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 550 acre 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 remnants of warring giants that once stood on top of these hills and threw rocks at each other.
Walking maps for Godolphin estate are available at the Welcome Hut at Godolphin, or follow the link below to view the full trail route.
Godolphin Woods
A walk through Godolphin woods is a stroll through the heart of Godolphin's industrial past. The extensive site of Godolphin Mine is now largely hidden by woodland, but if you look closely remains of mining can still be seen.
Explore Godolphin woods at your own pace with our way-marked trail.
Walking maps for Godolphin estate are available at the Welcome Hut at Godolphin, or follow the link below to view the full trail route.
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, or follow the link below to view the full trail route.
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 walk leaders.
Every Monday at 11am, from 10 March 2025, you can join one of our volunteer guides and experience a walk in nature around Godolphin estate with a different route each week.
Or why not join one of our volunteer tour guides on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday for a short guided walk through the mining landscape of Godolphin Woods, starting from 8 March 2025. On this walk you can find out more about Godolphn's industrial past as the tour guide points out the remains of mining at Godolphin.
Please Note: All guided walks are subject to volunteer availabilty and may be cancelled in bad weather. We recommend calling ahead if you are visiting specifically to join one of these 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 please follow the link below.
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