A Local’s Guide To A Cosy Winter Weekend in Calstock, Cornwall

Friday

Check in

Start your weekend with a warm welcome at either Mariner’s House or Galleon House. Check in to these homely and welcoming self-catering cottages, and explore the comfortable rooms – and even more comfortable beds. If you didn’t have a chance to see the magnificent railway viaduct as you arrived, take a quick walk down to see it in all its glory as the sun sets behind it.

Eat out

Locals and tourists alike recommend the Boot Inn (which is just around the corner) for a hearty, delicious pub meal. With many five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, and repeatedly described as a “hidden gem”, it’s the perfect way to begin your fulfilling yet relaxing weekend.

Cosy up

After your meal, head back to the property and light the cosy woodburning stove. On a chilly winter evening, nothing could be cosier than a mug of hot chocolate, a good fire and a great film on Netflix. Finish up with some board games – also provided – before you all head to bed.

Saturday

Visit Morwellham Quay

A unique attraction sits right on your doorstep in Calstock. The award-winning Morwellham Quay recreates a traditional Victorian Cornish mining village, complete with a port, a mine, a brewery and a school, and was featured on the BBC’s show Edwardian Farm. It’s a fifteen minute drive from Mariner’s House.

Try your hand at brewing or making chocolate, ride the train into the copper mine, or see what it was like in a Victorian school – this interactive experience features live actors to teach you all about the area’s fascinating history. You can even dress like the Victorians and have a picture taken!

The attraction is great for children, but there’s no reason why adults can’t get involved – especially in the brewery!

Have a Cornish pasty

No trip would be complete without this Cornish stable, enjoyed by miners for centuries – and now by you too! The on-site Ship Inn at Morwellham Quay offers tasty pasties – if you stay all day – or head back and grab one in Calstock proper. If you’re eating it out, don’t forget a flask of hot tea to keep you warm, too.

Cook up a storm

Make use of the fully-stocked, spacious, and lovely kitchen at either Mariner’s House or Galleon House to have a relaxed evening after your busy day. How about a hearty stew, using local produce?

Sunday

Enjoy a lie-in

You deserve it. Watch the sun rise over the river from your window whilst you enjoy your morning tea or coffee.

Eat at Lishe

Once you’re up, pop into the cute and kitschy tearoom Lishe for breakfast (or brunch!) and try their all-in-one breakfast pie. Like the Boot Inn, it’s just down the road. Make sure you leave plenty of room though – there’s more tastiness to come!

Explore

Wander through the town, popping into local, independent shops and galleries, and see the natural talent of Calstock’s craftspeople.

Visit Cotehele

The beautiful National Trust site of Cotehele is a historic Tudor family home, with beautiful gardens. You can drive there in ten minutes, or take a leisurely half an hour walk along the river.

If it’s open (you can check on their site) explore the interior of the house, and learn about the way of life in bustling Calstock port of the past.

If the house isn’t open, get lost in the planted, terraced gardens, or the Valley Garden, which leads down to the river. They also do a great cream tea in their quaint tea-room and have a local gallery and a second-hand bookshop.

Have a proper Sunday lunch

It would be rude not to. Before you check out of Mariner’s House, visit either of Calstock’s fantastic pubs – the previously mentioned Boot Inn, or the Tamar Inn – for a fresh-cooked and local Sunday roast. Just have a look at the glowing reviews and you’ll be convinced you can’t miss this!

Head home

You’ll be refreshed, relaxed and fulfilled after exploring this hidden gem, and have a special new place in your heart that you can visit for years to come.

Exploring Calstock for longer? Have a look at all our favourite group activities in the beautiful Tamar Valley!