Postal Town: Saltash (PL12)
Find your way to St Germans with
St Germans' history dates back to the middle ages of Cornish splendour. It is now home to the Eliot family, the hosts of the annual Lit Fest, and some 2000 villagers from all walks of life, plus a good spirited chap called Dando.
©Shaun Harris
St Germans, history and present-day details
St Germans is located in South East Cornwall, on the lower reaches of the River Tiddy that flows into the Tamar, out to Plymouth Sound.
The original Saxon church at St Germans was, from 926AD to 1043AD, the Cathedral church of Cornwall until the Norman Conquest, after which most of the church was rebuilt in Norman style in 1261. The west entrance of the church is perhaps the best example of Norman architecture in the UK. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, the Augustinian priory was bought by the Eliot family and was named, Port Eliot. Other important buildings include the 16th century Almhouses located on the north road entrance to the village from the A38.
Many villagers are aware of a spirit known as Dando that haunts Port Eliot estate. Some claim to have seen him. Dando may well have been a medieval Bishop that abused his position to become a huntsman. Aside from this, his more unsavoury delights were copious amounts of wine, food and good company in the form of loose women and drunken parishioners. Dando was rotund with fat, rosy-red cheeks, which matched his lifestyle. It was also what finished him when he was out hunting with friends one stormy day, a stranger came from no-where and satisfied Dando's greed for ale. The stranger then took Dando, his hunted quarry and his hounds with him to hell. Dando's spirited image has been seen on stormy nights.
St Germans was a busy fishing port. 2,800 people lived in the village in the 1840s and there are by comparison only 2000 people now. Right up until WW2, St Germans was a cargo quay for mineral, coal, limestone and timber, ending the era with road stone. Today, St Germans is a fine example of a Cornish village where very little changes. Built mostly of slate, quaint cottages line the one road that runs through the village in a horse-shoe fashion, under the bridge which supports the main-line railway to St Germans and the rest of Cornwall.
The Eliot Arms is a welcoming pub/restaurant and comfortable B&B. St Germans makes for a cosy weekend away from it all and the chance to explore more of Cornwall's delights. The Eliot Estate plays host to its annual Literary Festival (The Lit Fest), which is an extended weekend of creative fun and delights.
©Shaun Harris
Social Bookmarking
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
searching. Use the Hotel Search form below to start a detailed search.
Offering some superb uninterrupted views from its position on the crest of Plymouth Hoe, this well positioned hotel is ideal for visiting Plymouth or for exploring the West Country. Quality Hotel Plymouth offers you a fantastic setting where you can experience some magnificent views of Plymouth Sound and the surrounding hills and coastline. The hotel benefits from a large free car park, while internet access is available on-site (at an additional cost). All of the rooms are equipped with a private bathroom as well as standard 3-star facilities, a tempting room service menu is also available. Located adjacent to Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth city centre is a short 5 minute walk away, while the University of Plymouth, the shopping district and the Barbican waterfront are also close by. Alternatively you can ask reception for details of regional attractions including the National Marine Aquarium, Eden Project, Dartmoor, Paignton and Brixham.
Bedrooms: 112
|
On the A390, just a few miles east of St Austell and a mile south of the Eden Project, this charming, traditional former coaching inn today offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. Originally built as a coaching inn, the Cornish Arms is now a cosy, traditional pub offering comfortable, homely accommodation in the centre of the village of St Blazey, adjacent to the parish of St Blaize. Situated on the A390, this traditional inn offers easy access to the region's major roads, making it a convenient base from which to explore the region. Free private parking is available for guests. The Cornish Arms is also on The Cornish Way, a cycle route that is part of the National Cycle Network. There is a walking and cycle path leading from the inn to the Eden Project. The Cornish Arms is a good local pub and has a fine reputation for providing great beers and satisfying meals. The restaurant offers tasty lunches and delicious dinners. There is a range of accommodation to suit the needs and budget of any traveller. Some rooms have en suite bathrooms and rooms with shared bathroom facilities are also available at great rates. All of the rooms have TVs and tea/coffee making facilities. Free Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available in the inn's public areas. A hearty, home-made Cornish cooked breakfast is included in the price.
Bedrooms: 12
|
Enjoying spectacular sea views, this magnificent country house hotel occupies an elevated position above Cornwall's rugged coastline, providing a relaxing retreat from the stresses of everyday life. A welcoming family-run residence, the Whitsand Bay Hotel & Golf Resort offers you the perfect setting to enjoy golf, leisure and fine dining. In the area you can find many interesting historic homes and gardens, as well as the impressive Eden Project. The Whitsand has recently won 2 highly coveted RAC Blue Ribbons for excellence in Dining & Hospitality and a much sought-after AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence. It is also mentioned in the Good Food Guide 2008.
Bedrooms: 32
|
It is the aim of the Astor Hotel to provide quality service and value in a welcoming and relaxed environment. It is of uppermost importance to us that all of our customers leave us content and planning to return. The cosy lounge bar is an ideal meeting place and the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks. Our restaurant is famous for its exclusive international cuisine, as well as traditional English fayre and a good selection of wines.
Bedrooms: 60
|
Located in the peaceful village of Lifton, near the Devon/Cornwall border, this historic 16th century country hotel is well placed for visiting Dartmoor and exploring the surrounding area. Lifton Hall Hotel offers you distinctly styled accommodation that is complemented by a traditional village inn styled bar, and an elegant restaurant serving quality, locally sourced food. During your stay you can relax amongst this charming countryside setting, as you unwind beside real log fires, far away from the stresses of daily life. Located just 14 miles from Dartmoor National Park, the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring Devon and its beautiful countryside. The village of Lifton lies at the confluence of the rivers Wolf and Lyd, and is surrounded by miles of Devon countryside. Easily accessible from the A30, the hotel offers good food, friendly staff and a warm and welcoming countryside setting where you will feel at home.
Bedrooms: 9
|
|
|
