Families looking for some fun things to do this summer can head to Cotehele, the National Trust house with a rambling garden and estate overlooking the water across to Plymouth.

A programme of special activities will keep little ones busy no matter what the weather may bring.

Guided activities take place weekdays from Monday, July 29 to Sunday, September 1, from 11am to 3pm. On Mondays visitors will be able to hold antique swords in the house; Tuesdays children can make ‘play’ swords and shields; Wednesdays will feature soft archery in the orchard; Thursdays we’ll be pond-dipping; and ‘crafty Fridays’ will be a day for making butterfly feeders in the Brewery Bookshop.

Children can explore the Tudor estate by following a new animal-themed trail in the house, by joining games on the lawn including quoits and croquet, and connect with nature following the National Trust ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge.

On Sundays throughout the summers holidays visitors can step back in time at Cotehele Mill. Staff and volunteers will be dressed in Victorian costume and, if the conditions are right, they will be demonstrating how to mill the flour as it was in its Victorian heyday.

All activities are free with entry and normal admission charges apply.