Luxury self-catering accommodation in the Tamar Valley

This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty crosses two counties, two districts and 24 parishes, with plenty of get-away-from-it-all luxury accommodation options for visitors who love rural retreats. A key feature of the area is its namesake, the majestic River Tamar, rolling through woodland, hills, and rocky crags until it meets the sea at Plymouth. Perhaps the most majestic crossing point is at the boundary of Cornwall and Devon; the iconic Royal Albert Bridge at Saltash built by Brunel, and now joined by its neighbouring 20th century suspension Tamar Bridge.

Further inland the river narrows, giving way to creeks and quays, tiny fishing villages, and plenty of places of interest. Grade-I Listed stately home Mount Edgcumbe, near Torpoint, is an estate with acres of parkland, gardens, sea views and the house itself, restored in an 18th century style. Morwellham Quay, further north, is a working village, mine and craft centre, with a train that delves underground to give a real feeling of life for miners 200 years ago. There are several walking routes for freestyle explorers; join a group or download a map and set off into the green.