The Local Area

The Tamar Valley has formed the border between Devon
and Cornwall since Saxon times. Because of its unique
character and beauty the area has been designated an
rea of Outstanding Natural Beauty which makes it an ideal
starting point for exploring both Devon and Cornwall.

The area around St Anns Chapel boasts some truly
unspoilt landscapes, quiet river walks and delightful
villages. The Rifle Volunteer is an ideal centre for exploring
the area with Dartmoor National Park just over the border
in Devon and Bodmin Moor to the west in Cornwall. The
sandy beaches and magnificent coastline of South Devon
and South East Cornwall are all within a 20 mile radius.

Within an easy hour's drive is the world famous Eden
Project, truly one of the wonders of the modern world.

Nearby attractions include:
Cotehele House and Quay - National Trust
Morwellham Quay - Victorian Port
Kit Hill Country Park - Spectacular Views and wildlife refuge.
St Mellion Golf Club - famous course designed by Jack Niklaus
The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail - long distance route
from Plymouth to Launceston
Tamar Valley Railway Line - scenic railway journey
Local Walks - Danescombe Valley, Kit Hill, Cadsonbury
and the Callington Mural trail
Tamar Valley Donkey Park - donkey sanctuary
The Eden Project - the eighth wonder of the world

Nearby are the historic market towns of Launceston,
Callington and Tavistock. The City of Plymouth has a wide
range of shops, theatres and cinemas as well as the
renowned National Marine Aquarium and the historic Hoe
and Barbican areas.

Local History

The mid 19th century was a boom time for the area
with the discovery of rich veins of Copper, Arsenic,
Tin and Silver. The opening of the rail link connecting
the valley to the London markets brought expansion in
the market gardening industry. Growers of cherries,
strawberries, apples and fresh flowers took advantage
of the favourable climate and south facing slopes.
Although now in decline, you can still find stalls selling
local produce around Calstock and St Dominic.


The River Tamar is of international importance for its
diversity of wildlife with tidal mud flats, salt marsh, wet
grassland and fen as well as ancient woodlands.

The Rifle Volunteer was built as a mine captain's
house circa 1800 and has been a traditional coaching
inn since the mid nineteenth century. Originally called
the Rifle Corps Inn, its name was taken from the
volunteer corps of soldiers formed between
1859 - 1881 to defend Great Britain from the threat of
invasion by the French under Napoleon III. From 1881
the volunteers became sub-units of the Volunteer
Battalions of their respective counties; in Cornwall they
became the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry.