In Saltash, transport history, historic places and landscapes by the water come together. The Tamar Bridge carries the A38 across the Tamar between Plymouth on the east bank and Saltash on the west bank. There is also the history of Fore Street and paths with views over the Lynher Estuary. If you would like to discover these different sides of the town, you will find ideas here to help you choose.
Bridges and Getting Around
As well as carrying road traffic, the Tamar Bridge has a dedicated footpath and cycle path. The Royal Albert Bridge serves a different purpose: the railway bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, carries the main railway line into Cornwall. Comparing them highlights two different modes of transport without conflating them. Saltash railway station is also a useful landmark: the town centre is a five-minute walk from the station.
Saltash was also a historic gateway to Cornwall. Fore Street was regarded as the entrance to Cornwall for travellers crossing the Tamar. This former role gives the street a historic connection, while its shops and meeting places today shape visits in a different way.
Discover the Town’s History
Mary Newman's Cottage is a Grade II listed cottage dating from around 1480. It is authentically furnished; visitors can see Tudor utensils, costumes and games there. The garden is laid out in the Elizabethan style. This brings together glimpses of historic interiors and garden design in one house. If you would like to plan your visit in advance, check current visiting arrangements beforehand.
Elliott's Shop offers a glimpse into another era of everyday life. This preserved local grocery shop is equipped with household goods from the 1960s and 1970s and is presented as a typical 1970s shop. The time-capsule concept evokes a shopping culture from before the rise of supermarkets and online shopping. There is a parlour in the basement and two exhibition rooms upstairs. Texts, artefacts and pictures tell the story of the Elliott family and the building.
The Saltash Chronicles offer another perspective: this elaborately embroidered artwork depicts important moments in the town's history. A life-size fibreglass statue of Ann on a bench was also unveiled in Saltash in September 2013. An audio recording recounts important events from Ann's life. The cottage, shop, textile art and statue offer different ways into local history—from historic objects to stories and memories.
Fore Street and the Landscape
Fore Street combines its historic significance with what it offers visitors today: independent shops, cafés, a cinema, historic buildings and several local pasty shops. You can combine a visit to the town with a café stop or a look around the shops. The street is both a distinct part of Saltash's history and a place where many of the town's current visitor attractions are concentrated.
Two other features help visitors explore the landscape and walking routes. Churchtown Farm lies within the Tamar Valley National Landscape; public access is maintained in collaboration with Saltash Town Council. The Lynher View Walk is a 460-metre, wheelchair-accessible path with lovely views over the Lynher Estuary. Its length and accessibility make it easier to assess the route option; the view offers a different perspective on the surroundings than Saltash's historic streets and bridges.
Discover more destinations: Marhamchurch, Torpoint, Lanlivery, Mevagissey, Truro, Fowey, Polperro, St Winnow.
For the main travel overview: Cornwall.
