Calstock
The village of Calstock is dominated by one of the last magnificent railway viaducts to be built in the UK and was completed in 1907. This imposing landmark stands at 120 feet tall and comprises of 12 sixty foot arches. It carries the Tamar Railway track which is an attraction in its self, starting in Gunnislake and ending in Plymouth.
A mile along the River Tamar is Cothele House and Gardens. This mixture of Medieval and Tudor house with its estate is owned by the National Trust. It was between 1485 and 1627 it is considered one of the least altered houses of this period in the United Kingdom. With a restored working watermill and riverside gardens and quay, this family and dog-friendly property is a lovely place to visit all year round.
Cotehele House and Gardens
Cotehele is a National Trust Property built from Granite and slatestone. The house sits in a commanding position on the banks high above the river Tamar which incorporates 1300 acres of rolling countryside. Originally built in medieval times, it was mainly rebuilt in the Tudor period and its architecture reflects these two periods.
The Edgcumbe family who owned the house for 600 years developed the interiors for around 100 years starting in the 1750s. This was a deliberate attempt to evoke a sense of nostalgia and recreate the atmosphere of Medieval history. The grounds also incorporate a chapel which was remodelled in the early 1500s.
Cotehele also incorporates a quay on the River Tamar and is the historic home to the sailing barge Shamrock – the only fully-restored ketch-rigged Tamar sailing barge in the world built in 1899. Just a short walk from the quay along Morden Stream is Cotehele Mill and Victorian workshops which have existed since medieval times. The mill can be seen working between March and October which produces flour in the traditional way.
The River Taymar and Valley – an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The river Taymar and Taymar Valley has something for everyone It is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the river stretches 60 miles from source to sea. It was a busy commercial mainline connection to ferry minerals and metals mined in Devon and Cornwall for hundreds of years.
Nowadays traffic has far less urgency with yachts and pleasure boats making their way up and down the Taymar’s shores. Its paths are a perfect place to walk, cycle or a place for a family picnics.
A Tamar Valley AONB team was formed to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage aiming to protect it from the environmental challenges of the area. Other than environmental challenges, the challenge is to develop and evolve sustainable farmland to supply local food and allow wildlife to thrive. This friendly group is always looking for voluntary team members to get involved.
Tamar Valley Branch Line
The Tamar Valley branch line is one of the most picturesque in the country. Starting in Plymouth it winds its way along the River Taymar and finishes in Gunnislake. It is listed as one of GWRs Great Scenic Railway ‘Ale Trails’ because it passes several real ale country pubs along the way.
As Calstock station is minutes away from Bridge View it’s not long before you’re rolling over the impressive 120-foot tall viaduct and passing Cotehele House and then on to Bere Alston, Bere Ferrers, St Budeaux, Keyham the Plymouth Historic Dockyard and finally, Plymouth.
The market town of Tavistock is 7 miles away from Calstock and is a 33-minute train ride. This ancient stannery market town holds a world heritage status. Its high street is full of small independent shops and a fascinating market where you can browse to your heart’s content and pick up some unusual items.
Morwellham working village mine and craft centre
4 miles west of Tavistock and bordering on the river Taymar, Morwellham forms part of a World Heritage site and is an award-winning attraction featuring a historic port, village, copper mine and railway. It features a great family day out because there are so many interactive activities including chocolate making and traditional crafts.
Dartmoor National Park
The crowning glory as far as wide open spaces go! Dartmoor is the unique home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country with its wild open moorland and deep river valleys, tors and diverse wildlife.
Archaeological sites include Haytor Granite Tramway which enabled granite to be transported from quarries on granite rails from the Haytor Vale to Teignmouth Port. Granite from this area was used to build the National Gallery and construction of London Bridge. Also, Hound Tor medieval village which contains numerous abandoned medieval farmsteads established in the 13th century with additional 14th and 15th-century building. There are many more archaeological sites to visit besides these two. Leisure activities include walking, cycling, camping, canoeing, climbing and letterbox geocaching.
We hope that this has given you a flavour of some of the local amenities and things to do in the area of Calstock.