Godolphin
Cornwall, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Godolphin Cross, Helston TR13 9QZ
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- Three car parks incl. accessible; National Trust members free; up to 1hr £1.50, up to 2hrs £2.50, all day £5; payment meters cash only
- Access
- Uneven, sloping terrain with steep slopes and steps; accessible parking and drop-off point; Tramper mobility vehicle and all-terrain wheelchair to hire; ramped access to orchard and courtyard
- Facilities
- Second-hand bookshop, Piggery tea-room (drinks, cakes, sandwiches; no hot food), toilets in Piggery and near orchard incl. accessible toilet, guided tours on select days
- Dogs
- On short leads welcome throughout garden, outbuildings and tea-room; assistance dogs only inside house and King's Room; on leads on farmland due to livestock
- Safety
- Uneven, sloping terrain with steep slopes and steps; livestock grazing on estate farmland
Godolphin is a Tudor and Stuart house built on the wealth generated by the nearby Godolphin tin mines, one of Cornwall's quieter National Trust properties.
Worth the trip
Its Tudor and Stuart architecture, funded directly by the historic tin-mining wealth of the Godolphin family.
Before you go
As one of the National Trust's smaller, lesser-visited Cornish properties, it tends to be quieter than the region's bigger-name houses, so it suits visitors looking to avoid crowds.
Reviewers describe a compact site with plenty of character, typically filling around an hour, and repeatedly mention the King's Room and the story that the future Charles II sheltered here during the Civil War. The walled gardens are well liked, children are said to enjoy the introductory video and the barn, and several visitors highlight the walks as good for dogs. Staff come in for consistent praise as friendly and helpful, including accompanying one visitor with a disability to the picnic area. Parking is noted as more limited than at other National Trust sites, with the approach described as more track than road, though it is free for members. Cakes get a positive mention.
Tudor and Stuart house built on the wealth of the Godolphin tin mines
“Lovely place to visit, staff at reception very helpful, beautiful walled gardens, gorgeous cakes, very interesting to find that King Charles the 2nd was hiding there during the civilv war.”- Sandra Dance, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Not a huge amount of parking compared to other national trust sites,more track then road.” - Jack Ob
- Facilities
- “Due to a current disability, staff accompanied me to the picnic area & gave directions where I could sit and enjoy the garden and rest.” - Susan Paddon
Common questions about Godolphin
Where is Godolphin?
Godolphin is in Cornwall, England, at Godolphin Cross, Helston TR13 9QZ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Godolphin?
Yes - Godolphin is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Godolphin?
Yes - Godolphin offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the stately home itself or within its grounds. See the Stately Homes You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Godolphin?
Its Tudor and Stuart architecture, funded directly by the historic tin-mining wealth of the Godolphin family.
Is Godolphin a ruin or still intact?
Godolphin is largely intact - Tudor and Stuart house built on the wealth of the Godolphin tin mines.
