Attractions and Places To See around Callington - Top 20

The area around Callington boasts several impressive natural features and viewpoints. You can visit The Cheesewring, a unique natural rock formation on Bodmin Moor, or the nearby The Hurlers Stone Circles, which are also considered natural monuments. For panoramic views across Cornwall, Dartmoor, and even to the coast, head to Kit Hill Trig Point, located within Kit Hill Country Park.

Callington is rich in history. Beyond the ancient barrows and mining remnants at Kit Hill, you can explore the magnificent medieval and Tudor manor house of Cotehele House and Gardens, managed by the National Trust. Nearby, Cotehele Mill and Cotehele Quay offer insights into the area's industrial past. Dupath Well, an early 16th-century holy well, and the Iron Age hillfort of Cadson Bury are also significant historical sites. Don't miss the impressive Calstock Viaduct, an iconic railway bridge.

In Callington town, you can discover the vibrant Callington Murals Trail, which transforms the town into an open-air gallery celebrating local history and myths. The Callington Heritage Centre, housed in a former chapel, provides exhibits on the town's heritage. The town also hosts a Pannier Market and the annual Callington Honey Fair, showcasing local charm.

Families will enjoy the Tamar Valley Donkey Park, home to around 30 donkeys and other animals, offering rides and encounters. The Hurlers Stone Circles are also listed as family-friendly. Morwellham Quay, a living history museum, brings the Tamar Valley's mining past to life with mine train rides and traditional craft demonstrations, providing an engaging experience for all ages.

The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) bordering Callington is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking, cycling, kayaking on the River Tamar, and boat trips. For more specific activities, there are numerous hiking routes, road cycling routes, and MTB trails available, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, the area offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, consider the 'Kit Hill loop' or the 'Engine House Chimney – Quarry Pond loop from Kit Hill Country Park'. More moderate options include the 'Kit Hill Trig Point – Kit Hill Summit and Trig Point loop from Callington'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Callington guide.

Absolutely! Callington is a great base for cycling. There are several road cycling routes, such as the 'View of Forder Viaduct – Tamar Bridge loop from Callington' or the 'Cotehele House and Quay – Cotehele Quay loop from Callington'. For mountain biking, explore routes like the 'Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop' in the MTB Trails around Callington guide.

Callington's attractions can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and exploring gardens like Cotehele. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the Tamar Valley. Even in winter, many historical sites and natural landmarks like Kit Hill offer dramatic views, and some trails are suitable for winter walks. Always check specific opening times for indoor attractions or National Trust properties.

Many of the outdoor areas around Callington are dog-friendly, especially the walking trails in places like Kit Hill Country Park and the wider Tamar Valley AONB. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or wildlife, and to check specific rules for National Trust properties or other managed sites before visiting.

Several attractions offer refreshment options. Cotehele Quay features the Shamrock Tea-room by the river. Many villages and towns in the Tamar Valley, including Callington itself, have cafes and pubs. When planning your visit, it's a good idea to check the facilities available at your chosen destination, especially for more remote natural sites.

Beyond the popular spots, consider visiting Kerdroya, described as the world's largest stone labyrinth, constructed using traditional Cornish hedging. Another unique historical site is the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex, the ruins of a former copper and arsenic mine, offering a glimpse into Cornwall's industrial past.