The Mother Orchard is home to more than 300 trees and 125 different heritage varieties of dessert, culinary and cider apples.

Bags will be available from visitor reception for a suggested donation of £3 for a small bag, or £5 for a sack. You are welcome to bring your own bag, but we ask for a donation to go towards the upkeep of Cotehele. By taking part and donating, you'll be able to take a selection of these special varieties home with you, whilst helping us look after the orchard and Cotehele for generations to come. Normal admission charges to visit apply.

Our top tips for picking apples:

-The orchards at Cotehele can be uneven in places; please mind how you go.

- Watch out for biting and stinging insects; they like fruit too.

- Do not climb on the delicate fruit trees; they are old with weak branches.

- Please pick gently without tugging or pulling too hard, as this can damage the tree. If the apple easily comes away, then it is ripe. If not, leave on the branch for a bit longer.

- Give all the apples a wash with water when you get home, before consuming.

Not looking to take any apples home? Help us collect the windfall and drop it off at one of our collection stations to help us create cider in the future.

Description supplied by the event organiser.