Attractions and Places To See around Callington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Callington, a historic market town in southeast Cornwall, offers a diverse range of points of interest. Located near the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area provides a blend of historical sites, natural features, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore ancient landmarks, enjoy scenic landscapes, and discover local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Callington
- The most popular attractions is The Cheesewring, an other natural formation that was…
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Kit Hill Trig Point
Highlight • Historical Site
The hill boasts a wide array of history, including 18 burial mounds, neolithic and …
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The Cheesewring
Highlight • Natural
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Cheesewring rock formation
Highlight • Natural Monument
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The Hurlers Stone Circles
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex
Highlight • Structure
It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! …
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Wheal Anna Maria – a copper and arsenic mine – covered 3.2 hectares and had over 6,850 cubic metres of arsenic flues! It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! Her main workings were on the ‘Main Lode‘ (the largest sulphide deposit in southwest England). When its rich copper waned, Devon Great Consols became the largest arsenic mine in the world because the margins of the copper-rich lode were dominated by arsenopyrite. In 1860 the copper lode at Anna Maria was up to 45 feet wide and yielding up to 80 tons per fathom, but by around 1880 the copper boom was over. Thankfully, arsenic production sustained the mine into the 1900s, until the company folded. Arsenic ore, unlike copper ore, was refined on site using the ‘calcination’ process – and at Wheal Anna Maria they yielded over 72,000 tons of refined arsenic! – Whoop!
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Please note: Bodmin Moor is notorious for its changeable weather conditions, so please bring suitable clothing as the location is remote and very exposed.
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This landmark is located next to the Cheesewring Quarry (which provided the granite cladding for the structure of Tower Bridge in London) and is surrounded by other granite formations. In the late 19th century, this landmark was threatened with destruction due to its proximity to blasting operations, but was saved through local activism.
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Three beautiful Neolithic or Early Bronze Age stone circles arranged in a line, a unique grouping in England. The Hurlers Stone Circles are probably the best examples of ceremonial circles in the South West. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hurlers-stone-circles/
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Kit Hill sits high above the Tamar Valley, overlooking the river and the valley it formed. The hill boasts a wide array of history, including 18 burial mounds, neolithic and bronze-age barrows, as well as pointers towards Cornwall's more contemporary mining history.
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The Hurlers are three stone circles on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Legend has it that these were Cornish Hurler players, caught out on a Sunday and punished. They are thought to date to between 2,100 & 1,500 BCE.
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The Cheeswring is a granite tor on the south-east edge of Bodmin Moor. It's a naturally formed structure, although the local legends say it was formed in a contest between giants and saints. Granite from the quarry below was used to clad Tower Bridge.
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Wheal Anna Maria was originally a copper and later an arsenic mine. The biggest arsenic mine in the world. The ruins you can see are from the arsenic calcining complex where the arsenic-ore was crushed then roasted (calcinated). The white powder of arsenic would coat the walls of the flues and be scraped off by men and children. They were protected from the extremely toxic poison only by cotton wool in their ears and noses and rags covering their mouths! They even had to scrape the white powder off their boots before going home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural landmarks and viewpoints can I explore near Callington?
The area around Callington boasts several impressive natural features and viewpoints. You can visit The Cheesewring, a unique natural rock formation on Bodmin Moor, or the nearby The Hurlers Stone Circles, which are also considered natural monuments. For panoramic views across Cornwall, Dartmoor, and even to the coast, head to Kit Hill Trig Point, located within Kit Hill Country Park.
What historical sites are there to visit near Callington?
Callington is rich in history. Beyond the ancient barrows and mining remnants at Kit Hill, you can explore the magnificent medieval and Tudor manor house of Cotehele House and Gardens, managed by the National Trust. Nearby, Cotehele Mill and Cotehele Quay offer insights into the area's industrial past. Dupath Well, an early 16th-century holy well, and the Iron Age hillfort of Cadson Bury are also significant historical sites. Don't miss the impressive Calstock Viaduct, an iconic railway bridge.
Are there any cultural attractions in Callington itself?
In Callington town, you can discover the vibrant Callington Murals Trail, which transforms the town into an open-air gallery celebrating local history and myths. The Callington Heritage Centre, housed in a former chapel, provides exhibits on the town's heritage. The town also hosts a Pannier Market and the annual Callington Honey Fair, showcasing local charm.
What are some family-friendly attractions near Callington?
Families will enjoy the Tamar Valley Donkey Park, home to around 30 donkeys and other animals, offering rides and encounters. The Hurlers Stone Circles are also listed as family-friendly. Morwellham Quay, a living history museum, brings the Tamar Valley's mining past to life with mine train rides and traditional craft demonstrations, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near Callington?
The Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) bordering Callington is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy walking, cycling, kayaking on the River Tamar, and boat trips. For more specific activities, there are numerous hiking routes, road cycling routes, and MTB trails available, catering to various skill levels.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels around Callington?
Yes, the area offers a variety of hiking trails. For easy walks, consider the 'Kit Hill loop' or the 'Engine House Chimney – Quarry Pond loop from Kit Hill Country Park'. More moderate options include the 'Kit Hill Trig Point – Kit Hill Summit and Trig Point loop from Callington'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking around Callington guide.
Can I go cycling near Callington?
Absolutely! Callington is a great base for cycling. There are several road cycling routes, such as the 'View of Forder Viaduct – Tamar Bridge loop from Callington' or the 'Cotehele House and Quay – Cotehele Quay loop from Callington'. For mountain biking, explore routes like the 'Mineral Railway and Wheal Maria Loop' in the MTB Trails around Callington guide.
When is the best time to visit the attractions around Callington?
Callington's attractions can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and exploring gardens like Cotehele. Autumn brings beautiful foliage to the Tamar Valley. Even in winter, many historical sites and natural landmarks like Kit Hill offer dramatic views, and some trails are suitable for winter walks. Always check specific opening times for indoor attractions or National Trust properties.
Are there dog-friendly walking options near Callington?
Many of the outdoor areas around Callington are dog-friendly, especially the walking trails in places like Kit Hill Country Park and the wider Tamar Valley AONB. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock or wildlife, and to check specific rules for National Trust properties or other managed sites before visiting.
Where can I find refreshments near the main attractions?
Several attractions offer refreshment options. Cotehele Quay features the Shamrock Tea-room by the river. Many villages and towns in the Tamar Valley, including Callington itself, have cafes and pubs. When planning your visit, it's a good idea to check the facilities available at your chosen destination, especially for more remote natural sites.
Are there any lesser-known or unique attractions worth visiting near Callington?
Beyond the popular spots, consider visiting Kerdroya, described as the world's largest stone labyrinth, constructed using traditional Cornish hedging. Another unique historical site is the Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex, the ruins of a former copper and arsenic mine, offering a glimpse into Cornwall's industrial past.
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