.  It is home to many notable works of art by famous artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Willem van de Velde and Gerard Edema.  Other highlights on display are three large 16th century tapestries,  Bouille furniture, a pair of rare Irish Bronze Age horns, clocks, sculptures, silverware and some examples of Plymouth Porcelain (manufactured by William Cookworthy).

The house was hit by an incendiary bomb in March 1941 which burnt the house, destroying the west wing.  The 6th Earl instigated the restoration to its original design, using the architect, Gilbert Scott.  Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council bought the estate from the 7th Earl in 1971 and continue to run it jointly.

 Mount Edgcumbe has the earliest landscaped park in Cornwall.  The Grade I listed gardens and park are unusual in that rather than layers of design from one period being overwritten by the next, landscaping here has tended to expand further outwards, so elements from each key period remain fairly intact.

This is a self-drive visit and the cost will be just £12.00 per person but numbers are limited . Book early by contacting Michael Talbot-Smith on 01579 320593, email michaelsown@hotmail.co.uk

The shops and café in the Barrow Centre will be open for refreshments or bring a picnic for lunch.

See here for the Mount Edgcumbe web site.

PORT ELIOT HOUSE AND GARDENS

St. Germans, Saltash, PL12 5ND

Port Eliot is the ancestral seat of the 11th Earl of St. Germans and the home of the Eliot family.  This lovely Grade-1 listed priory and house with parts dating back to the 12th century was remodelled by Sir John Soane in the 18th century.  Then the renowned landscape gardener, Humphrey Repton, was able to create the extensive gardens and park with magnificent views over the estuary.

On arrival, we will be divided into two groups of 15 maximum, giving everyone a chance to see the house and hear the guide. Each group will have an exclusive tour of the house led by Lady Bianca. 

They have a policy of strictly NO PHOTOS in the house. 

The tour will include the servants quarters and cellar which have uneven floors.  While the first group tours the House, the second group will have the opportunity to explore the gardens and Priory Church.

The booking form and further details can be found here.

The cafe in the stable block, a 5 minute walk, serves delicious vegetarian light lunches and cakes
or you can bring your own and picnic in the park. The local pub no longer serves food.

Directions: 
Port Eliot is in St Germans, 3 miles east of Trerulefoot on the Torpoint road, the A374, and signposted from Polbathic.
Post code PL12 5ND, 
What 3 Words:  bats.launcher.traffic.

photo: Port Eliot and St Germans Church

Discover the treasures of Launceston, once the capital of Cornwall.

We will meet at The Eagle House Hotel at 9.45 for coffee before an illustrated, introductory talk about the Merchant House and its restoration by David Scott, the owner of the Grade 2* listed building.

Only a limited number of people will fit into the rooms at one time in this C16th house so we will split into three smaller groups for the 45 minute tour.  Groups will swap over so that everyone will experience each tour.

One group will go with David to visit the house and see this treasure trove of architectural history - from ancient fire places to fabulous plaster ceilings and panelled walls.

The second group will take a walking tour of Launceston town with local historian, Arthur Wills, Town Archivist and former Mayor who knew Charles Causley.

The third group will have the opportunity to visit Launceston Castle (English Heritage entry fee of £6.80 not included) Dating from the C12th, this Motte and Bailey fortress was the centre of government in Cornwall for over 600 years. It was the residence of one of Europe's richest men, Richard, Earl of Cornwall (1209-72).

After our tours we meet up again at Eagle House Hotel for a buffet lunch, which will include a selection of Savoury Sandwiches, Quiches, Couscous Bowls, Potato Salad and Lemon Drizzle Cake. There will be a cash bar.  Eagle House has its own small carpark and there are public carparks nearby in Castle Street and Tower Street

Please note : Launceston is very hilly and due to the age of the buildings,  access, steep staircases and uneven ground would make this a challenge for less able bodied members..

Tickets cost £24.00 per person, including coffee and lunch.  They are available here.

This is a collaboration between The Arts Society Bodmin and The Arts Society West Cornwall who were the inspiration behind the event.  There are only 20 tickets on sale for this exclusive event.  Book early to avoid disappointment.  We will be using the TAS West Cornwall Ticket Tailor on-line ticketing system for payment by bank card.  After clicking on the link above, enter the event code: Merchant House, click on the red Buy Tickets banner on the right, then enter the access code TASBod to buy one of our allocation of tickets. You will be asked for your contact details and then card details in the normal way.

We look forward to seeing you in Launceston on 27th April.

Note

All the places on this visit have now been taken.

Photo by Jazzamedeo - Own work

VISIT TWO HISTORIC HOUSES IN PLYMPTON
 THURSDAY  19th  MAY 2022

HEMERDON HOUSE is the private home of the Woollcombe family since the 16th century.  It contains a wealth of local and family history and a fascinating collection of Art and Objets d’Art.   These artefacts were collected during their years of service in public life from the 18th Century, in and around Plymouth, the Church, the Military, Law and Medicine, and local government.

From Hemerdon we move on to SALTRAM – in the care of The National Trust and described by Pevsner as “the most impressive house in Devon” - where we will have lunch (bring a picnic or eat in the cafe your own expense) and a chance to visit the house, at your leisure, with original contents including Chinese wallpapers, an exceptional Art collection and much more.  You might perhaps choose to explore the mainly 19th Century Garden and Orangery. 

Members will have to show their NT membership cards and those visitors who are not National Trust members must include an extra £12.35  in their payment to Michael Talbot-Smith with the application.

The application form may be downloaded here.

Image © 2021-2025 Hemerdon Estate. All rights reserved

This visit will be restricted to 32 members in a 49-seater coach so it is imperitive to book.  The booking form and further details can be found here.

'Hall' was the seat of the prominent and ancient North Devon Chichester family and continues to be owned by descendents.  
Grade II listed neo Jacobean House rebuilt in 1840.  English Heritage describes it as a house of real historical and unexpected architectural interest, with imposing staircase, a grand Gothic Hall with tie-beam roof. Outside are various estate buildings including a Medieval Barn and 17th century Stable block.

After lunch we will go to Dartington glass Factory and Gift shop enroute back to Bodmin.

With the continued uncertainty the visit to Hall Estate near Barnstable has been postponed until the Autumn.

We will let you know when dates and details become clearer.

Due to the C-virus restrictions there will be no visit on 21st October.

This museum is currently closed due to the restrictions

This museum in Exeter is one of the finest regional museums and it tells the story of Exeter and Devon.  It also houses several important collections.

More information may be found on the museum's web site.

Further details of the visit wiil be posted here later.

CANCELLED due to Coronavirus restrictions

The Hall Estate near Barnstable is a Grade II listed Neo-Jacobean house and is the seat of the Chichester family.  English Heritage describes it as a "House of real historical unexpected architectural interest" with imposing staircase hall, grand reception rooms, a gothic hall and a medieval barn.

More information may be found on the Estate's web site.

St. Mary's Church, Atherington has many old features including the only intact rood loft that defied Elizabeth I's decree to remove them. 
There are also green men, carved roof bosses, bench ends and medieval Tudor tombs.

A picture of Holcombe Court is to the right.

Full details will follow soon...

Tiverton Castle

Few buildings evoke such an immediate feeling of history as Tiverton Castle.

Originally built as a motte and bailey castle in 1106 by Richard de Redvers on orders of Henry I, it was fought over in the Civil War. Nowadays the Castle is a peaceful, private house, and the buildings, furnishings and exhibits reflect the colourful history and development.   

We are fortunate that Alison Gordon will conduct a guided tour for us.

Application forms may be downloaded here.

Tremenheere Sculpture Garden

A beautiful sheltered valley in west Cornwall, surrounded by woods, streams and dramatic vista provides the perfect setting for this 22-acre exotic and sub-tropical garden. International renowned artists such as James Turrell and David Nash RA have interacted with the garden to create site-specific permanent works, all harmonising with their garden setting.   See the web site here.

Tate St Ives

Tate St Ives is always worth a visit and especially after its recent extensive refurbishment and expansion.  To see what is currently on Visit the web site here

Exeter Cathedral is described as England’s most beautiful Decorated Gothic cathedral by English Heritage.  In terms of aesthetics, acoustics and engineering it marks a high point in medieval cathedral building. ‘Decorated Gothic’ sees an abundance of naturalistic carving, and is rich in gilt, paint, marble, alabaster, brass and Purbeck stone.

Our guide will be Mark Cottle who has also arranged access to the cathedral library for us.

Full details and a booking form may be downloaded here.

Exeter Cathedral web site may be seen using this link.

Mark Cottle                        

Mark was born on the Isles of Scilly and educated at Truro School, Cornwall, and Birmingham University. His career has been spent in education and training at home and abroad. He has lectured at Exeter College on Medieval and Tudor history, St Mark's & St John's University College, Plymouth, and at Bath University on Anglo Saxon and medieval England.

Powderham Castle has been a family home for over 600 years. It was built by Sir Philip Courtenay in the 14th century and, despite many alterations and additions to adapt the Castle to changing times, Philip and his many descendants would undoubtedly still recognise it today.

Full details and a booking form may be downloaded here.

You may visit their web site here.

Delamore 

Each summer the Delamore Arts Exhibition takes place at Delamore bringing art and the public together within this idyllic setting on the fringes of Dartmoor. The magnificent grounds provide a beautiful backdrop for sculpture large and small, from Henry Moore Foundation prize winners to emerging artists, and the ballroom makes a superb gallery for paintings and indoor sculptures.

Lukesland has 24 acres of woodland gardens, with flowering shrubs, trees and a wealth of wild flowers. It is in the beautiful setting of a small valley with a brook cascading from its source on Dartmoor through ponds and over waterfalls towards the River Erme.

Further details and the booking form can be found here. You may also like to visit their web sites which may be found here - Delamore and Lukesland

Built in the 1870's by Stephen Cave, then MP for New Shoreham, Sidbury Manor remains the residence of the Cave family to this day. A beautiful red brick mansion, Sidbury Manor stands out as an important historical landmark, and benefits from a scenic, large estate near the regency resort of Sidmouth.

Stop press: As of 30th August there are only six places left.  If you would like to join us, contact Nancy as soon as possible!

Full details and booking form can be downloaded here .

Full details and an application form may be in the found in our Documents page (by clicking the button on the left) under "Crowcombe Court."

Full details and an application form may be in the found in our Documents page (by clicking the button on the left. )

Full details and an application form may be in the found in our Documents page (by clicking the button on the left. )

As of 23 August, there were still a few places left for this visit. You may may use the application form for this visit in our Documents section on the "About Us" page, to reserve one of the remaining places.

You may find more information on the Castle Hill House web site which can be found through the Useful Links page of this web site NOTE: THE COACH DEPARTS FROM MORRISON'S AT 08.30, NOT 09.30 AS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED.