Tourist Information
Saltash - Cornwall’s 1st Place
Saltash is situated on the west bank of the River Tamar, which meanders through the Tamar Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its position on the border of Devon and Cornwall offers a first class base to explore both counties with a wide choice of transportation and accommodation options.
Saltash is home of the spectacular Royal Albert Bridge - designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and completed in 1859, this stunning bridge is a 'must see' for anyone visiting the area. One of the greatest bridges in the world, it is unique in design, unequalled in engineering and graceful in appearance. Best views can be obtained from the pedestrian walkway of the Tamar Road Bridge (free access). The Road Bridge itself is worth a visit, being the first suspension bridge in the world to be both widened and strengthened whilst remaining open to traffic.
Saltash is a thriving town with a lively shopping centre offering excellent facilities, with independent shops selling unusual gifts and souvenirs. There are also pubs, restaurants and cafes and general retail shops for all your holiday needs.
There’s something for everyone at Cornwall’s 1st Place
The Waterside area of the town offers a choice of local refreshment and entertainment, including, three riverside pubs, and a community centre offering teas and icecreams. The Waterside offers an ideal opportunity to rest awhile and enjoy fabulous views of the Royal Albert Bridge, Tamar Road Bridge and the beautiful Tamar Estuary. Here you will also find the 15th Century home of Mary Newman - 1st wife of Sir Francis Drake. From the small pier you can take a ferry to the historic Plymouth Barbican or take a leisurely cruise on the River Tamar. Free parking and free boat launching facilities are available - it makes an ideal base for divers or boaters who want to explore the many inlets and estuaries of Devon and Cornwall.
If you are feeling energetic Saltash has its own Leisure Centre with swimming pools and fitness suites, and the China Fleet Club offers golf or beauty treatments in a superb location over looking the Tamar Valley.
Out and About
Saltash has easy access to other areas of Cornwall and Devon, from the sandy beaches of Whitsand Bay to the dramatic scenery of both Bodmin Moor (Cornwall)and Dartmoor (Devon), a walker’s paradise.
Nearby are the picturesque fishing villages of Looe and Polperro, and the vibrant city of Plymouth with its shopping centres, theatres and cinemas.
Visit the Barbican and see the Mayflower steps where the Pilgrim Fathers left on their epic journey to America, the famous Plymouth Hoe where Drake played bowls or visit the historic properties of the National Trust, Cotehele,Saltram,Antony House and the former home of Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey.
For the children there is plenty of choice from the Monkey Sanctuary near Looe, Plymouth National Marine Aquarium or horse riding along the lanes and beaches to name but a few. Transport links are such that you can easily venture further down into Cornwall for day visits to St Ives, Truro, Newquay or Falmouth.
Saltash is steeped in history with a famous Cornishwoman who achieved national celebrity for rowing a four-oared watermen's boat - Ann Glanville (1796–1880)
Born in Saltash in Cornwall as Ann Warren or Warring, she married John Glanville, a waterman from a line of watermen.
Ann formed a crew of four female rowers who took part in local regattas; she was noted for her large stature and for her crew who dressed in white caps and dresses. Their success led to competitions all over the country; one event at Fleetwood was watched by Queen Victoria, who congratulated Ann when they won by beating an all-male crew.
In September 2013, a fibre glass statue of Ann sitting on a bench was unveiled in Saltash. The life-sized figure has a sound recording of the key events of Ann's life, which can be listened to by clicking on the hyperlinks provided.