Easter 2024
Special Offers
Treat yourself to a spring break at Okel Tor Mine. Long weekends during April (Friday to Monday) are now discounted to £399 in both The Smithy and The Count House. Check out our availability and pricing page here for dates and to book.
News from Okel Tor Mine
Gorse management around the mine ruins is now complete and it has made a remarkable difference. The buildings were becoming hidden behind the encroaching gorse, but they are now once again visible for all to enjoy.
Management of the gorse also helps prevent invasive roots damaging what structure of the ruins remains. It’s an ongoing aspect of the stewardship of the mine, and so will need repeating in a couple of years, but the results are rewarding.
We’re pleased to announce our second Defra grant application has also been successful. This covers the replacement of the boardwalks and viewing platform along the river and the repair of the flight of steps that form part of the permissive path through the mine workings. The boardwalks are now over 20 years old and fast approaching their end-of-life. The new structures will made a walk around Okel Tor Mine safer and more enjoyable.
Meanwhile, spring is finally coming to the Tamar Valley. After one of the wettest winters here anyone can remember, sunnier days and the first buds and flowers of spring are especially welcome.
Upcoming Local Events
If you have already booked to stay with us in the coming weeks, or decide to take advantage of one of our discounted April weekend breaks, the following may be of interest.
Calstock Arts
Another full and diverse programme for spring, including film nights (Saving Grace, Six inches of Soil and The Hundred-Food Journey,) a poetry book launch, West Country authors sharing tricks of the trade, live bands and choirs. The Calstock Arts venue is an attraction in its own right and has a licenced bar.
https://calstockarts.org/whats-on/
National Trust Cotehele House and Quay
- 17 April: “Yellow is for Spring.” Botanical Dye Workshop. All materials and light refreshments are included.
- 14-29 April: Alice Robinson-Carter: Abundance. An exhibition of paintings inspired by Cotehele House and gardens.
- 26 April: Blossom: Meet the Maker. Meet some of the local makers who supply Cotehele shop.
- 27 April: Gwel an Bleujenn (View of the flowers) A celebration of the beauty of blossom with the first blossom procession!
- 28 April and 26 May. Join Nature Walks volunteer Andy on free monthly walks to learn about the ecology of the beautiful and varied Cotehele estate. Discover seasonal highlights, what the Rangers have been doing to care of the estate and learn about all the flora and fauna which can be found on our patch of the Tamar Valley.
A selection of other local events
- 1 April: Pentillie Castle Garden Open Day. A chance to explore our 55 acres of historic woodland gardens and soak in those stunning riverside views that you might recognise from the BBC One series, Beyond Paradise.
- 6 April: Tavistock Art Market. A vibrant monthly market featuring a variety of talented local artists, designers and makers.
- 18 and 25 April: Wine tasting dinner at The Bedford Hotel, Tavistock.
- 20 April: Tavistock Street Food Festival. Details here
Check out the Visit Tamar Valley website here for more events and attractions coming up.
