Saltash Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Saltash showing a bridge
Saltash
Saltash featuring a river or creek, a small town or village and a bridge
Saltash
Saltash

An ideal base for exploring the Tamar Valley, this pleasant town is nicknamed the gateway to Cornwall.

Saltash is one of Cornwall’s oldest towns, with a history stretching back to the 12th century. Set on the west bank of the River Tamar, the town connects Cornwall to Devon by rail and road.

Enjoy a canoeing trip on the River Tamar or explore Saltash’s interesting historic attractions.

Two very old bridges are the town’s most prominent landmarks. Opened in 1859 by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Royal Albert Bridge is a bowstring suspension bridge with a graceful profile resembling a parabola. Follow the pedestrian walkway of the Road Bridge for the best views of the Royal Albert Bridge. Completed in 1961, the Road Bridge itself is also worth investigating. It is known as one of the first suspension bridges in the world to be widened and strengthened while remaining open to traffic.

Walk around the town’s scenic Waterside Conservation Area and look for its colony of mute swans. This area is popular for sailing, fishing and other watersports. It is particularly lively during the annual Saltash Regatta and Waterside Festival in June, which features live music, craft stalls and rowing events.

Be sure to visit Mary Newman’s Cottage, a Tudor house said to be the home of Sir Francis Drake's first wife. Completed in 1480, the cottage is the oldest building in Saltash. Inside, you’ll find period furniture on loan from the Victorian and Albert Museum. Explore the cottage’s back garden, which is filled with plants and herbs important to 15th-century households. Enjoy lovely views over the Tamar River below.

Look inside the Saltash MuseumandLocal History Centre. Its compact permanent display traces the history of the town from the medieval era to present day. You’ll see photographs, books, press clippings, maps and other art and artifacts from Saltash’s past, along with temporary exhibitions during the summer.

To get to Saltash, follow the Devon Expressway from Exeter. You can also reach the city by train on the main Plymouth-Penzance line. The town is well connected to neighboring cities by bus.

China Fleet Country Club
China Fleet Country Club
4 out of 5
North Pill, Cornwall, Saltash, England
The price is £105 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£105
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Saltash. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (621 reviews)
"Lovely property great staff"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

China Fleet Country Club
St. Mellion Estate
St. Mellion Estate
4 out of 5
St Mellion, Nr. Plymouth, Saltash, England
The price is £118 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
£118
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Saltash. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 indoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (950 reviews)
Convenient, comfortable stay for Cotehele
"Good sized comfortable room. Could be a little cleaner in the bathroom and beginning to look a little tired around the bedrooms. Great swimming pool and spa facilities. Convenient for visiting Cotehele, Crocadon Farm and elsewhere in east Cornwall."

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

St. Mellion Estate
The Crooked Inn
The Crooked Inn
4 out of 5
Stoketon Cross, Saltash, England
The price is £102 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£102
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star inn in Saltash. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a picnic area. Popular attractions China Fleet Country Club and Lanhydrock ...
9/10 Wonderful! (635 reviews)
"Food was great, as we ate their 3 times and was impressed by the variety and quality"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

The Crooked Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful, romantic 4* cottage in rural setting with Country Club membership.
Beautiful, romantic 4* cottage in rural setting with Country Club membership.
Saltash, England
Stay at this cottage in Saltash. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a garden. Popular attractions St. Mellion Golf Club and Dupath Well are located ...
Excellence
"We had a 4 day break in an immaculate cottage. Their facilities catered for our every need and exceeded our expectations. Kirsty and Barry were a delight and we can’t recommend them high enough. Really hope we can return soon."

Reviewed on 14 Sep 2024

Beautiful, romantic 4* cottage in rural setting with Country Club membership.
Plymouth by Charles Hope
Plymouth by Charles Hope
3.5 out of 5
Ford Park Rd, 7, Plymouth, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Plymouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Box and Drake Circus are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (32 reviews)
"I have been looking for an alternative to Hotels. I really enjoyed my stay. The unit had everything I needed. It was really comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Plymouth by Charles Hope
Sandy Toes Accommodation
Sandy Toes Accommodation
3 out of 5
23 Eastcliffe Road, Par, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Par. Enjoy housekeeping. Popular attractions Eden Project and South West Coast Path Section 33 Trailhead are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
Stunning accommodation
"Really lovely accommodation, very high standard of finish."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Sandy Toes Accommodation
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Saltash

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 63%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Only drove through the place but seems like a lovely little town

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

had to pay £1.50 to cross the bridge into Plymouth

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

A place to be avoided

Cities near Saltash