Early bumper apple harvest brings extra picking weekend to Cotehele Estate

The National Trust’s Cotehele estate in Cornwall has been surprised by an unusually early apple harvest this year, with thousands of fruits ripening weeks ahead of schedule. To make the most of the bumper crop, the historic Tudor estate is inviting visitors to join an extra Apple Picking Weekend on Saturday, 6th and Sunday, 7th September, ahead of its annual Apple Weekender.

Nestled in the Tamar Valley – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a unique microclimate – Cotehele is renowned for its orchards, which are home to dozens of rare and historic West Country apple varieties. The estate’s Mother Orchard, planted in 2007, was created to conserve and showcase traditional apple species, some of which date back centuries and were once in danger of being lost.

Visitors to the special harvest weekend will be able to stroll among the trees, pick apples straight from the branches, and take them home to enjoy fresh, juiced, or baked into seasonal crumbles and pies.

Emma Whitworth, Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Cotehele, said:
“It’s such a special time of year when visitors can use all of their senses to connect with local heritage and create lasting memories - sharing the bounty of the harvest, thinking about recipes to cook together, and enjoying time as families. It’s wholesome and traditional in the very best way - timeless. Celebrating the apple harvest marks the end of summer in the Tamar Valley, and we’re delighted to welcome everyone to be part of it.”

This year’s early yield is thanks to a combination of record summer temperatures and a strong blossom season, according to Cotehele’s gardening team.

Head Gardener David Bouch explained:
“This has been one of the hottest years on record, and after a bountiful blossom season, we’ve had a bumper crop of apples that caught us off guard. They’ve ripened unseasonably early, so we had to make the decision to put on an extra weekend of apple picking. We didn’t want to waste the apples - so now visitors can help us bring in the harvest.”

The Apple Picking Weekend runs from 6th–7th September (10am–5pm). Visitors are encouraged to bring their own bags or buy one on site (£3 paper bag / £5 reusable sack). Suggested donations will go directly towards supporting the garden team and the long-term care of the orchards for future generations.

The festivities continue with Cotehele’s popular Apple Weekender on 13th–14th September (10am–5pm), a lively festival celebrating the fruit’s heritage. Highlights include:

• Tastings of rare and historic apple varieties

• Orchard tours and wildflower meadow sessions

• Expert talks from gardeners and orchard volunteers

• Family-friendly creative activities

• A first taste of Cotehele’s new floral cider

Normal admission applies to both weekends, with free entry for National Trust members.

For full details, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele