THE sixteenth century dovecote in the Valley Garden at Cotehele was once the roost for birds that were destined for the Edgcumbe family's dinner table and next week visitors will be able to enter the old dovecote during an 'unlocked' day.

Visitors to the National Trust estate will be able to enter the old dovecote during 'Cotehele unlocked' on Thursday, July 23 from 11am to 4pm.

They will also be welcome to climb the spiralling 55 stone stairs to the roof of the house, peek into closets and see areas not usually on the visitor route.

Rachel Hunt, house and collections manager, said: 'Cotehele Unlocked will give you a chance to meander and mooch around behind the scenes. It's rewarding for the staff and volunteers too because it gives us an opportunity to chat about what we do.

'It is often during these informal conversations that we discover what makes the house and estate special for people, giving us a real sense of purpose.

'Often, during discussion with visitors, new ideas emerge about how we can protect and enhance Cotehele, without spoiling the all-important spirit of the place.' 

Visitors to 'Cotehele Unlocked' may want to bring a torch so they can get a better view into Cotehele's dark corners and the gardeners advise anyone hoping to visit the dovecote not to wear their best shoes — the resident ten white doves do tend to leave the ground floor a bit mucky.