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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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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Situated on the Plymouth Hoe, just a short stroll from the stunning Plymouth Sound and the bustling city centre, this traditional Victorian hotel provides the ideal base for your stays in this historic city. Having only taken over in mid-September 2008, the new owners, Paul and Lindsey, are waiting to give you a warm welcome into their beautifully located 28-bedroom hotel. The Grosvenor Plymouth is the perfect residence for a wide variety of visitors, whether for work, study, a holiday, visiting family or simply a well earned break, the personal touch and comforts of the hotel will certainly ensure an enjoyable stay. Centrally located in Plymouth, the South West's largest city, the Grosvenor Plymouth is conveniently positioned for easy access to the ferry port (0.4 km); railway station and university (0.6 km); and Plymouth Airport (4 km).
Bedrooms: 28
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Set in the picturesque village of Hessenford, the Copley Arms offers cosy en suite rooms, a bar and a restaurant. The Copley Arms is situated 5 miles (8 km) from Looe, with the historic fishing village of Polperro close by. The traditional inn serves lunch and dinner, and uses local ingredients where possible. An outdoor seating area overlooks the stream. All 5 rooms have recently been refurbished to a high standard.
Bedrooms: 5
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This 2-star property blends a host of impressive facilities with a welcoming ambience. Sample traditional cuisine in the cosy and refined restaurant which overlooks the town. Sip drinks in the stylish bar. Play darts and snooker in the games room. Soak up the comfortable ambience of the tastefully decorated and fully-equipped rooms. Lap up the host of amenities on offer such as; en suite, Sky TV, radio, direct dial telephone with internet access and tea/coffee making facilities.
Bedrooms: 21
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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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