Trelissick’s giant dragon is back after hiding from Storm Austen

Last weekend, a dragon had to be carried indoors.

The Dragon of Porthtowan, one of the giant sculptures brought to National Trust Trelissick for this year’s Halloween celebrations, spent Storm Austen sheltering inside along with the rest of the estate’s mythical creatures. Now she’s back in place, and Trelissick has reopened for the final days of October half term.

📷The ferocious dragon spans 3m in the stableyard at Trelissick. Credit: National Trust Images/Emily Hide

Why the creatures went indoors

The sculptures were made for Dark Cornwall’s Kalan Gwav celebration, which runs at the historic estate near Truro until this Sunday (1 November). With severe weather on the way, staff moved them inside to keep them safe from the storm.

Gareth Lay, General Manager for the National Trust’s Heart of Cornwall properties, including Trelissick, said: “Storm Austen certainly brought some drama to Trelissick over the weekend, and not quite the kind we’d planned for Halloween! With the severe weather approaching, our teams worked hard to bring the sculptures inside to keep them safe, before turning their attention to getting Trelissick ready to welcome visitors back.

“It’s wonderful to see the Dragon of Porthtowan and the other mythical creatures back in their places. We’re really grateful to our teams for all their hard work, and with some brighter weather ahead, we’re looking forward to welcoming families back to enjoy the final days of Kalan Gwav.”

This year’s event is Trelissick’s largest collaboration with Dark Cornwall so far. It brings together giant mythical creatures, a community exhibition and live storytelling drawn from Cornish folklore, with costumes encouraged.

📷The Owlman of Mawnan, hidden in the trees at Trelissick. Credit: Dark Cornwall

Stories in the stableyard

Head to the stableyard for tales from Cornwall’s past.

The Story Republic will be sharing Cornish folklore on Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

On Wednesday 28 October and Sunday 1 November, Cornwall Heritage Trust‘s resident storyteller James Parnham-Kenny will be telling stories and playing games at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. He’ll have some help from his puppet friend, Jasper the Dragon.

“There’s still plenty of time to discover the sculptures, explore the exhibition and enjoy some brilliant Cornish storytelling this half term,” said Gareth.

📷One of the pieces submitted to the Kalan Gwav exhibition. Credit: Dark Cornwall

Piskies and spriggans in the West Library

Inside Trelissick House, the West Library is hosting an exhibition of 26 artworks by 21 artists from the Dark Cornwall community. Piskies, spriggans and dragons all feature, alongside other local legends.

Dark Cornwall is a Cornwall-based creative studio that brings the Duchy’s folklore, mythology and ancient history to new audiences through large-scale creatures, sculpture, exhibitions, film, storytelling and workshops. It works with artists, makers, heritage organisations and community partners across Cornwall, and has built an audience of more than 120,000 people across its digital channels.

📷Children dressed up for Halloween. Credit: National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Visiting Trelissick this half term

Entry to Kalan Gwav is included with admission to Trelissick, and it’s free for National Trust members. The garden is open daily from 10am to 5pm while the experience runs.

You’ll find more details on the National Trust Trelissick website.

Dogs on short leads are welcome in the garden. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the house.

📷The fearsome Dragon of Porthtowan, before she lands at Trelissick this Halloween. Credit: Dark Cornwall

📷The mermaid Morvoren glows in the late October sun. Credit: National Trust Images/Emily Hide

📷The mermaid Morvoren invites visitors into the Solarium in Trelissick House. Credit: National Trust Images/Emily Hide

📷A close up of the offered hand of Morvoren the Mermaid. Credit: National Trust Images/Emily Hide

📷Seafae inspired by Cornish wildlife are included in the sculptures at Trelissick this October. Credit: Dark Cornwall

📷A green creature that features in the Dark Cornwall Community exhibition at Trelissick. Credit: Dark Cornwall/Liz Williams

📷View of Trelissick House from the Tennis Lawn. Credit: National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

📷View to the east side of Trelissick House. Credit: National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

📷The Dragon of Porthtowan in her new home at Trelissick. Credit: National Trust Images/Emily Hide