Postal Town: Saltash (PL12)
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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
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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
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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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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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Boringdon Hall is set in its own grounds on the edge of Dartmoor. The hotel combines the charm and ambiance of years gone by with every modern comfort. There is character in abundance here with original architectural features retained such as deep walls, huge fireplaces and ornate ceilings. A variety of bedrooms, including a number of four-posters, are available. Dinner is served in the wonderful Gallery Restaurant, which overlooks the Great Hall.
Bedrooms: 41
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Renowned for our real ales and homemade food, we are located in a quaint village on the south-west coastal path overlooking Plymouth and the Plym Estuary. We are a village pub offering bed and breakfast facilities with well-appointed rooms, and shared toilets and shower rooms. Most rooms have sea views. We are winners of the ‘Plymouth Camra Pub of the Year 2006' award. We are 10 minutes' walk from Mount Batten Diving and Water Sports Centre, and within 2 miles of Staddon Heights golf course. Various beaches can be found within 20 miles.
Bedrooms: 6
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The Fieldhead is a traditional, warm and friendly country house style hotel offering a very high standard of comfort. We occupy a prime, elevated position, with unrivalled sea views from virtually every room across Looe Bay. In 2003, The Fieldhead was in the final for the Small Hotel of the Year Award. Situated in West Looe, The Fieldhead is only a fifteen minute walk along the waterside to the centre of town. In summer, a passenger ferry plys across the harbour mouth. The town beach is popular in the summer months, while the rock pools and sandy coves below the hotel provide interest all year round. Virtually all bedrooms have tremendous sea views - a perfect way to start and end the day. The Horizons Restaurant has far reaching views across Looe Bay. The cuisine is essentially French and English with a daily changing menu offering a wide variety of fresh local produce. Our large heated swimming pool is open from mid May to the end of September. Set on the cliff above the garden, it is a veritable sun trap with more wonderful sea views.
Bedrooms: 16
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