Visit this picturesque village on the banks of the River Tamar.
Have a relaxing day out in Calstock away from the crowds. It’s just half an hour from Plymouth on the scenic Tamar Valley Line. Explore the village, enjoy some top pub food, treat yourself to an artisan ice cream and take a refreshing riverside walk.
Enjoy some great riverside views and excellent local food from The Tamar Inn, which offers both eat-in and takeaway (booking essential on 01822 832487 or on Facebook). Or check out the village’s other great pub, The Boot.
Also not to be missed is the artisan ice cream from Valenti’s ice cream parlour, also on the riverbank.
For children, there is also a ship-themed play area in the centre of the village next to the river where you could bring a picnic and enjoy some relaxing family time. Just watch out for the ducks as they are partial to the odd sandwich too!
Take a riverside walk to Cotehele – but please note that pre-booking is essential, including for National Trust members. The garden, toilets, countryside and quay are currently open – other areas including the house and Barn Restaurant are closed.
The attractive walk from Calstock is 1.2 miles each way (download directions) and is mainly flat on quiet lanes. There is one steep section as you walk up into the woods but the views at the top over the river, viaduct and valley below make it all worthwhile.
If you don’t want to visit the gardens, from the woods instead take the left hand fork of the path which will take you down to Cotehele Quay. The kiosk on the quay is serving refreshments daily.
The Quay is also the home of Shamrock, an old Tamar Sailing Barge that is currently undergoing restoration.
If you’ve still got plenty of energy and want a longer walk, you can walk through the woods and loop up to the main house (currently closed) and still retrace your steps back to Calstock where you catch the train back to Plymouth.
Calstock station is on the Tamar Valley Line which begins at Plymouth.
Face coverings must be worn on public transport unless you are exempt. If you can, please buy your ticket online on the GWR app or website. When travelling please remember to wash your hands and use social distancing. Read more on GWR’s Coronavirus advice page.
33 minutes from Plymouth
The village is a 5 minute walk down the hill from the station.
Off-Peak Day Return. Valid after the morning peak, and anytime weekends or Bank Holidays.
Approximate journey time
Bere Ferrers is a lovely village set against the scenic backdrop of the River Tavy and sits within the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village pub, The Plough Inn, is family run and its menu is freshly cooked using local ingredients.
Bere Alston station on the Bere Peninsula in the beautiful Tamar Valley is the starting point for some great walks.
Gunnislake is the final station on the Tamar Valley Line. The village – which is about 0.75 miles from the station – is home to three pubs: the Cornish Inn, the Buccaneer Inn and the Rising Sun Inn. Each of these, plus the Queen’s Head in nearby Albaston, are on the Tamar Valley Line Rail Ale Trail.
