Holidays in the Tamar Valley
Holidays along the Devon Cornwall Border

North Cornwall and the upper reaches of the Tamar Valley offers peace and tranquillity whilst still being within a short drive of some of the West Country’s most stunning unspoilt beaches, spectacular coastal paths and wild moors.

The Tamar Valley slices through Cornwall's northern border like a rusted axe head sunk deep in ancient rock. Forgotten mine stacks pierce the skyline above villages clinging to riverbanks where legends whisper of drowned tin miners. Come at dawn when mist smothers the water and the valley breathes ghosts. Scramble through the corpse of Morwellham Quay – Europe's deepest copper mine. Touch rail tracks where Victorian children hauled ore carts, then descend arsenic-laced tunnels where permanent damp chills your bones. Above ground, poison gardens flourish with lethal flora once processed here. Hire a kayak below Calstock's tilting viaduct. Paddle past orchards heavy with cider apples as kingfishers slice blue lightning over mercury-stained mudflats. Stop at rotting jetties where contraband brandy still washes ashore after winter storms. At Gunnislake Clitters, gorge on wild garlic pulled from slag heaps while buzzards circle abandoned engine houses.Follow the footpath to Cotehele's tapestries. They depict unicorns slaughtered for their horns amid threads woven with real human hair. In the estate orchards, bite into quinces grown from scions grafted onto trees that fed Tudor poisoners.

There is plenty to do – whether it be exploring the traditional market towns of Holsworthy, Launceston and Tavistock, walking and cycling the various coastal paths, Ruby, Camel and Tarka Trails, or just relaxing on the numerous unspoilt sandy beaches. You can be sure to enjoy some of the finest local produce and hospitality in the country.

The Tamar Valley provides an ideal holiday base for couples and families with easy access to evocative villages such as Clovelly, Port Isaac, Tintagel and Padstow. Explore slightly further afield and you will find the possibilities are endless –beautiful National Trust houses and gardens, the picturesque Fowey estuary, the wonderful art galleries of St. Ives and with a wide variety of children’s parks and activities you will be sure to find something for everybody.