The Tamar Valley & further afield
National Landscape and World Heritage Site
The Tamar Valley has some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain. It has been designated a National Landscape (formerly called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,) a Site of Special Scientific Interest and more recently a UNESCO World Heritafe Site. It has a rich and varied landscape of woodland, rolling hills and cliffs – which inspired Turner in his famous painting 'Crossing The Brook'. You will come across chimneys and ruined engine houses, providing an evocative reminder of the industrial past.
Visit Tamar Valley has it's own website, full of ideas for things to do and places to eat and drink. Arts and crafts, history and heritage, visitor attractions, activities and outdoors, wildlife and nature - it's full of suggestions and inspiration.
Morwellham Quay historic quay and copper mine - a living museum where you can journey underground on a narrow gauge railway into the workings of The George & Charlotte Mine (as featured on the BBC TV series The Edwardian Farm) is a short drive away - although walkable if you're feeling energetic!
Why not explore the Tamar Valley by river? Canoe Tamar organise guided trips throughout the summer months and if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of the elusive kingfisher or even encounter a seal. You can also catch a train along the scenic Tamar Valley line into Plymouth to see the historic Barbican, Hoe and Mayflower Steps and then enjoy a river cruise back to Calstock.
The newly opened coast-to-coast path, the Tamara Way, follows the River Tamar and passes right through Okel Tor Mine. It features in an episode of BBC Countryfile. Watch it on iPlayer here.
For the energetic and those keen to explore further afield
For those attracted to adrenaline fuelled activities we have nearby the Tamar Trails Centre where you can hire mountain bikes or climb 50 feet up into the woodland canopy with Tree Surfers. A few miles further and you'll find the Gawton Gravity Hub which offers over 500ft of unrivalled gravity fed descent.
Okel Tor Mine is centrally located so ideal for exploring both Devon and Cornwall. Within 20 minutes you can experience some completely different scenery at either Dartmoor National Park or Lydford Gorge. Fancy taking in the sea air? Both the north and south coasts are within easy reach, including dog-friendly beaches. The Eden Project is about a 50 minute drive from Okel Tor and The Lost Gardens of Heligan just over an hour.
A fine dining experience
Should you have a special occasion to celebrate we recommend The Horn of Plenty with its two AA Rosettes. Superb food and stunning views and only a 10 minute drive away.
