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Getting There

Saltash is the ‘Gateway to Cornwall’ – sitting on the west bank of the Tamar River, which  divides Cornwall from neighbouring Devon, it is first major town in Cornwall.

The majority of people who arrive in Looe & Polperro will have crossed the river using either the Tamar Bridge or, by rail, the famous Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1859.

From Looe & Polperro, visiting Saltash & The Tamar Valley for the day:

By Car: Take the B3253 out of Looe and follow this road towards Hessenford, the road will become the A387 near Widegates. Follow until the t-junction,  turning left onto the A374 towards Plymouth/Liskeard, after a short distance, you will reach the Trerulefoot Roundabout, take the 3rd exit and follow the A38 all the way to Saltash (following the town centre signs when you reach the service area).

There are various bus routes in SE Cornwall & Plymouth that stop in Saltash. Full route & timetable information can be found on he website for Plymouth City Bus.

By Train, take the scenic Looe Valley Line to Liskeard where you will change from the branch line to the mainline station, where you can take any train in the direction of Plymouth that makes a stop at Saltash.

If you are visiting Plymouth, you can take a boat (passenger ferry) to/from Plymouth’s Elizabethan Barbican to Saltash (there are also seasonal afternoon river cruises from Plymouth to Calstock).

 

What’s To See & Do?

  • The Bridges – the two crossings of the Tamar River at Saltash (the modern Tamar Bridge replacing ferries which operated up until 1961) are worth a wonder down to the quayside where you will also find three waterside pubs.
  • Shopping – if you are just visiting the Town itself, the high street has a number of shops, cafes & restaurants to enjoy (all a short walk from the bus stops & train station).
  • Morwellham Quay The village of Morwellham was once a thriving port with copper ore mined from its George & Charlotte mine being shipped throughout Europe; today you can visit the ancient quay and its various attractions, with new activities due to open in 2022.
  • Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – on the doorsteps of Saltash, the AONB (and also a World Heritage site) – fantastic for cycling, walking and discovering the ancient quays, with its mining history, as well as the rivers Lynher, Tavy & Tamar. For more information on days out and activities, you can view a map HERE or visit their tourism website HERE
  • Cothele – Owned by the National Trust, Cothele is an atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on an historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore (their famous gardens are stunning year-round, especially during the spring).
  • Golf – for golf lovers, you are spoilt for choice. in Saltash, the China Fleet Club has fantastic facilities spread over 180 acres – including 18 hole course, leisure & dining facilities plus a wonderful family adventure golf. For serious golfing enthusiasm, St. Mellion Estate offer the world-class championship course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.
  • Tamar Valley Donkey Park – a great place to visit with children to meet both these wonderful animals (and a number of other species too) and also their indoor play centre.
  • Port Eliot House & Gardens – on your way out of/back to Looe & Polperro, the wonderful Grade 1 Listed Port Elliot is worth a visit (in the village of St. Germans) – they also have a great series of summer events which, in 2022, includes a concert by Tom Jones (June 22nd).

Where to Eat & Drink

 

There are numerous places to enjoy a lite bite or a long lazy lunch during the day, from waterside pubs in Saltash, to historic inns along the Tamar Valley.  These are a few that have caught our attention or we’ve had direct feedback about.

The Tamar Inn, in the village of Calstock, with stunning views over the river and its famous railway bridge.. and also in Morwellham Quay, The Ship Inn. A little further up the valley, near the village of St. Dominick, the Who’d Of Thought It Inn dates to 1860 with stunning views over the Tamar Valley.

At the above mentioned China Fleet Club, there are various dining options, including a brasserie, bar and afternoon tea service. At Cothele, The Barn and The Edgcumbe offer various light bits and drinks. For great breakfasts (as well as lunches) Tamar View Nurseries

Are we missing something ?

If you feel we’ve missed any gems on our Saltash & The Tamar Valley post – could be an amazing view point or a great place to enjoy a meal – please let us know.

Drop us an email and we will add the details into our Blog.