Lanhydrock, An Estate in Cornwall

Our National Geographic ship is now making its way along the southern coast of Britain — that is, we are in Cornwall. This afternoon, we visited a stately home named Lanhydrock, which was mainly built in the 19th century. The kitchens are the most interesting exhibit, and are furnished with original equipment as well as plenty of fake food and a few docents in costume. Of course as I contemplated the polished copper, the huge fireplace, the large crockery vessels and the obvious number of servants who must have worked there, I thought about the TV shows that included scenes in such kitchens — particularly Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey.

One of the larders.

The oven.

Our cruise will continue to make its way around the British Isles, and assuming that I’m able to continue blogging, I’ll document at least part of each day’s activities as we proceed. 

Photos © 2026 mae sander