Calstock & Cotehele - a bit of hidden Cornwall

Hidden Cornwall

With its glorious coastline and stunning scenery Cornwall has always been a favourite and home to many well-known holiday resorts. You may never have heard of Calstock but it has no less charm than its better known cousins. It’s smaller and quieter - there are no bucket and spade shops or nagging seagulls. With its narrow streets and alleys, eclectic mix of colourful cottages and friendly locals, it is still quintessentially Cornish - a piece of hidden Cornwall.

Calstock is a short walk from the woodland hideaways at Okel Tor Mine, situated nearly twenty miles up the Tamar in the shadow of its magnificent railway viaduct. In days gone by a busy inland port serving the needs of the mining industry and market gardening; sailing barges loaded with various cargoes coming and going and rattling trains crossing the viaduct transporting fruit and flowers to the London markets. 

Today Calstock is a peaceful place. The noise filled air and activities a distant memory. Now you can amble through the village and imagine the hustle and bustle of yesteryear.

The village is off the beaten track so it’s never that busy - other than when the trip boats from Plymouth visit. For a few hours it may feel like just another typical holiday place but, pasties and drinks consumed, the passengers head back from whence they came as the boat slips beneath the viaduct and disappears around the bend in the river. Tranquility restored.

Woodland hideaways with a feeling of remoteness yet pubs and attractions within walking distance

Take a stroll into the village, browse the arts and crafts in The Lime Kiln art gallery. Relax by the river, watch the boats go by and and enjoy a meal and a pint in one of its two dog-friendly pubs, The Tamar Inn or The Boot Inn, both reputed for their excellent food and fine ales, or perhaps stop off at Lishe, a quirky little café with a range of teas and coffees as well as tasty sweet and savoury dishes (including vegan and gluten-free options). How about an ice cream from Valenti's artisan gelateria?.

The National Trust's Cotehele House is just down river from Calstock. A scenic 45-minute walk along the river or a short drive takes you to this atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a mill on a historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore. There are a choice of two places to eat.

For some evening entertainment wander into the village and enjoy some live music or an event at Calstock Arts or the village hall and then return by moonlight to your woodland hideaway and the peace and tranquillity of Okel Tor Mine.

Calstock Arts is a community arts centre located in a beautifully converted chapel in the village. They programme a wide range of events including folk, jazz, classical music, comedy, film, theatre, children’s events, talks and exhibitions. They have a fully licensed bar up on the gallery. In addition to their ticketed events they also have Gallery Bar Specials. These free entry events feature mainly live music from well-known and emerging performers in the south west. Make sure to check what's on during your stay at Okel Tor Mine.