Thousands of Daffodils Bloom at Cotehele This March

Thousands of daffodils are set to burst into bloom at Cotehele next weekend as the historic garden reaches the height of its spring display.

The much-loved National Trust estate will celebrate the striking blooms from 14th to 16th March, with hundreds of heritage varieties revealing thousands of golden flowers across the gardens and orchards.

📷A family taking in the thousands of daffodils in Cotehele's gardens, Cornwall. Credit ©National Trust Images, Steven Haywood

More Than 300 Varieties on Show

Each year, Cotehele turns gold as its daffodil collection comes to life. Visitors will be able to see more than 300 varieties, including rare 200-year-old heirloom daffodils, up close.

To mark the start of spring in the Tamar Valley, the garden team has crafted this year’s display to frame one of the archways leading into the historic house.

Rich Burrow, the National Trust’s Visitor Experience Manager for the Tamar Valley, said: “The garden team have really outdone themselves this year. This daffodil archway showcases both their creativity and the beauty of Cotehele’s collection. We hope visitors will come and take some unforgettable pictures beneath it.”

📷Daffodils are a sensory delight for all ages at Cotehele, Cornwall. Credit ©National Trust Images, Steven Haywood

Trails, History and a House Lit by Spring Light

As well as the floral displays, there will be a trail of Cornish slates around the gardens highlighting the heirloom varieties. An art trail will also encourage families to take a closer look at the spring garden.

Inside the Tudor manor, daffodil arrangements will be on display throughout the historic house. With no electric lighting, the golden spring light is bringing the building back to life following a winter of conservation.

In recent years, gardeners and rangers have added to the collection, planting 1,000 ‘White Lion’ daffodils alongside 5,000 ‘Fortune’ daffodils in neat rows in the Millennium Orchard on the banks of the River Tamar. The orchard can be clearly seen when driving into Cotehele from St Dominick.

Dave Bouch, the National Trust’s Head Gardener for the Tamar Valley, said: “The daffodils are Cotehele’s crowning glory in spring. After a spectacular display of snowdrops and a surprisingly show-stopping crop of crocuses already, we’re expecting our daffodil collection to shine like gold.”

He added: “Daffodils are a really important part of the Valley’s industrial history. One hundred years ago, Narcissi that were picked in the Tamar Valley one day could be in the flower markets of Covent Garden just 12 hours later. It’s important that we celebrate and protect this heritage by continuing to care for our collections. Every visit to Cotehele helps us to do just that.”

📷Springtime in the garden at Cotehele, Cornwall

Plan Your Visit

The Daffodils at Cotehele celebration runs from 14th to 16th March, 10am to 5pm. Entry is free for National Trust members, with normal admission applying for non-members.

Cotehele is located in St Dominick, near Saltash, PL12 6TA. The estate and quay are open daily from dawn until dusk. The garden, Edgcumbe tea-room, Barn Restaurant, shop and gallery are open from 10am to 5pm. The house is open daily from 11am to 4pm, and the mill from 11am to 4.30pm.

For more information, visit the National Trust’s Cotehele webpage.

📷Garden staff and volunteers perfecting the 2025 daffodil display at Cotehele, Cornwall. Credit ©National Trust Images, Steven Haywood

📷A bank of daffodils at Cotehele, Cornwall