Postal Town: Saltash (PL12)
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Saltash is a great place to visit or a base to stay, as many of the main attractions of both Cornwall and Devon are within easy reach of Saltash. There is an abundance of inns and guest houses both in and around the town and you don't need to travel far to take in some breathtaking scenery.
©Paul Michael
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Saltash, history and present-day details
Saltash is the gateway to Cornwall on the A38 via the Tamar Bridge and by train via Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge.
Trematon provides the earliest evidence of Celtic settlement in the 7th century. This was followed by the Saxons, who took Trematon Manor in the 9th century up until the Norman Conquest of 1066.
William the Conqueror ordered Trematon Castle to be built at Trematon after 1066. St Stephens’s church was built at about 1076. Trematon or "Trematone" was listed in the Doomsday book of 1086.
In the late 1100s, the people of Trematon realised a better trading position on the shores of the Tamar where fishermen and ferrymen were already established. The village of Esse, or Essa, as the borough is known today, was built.
It is thought that the word, Esse, probably through local pronunciation, and possibly from the ‘Ash’ tree, became the word 'Ayshe' or 'Asshe'. The word, Salt, likely to come from the local salt mill at nearby Salt Mill Creek, formed the name Salt Asshe, which started to be used in the mid 1300s at roughly the time it was granted a royal charter.
Saltash continued to develop and prosper. In Plymouth's charter of 1439, Saltash was recognised as a significant borough, along with its trade and the use in particular of the river Tamar. By this time large ships would tie up on the Saltash waterfront, which enjoyed both deep and relatively safe waters. Furthermore, Saltash had jurisdiction of the waters out as far as Plymouth Sound and Cattewater.
The 1800s was a century of significant technological change for Saltash, as it was all over Great Britain. The coming of the steam engine gave rise to the first steam ferry service to operate at Saltash. Then, in 1848, Saltash was chosen as the crossing for a new railway. The bridge was to be designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and was opened by Price Albert in 1859 and aptly named, The Royal Albert Bridge.
As with many towns served by the railway, Saltash continued to prosper. The railway served as a means to transport produce and, importantly, people, who worked at the local Dockyard. This was the start of the trend for the people living in Saltash to work in Devon and further afield.
In the late 1950s work started on the Tamar road bridge, which was completed in 1961. Its opening marked the end of the official 400-year era for the ferry service, which had been running unofficially for centuries prior to Elizabethan times.
Today, Saltash comprises the areas of Essa, St Stephens, Pill and Burraton, and has a population of some 15,000 and in the order of 5,400 homes. It is the largest town in the Caradon district area of SE Cornwall
Saltash is a great place to visit or a base to stay, as many of the main attractions of both Cornwall and Devon are within easy reach of Saltash. There is an abundance of inns and guest houses both in and around the town and you don't need to travel far to take in some breathtaking scenery.
©Paul Michael
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Looking for Somewhere to Stay?
We have some fantastic hotels and guest houses to choose from all
over the country. Whether it’s a short break or a 2-week holiday, you
will be sure to find something that meets your requirements.
Here is a random sample of what is on offer for the area you are
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Nestled amid the beautiful Cornish countryside, just off the main A389 between Bodmin and Wadebridge, this charming hotel is beautifully set within a Grade II listed building, dating back to the early 18th century. Situated in Washaway, Trehellas is a family-owned country house with real warmth and character, close to all that the county has to offer. A former courthouse, today, the building still retains many of its beautiful original features, including the ground floor's Delabole slate floors and the external mounting block. Close to the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lanhydrock, Padstow, Rock, Wadebridge and numerous other beautiful towns and sites in Cornwall, Trehellas is perfectly situated for walking, cycling the famous Camel Trail, and exploring all that Cornwall has to offer.
Bedrooms: 11
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Within easy walking distance of St. Austell town centre, this large, family-run bed-and-breakfast guest house offers excellent value accommodation, free Wi-Fi and free parking. On the outskirts of St. Austell, Trevanion Lodge has a convenient location, within a few miles of the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Charlestown and many other mid-Cornwall beaches and major attractions. Situated just off the A390, the lodge offers easy access to the area's major roads. Free private parking is available in the guests' car park. St. Austell railway station and the town's main bus station are less than 0.5 miles (0.8 km) away. The lodge offers a range of accommodation to suit the needs and budget of any traveller. Some rooms have en suite bathrooms and rooms without en suite bathrooms are also available. All rooms have a washbasin and a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests have access to their rooms at all times. Free Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel. The private residents' bar has a friendly atmosphere and offers a good choice of wines, spirits and beer. A full English breakfast is included in the price. Various options, including vegetarian breakfasts, are available on request.
Bedrooms: 14
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Conveniently located in St Austell, this splendid 19th century house provides 6 letting rooms, 2 bars and traditional pub food, complemented by a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Well situated just of the A390, the Duke of Cornwall is easily accessible to all local attractions. Nearby you can find the historic port of Charlestown and the picturesque village of Fowey. The Eden Project is also just 3 miles away. A friendly local with friendly locals, the pub ensures a pleasant evening for all with 2 bars, 2 pool tables, a dart board and gaming machines. The lounge bar boasts a large open fire.
Bedrooms: 6
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With a magnificent cliff-top location and stunning sea views, this refined 4-star hotel boasts AA Rosette-winning cuisine, an 18-hole championship golf course and an exclusive spa. During their stay, guests can unwind and recuperate in the comfortable surroundings, whilst benefiting from the hotel's range of superb facilities, which include indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, 2 full-size snooker tables and a croquet lawn. The immaculate golfing facilities include the 18-hole championship golf course, which is free to residents, a 9-hole approach course, a driving range and putting greens. The hotel is the ideal place for a restful, relaxing and restorative break and the wonderful spa facilities make it a great choice for a luxurious weekend of pampering or a little well-earned indulgence. The spa facilities include a steam room, sauna, experience shower, hydro-spa pool, beauty therapy rooms, a fitness suite and relaxing hot loungers.
Bedrooms: 86
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From our country house hotel by the sea, the only thing we overlook is the bay. Our spectacular clifftop location offers a 180 degree sea view over Carlyon Bay. Set in award-winning gardens, this privately owned hotel is family-run and has the cosy ambience of a country house by the sea. We offer an ideal base base for exploring Cornwall's many attractions. The South West Coastal Path is just yards from the hotel entrance and you can walk for miles along the coastline. We offer ample free parking in our private car park, disabled access to all public areas and high-speed Wi-Fi broadband access. All rooms are en suite and well-appointed. A children's tariff is available. Please contact reservations for full details. Our staff offer a warm welcome and friendly service. This combined with comfortable surroundings and delightful cuisine, ensure a memorable visit and one we are sure you will want to repeat.
Bedrooms: 28
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