Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Tamar Valley
Cutting a swathe through a gentle landscape of fields and woods, the mighty Tamar has
marked the age-old dividing line between Devon and Cornwall for over a thousand years;
it was officially declared as Cornwall's eastern edge in 936 by King Athelstan, the first
unified English king.
Though it's spanned by around 20 bridges - including Brunel's Royal Albert rail bridge
(built in 1859) and the more recent Tamar Bridge for cars (1961) - the Tamar is still an
important psychological boundary for the Cornish, as demonstrated by the recent propos-
als to create a new cross-county 'Devonwall' constituency, which predictably met with
howls of protest.
For most people, their only view of the Tamar is from the bridges as they travel in or
out of the county, but the river is a deliciously peaceful area to explore if you have the
time.
Sights & Activities
Cotehele
(NT; 01579-351346; St Dominick; adult/child £9/4.50, grounds only £5.40/2.70; house 11am-4pm Sat-Thu,
gardens dawn-dusk daily) At the head of the Tamar Valley sits the Tudor manor of Cotehele, an-
other of the Edgcumbe dynasty's modest country retreats. The cavernous great hall is the
centrepiece, and the house has an unparalleled collection of Tudor tapestries, armour and
furniture.
Outside, the gardens sweep down past the 18th-century Prospect Folly to Cotehele
Quay, where there's a discovery centre exploring the history of the Tamar Valley and a
vintage sailing barge, the Shamrock .
A short walk inland (or a shuttle bus) leads to the restored Cotehele Mill , where you can
watch the original waterwheel grinding corn several days a week, and watch a furniture
maker and potter at work.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Tamar Trails
CYCLING
 
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