Discover more at Godolphin
Find out when Godolphin is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Exploring the estate at Godolphin
There's lots to discover around the mighty Godolphin estate. Butterflies thrive here thanks to conservation land management and a little help from a herd of Ruby Red cows. The estate also has plenty of historical sites to uncover, including Tudor mines and Bronze Age features. There are also walks with far reaching views out to rugged Cornish coast.
Godolphin Hill
A gentle climb to the top of Godolphin Hill on a clear day rewards you with panaromic views which strech across two coastlines, from St Michael's Mount in Mounts Bay across to St Ives Bay.
Granite stone tops the peak of the hill, making it a perfect place to stop for a picnic and regain energy for the walk back down.
Local folklore suggests that the rock-strewn hilltops of Godolphin and nearby Tregonning Hill are the remnats of warring giants that once stood on top of these hills and threw rocks at each other.
The River Hayle
A shorter circular walk from the car park combines country views with walking along the River Hayle. Take in wooden bridges that traverse the water and return for refreshments in the Piggery tea-room.
Walking maps for Godolphin estate are available at the Welcome Hut at Godolphin.
Guided Estate Walks
Between March and October you can join one of our guided estate walks through the Godolphin countryside, with one of our volunteer tour guides.
Check back here in February 2025 to find out more about our estate tours.
Wildlife and Conservation
The farmed land in the Godolphin estate is managed using sustainable practices which provide habitats for a variety of smaller creatures. Rough land grazing is the most sustainable form of scrubland management and essential for nature conservation.
Red Ruby Devon cattle
Simply by grazing, the current herd of Ruby Red Devon cattle break down the dominant species of scrub allowing new growth. The removal of the tougher scrub and reduction of the bracken also creates new wind patterns around the hill, which is especially beneficial for butterflies.
Butterfly spotting
The hill is home to a growing population of small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, a red data species. As scrub is removed, important food sources, such as the dog violet, are allowed to grow with more ease. The butterfly is a key indicator species for good conservation management.
Historical sites
The long history of the Godolphin estate is visible across the landscape. Godolphin was quite literally built on top of the minerals that funded the estate. Around the edges of the hill are the remains of many mine workings dating from the late 16th century onwards.
Archaeology on the estate
The archaeology on the estate is wide and varied and some features date back to the Bronze Age. Landscape changes started around the Iron Age and medieval field systems are still evident on the hill.
Walking your dog around Godolphin estate.
Godolphin estate is a beautiful spot to walk your dog and enjoy the countryside. As Godolphin Hill is a working farm with grazing livestock, we ask that dogs remain on leads in this area. In Godolphin Woods and along the banks of the River Hayle, dogs are welcome to run around and explore off their leads.
For more information about walking your dog around Godolphin, including where dogs must be kept on leads click here.
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