St Germans and the Surrounding Area
THE VILLAGE
"Our Visit to Port Eliot" was made my Carol and Steve Osman and we think it shows the beauty of Port Eliot wonderfully.
St Germans is a small village with a population of 600. It has a great village pub, The Eliot Arms
(01503 232733 - Open 11am-last orders) serving Cornish ales and excellent food all day.
St Germans Community Shop and Post Office is a general
store with an excellent range of stock including food, household supplies, newspapers and magazines, local products, alcohol and tobacco amongst other things. It is open 7 days a week: Mon>Fri 8>12 & 3>6; Sat 8>4; Sun 8>12. Telephone 01503 232887.
Trewall Veg, a mobile stall selling fruit, veg and provisions visits on several days of the week. There is also a childrens playpark which
had a complete makeover
in 2009 with brand new equipment.
The quay, with the viaduct towering above it and
its sailing club, is a popular spot. The old part of the village,
which includes the railway station, is virtually unspoilt and has
been made a Conservation Area. There is a row of alms houses built during the reign
of Queen Elizabeth I and a terrace of former police houses complete with cells
built in the 1800's. St Germans and the Lyner Estuary
have been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and
offer, in addition to the scenery, excellent opportunities for
walking, bird watching, fishing and sailing. The village has a parish church and methodist chapel. St Germans Rail Users Group is a voluntary group that was established to give local rail users a voice, to improve the service and facilities and to encourage use of the line.
The development of St Germans has been strongly influenced by the Port Eliot estate which adjoins the village on the northern side. The Norman parish church, formerly the cathedral of Cornwall
and Port Eliot house are built on the site of an ancient priory. An excellent article appeared recently in Cornish World magazine called St Germans - a forgotten corner of Cornwall
PORT ELIOT HOUSE AND ESTATE

Port Eliot (01503 230211 - Open 1st Mar - 30th Jun) house and grounds opened to the public for the first time in 2008. Home to the Earl and Countess of St Germans, the house is one of the most magical and hidden stately homes in England. The Grade 1 listed house dates back as far as the 5th Century and was substantially altered by Sir John Soane at the turn of the 19th Century. The Eliots have lived at Port Eliot since the 16th Century and the current Earl, Peregrine St Germans, is the 10th Earl of St Germans.
During it's open months (check their website for full details) you'll not only have full access to the park and gardens, but you'll be able to tour the house's ground floor reception rooms, including the famous Round Room which boasts a 40ft mural by Robert Lenkiewicz. Covering the entire wall of the round room, the mural is in two halves, one side depicting death, destruction, insanity, unrequited love, and the apocalyptic end of the world, whilst the other reflects love, affection, friendship, harmony, proportion and consensus. Lenkiewicz called this work "The Riddle Mural" as concealed within the picture are various references to family skeletons, art history and cabalistic mysteries. Port Eliot also houses several masterpieces by Sir Joshua Reynolds, including one if his important early works, Group Portait of the Eliot Family, painted in 1746. Works of art by Romney, Ramsey, Van Dyck and many of the Dutch Old Masters can also be seen as well as interesting pieces of museum quality furniture, including an early Boule armoire.
On Wednesdays dog lovers can bring their pets to roam free in the park, a rarity in such landscapes. At other times dogs are welcome but must be kept on their leads at all times.
"Arriving at St. Germans" was filmed by diddydeltic and shows a First Great Western HST arriving into St. Germans station.
"Great Western Main Line" was filmed by Ian Britton and shows all the activity at St. Germans station.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND AT ANTONY HOUSE
Antony House is just a short drive away from St. Germans. It was used as the setting for the recent Hollywood blockbuster Alice In Wonderland. Filming at the house took place in the summer of 2008 but to coincide with the films release, the National Trust is transforming the house and grounds into its very own Wonderland for the whole of the 2010 season.
Alice attractions will include the 'Alice meets Antony' exhibition, which will tell the story of Antony's transformation during filming. The exhibition will allow you to discover what it was like to witness the filming and hear from all those who took part. You will also be able to explore the house to find the rooms that were used, including Alice’s bedroom.
Experience a Magical Wonderland in the Repton-designed landscape gardens. Enter a beautiful oversized garden through a rabbit hole and be enchanted by a larger than life caterpillar, a clock and even Alice herself. Explore the natural beauty of a huge Cork Oak tree, decorated with potion bottles, and a fantastic yew cone where you might see the cunning Cheshire Cat. Follow the butterfly trail and see the stunning views and vistas that inspired Tim Burton to choose Antony for the film.
With Alice's Games you can have a go at croquet in the grounds. Look out for the giant chessboard, use your family and friends and become your own game of chess. Join in the Caucous race – no rules or instructions – and let off steam. You may even win a prize!
Finally on weekends and bank holidays, children of all ages are invited to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. You'll be able to enjoy all that we have going on, including dressing up, music, workshops and games. And what tea party would be complete without yummy food and drink? You'll need to book a place at the tea party by calling 01752 812191. Places are limited so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Alice transformation will be running through the 2010 season, from 6th March until 31st October. Don't miss your chance to experience this unique attraction.
ST GERMANS
As a touring centre, St Germans is well postitioned, with good rail connections and the A38 only 2 miles away. Close by are the south coast beaches, fishing villages (including Looe and Polperro), Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor, Plymouth city centre (15 minutes by train, crossing Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge) and the preserved railways of the Bodmin and Wenford (08451 259678 - Trains operate from March to December) and the South Devon Railway (08453 451420 - Check website for full train schedule). The beautiful, Network Rail owned, Tamar Valley Line and the Looe Valley Line are only minutes away.
Bake Fishing Lakes (07798 585836 - Open all year, except Christmas Day) are
2 miles away and comprise 5 lakes offering both course and fly fishing in beautiful surroundings.
Equipment can be hired and tuition is available. Beginners are welcome. There are numerous National Trust properties, ancient monuments, golf courses and river trips within easy reach. Guests also have access to 10 acres of private woodland within 5 minutes walk. For those of you who like active holidays, we can recommend Active8, who will organise all your holiday needs, from horse riding to kayaking
For an evening out, The Halfway House (01503 230202) in the neighbouring village of Polbathic is only half a mile away
and also serves delicious home cooked food. Two miles down the road is the infamous Rod and Line pub (01752 851323) in Tideford, well known for its live music, excellent scallops and crab, and spit and sawdust atmosphere. Our local taxi service Ant's Taxis can be booked for a car free evening (07788 900222). Alternatively, the train times work out well for an evening spent in Liskeard, Saltash or Plymouth where there is a wealth of choice. The journey time is only 5 minutes to Saltash and the fare is around £2.
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THE LOCAL AREA
(PT) - easy by public transport
THE RAME PENINSULA
- Until the opening of the
road bridge in 1961, the car-ferry linking Torpoint with
Devonport and Plymouth was one of the main gateways to
Cornwall. Although not particularly worth a visit in itself, the ferry makes a pleasant alternative route into Plymouth. The town has banks, eateries and a supermarket.
- Tel: 01752 812191 - surrounded by thickly wooded gardens
and lawns sloping down to the Lyhner estuary. The Carew
family have lived on the estate since the 15th century
and the present house, built in 1721, is in the Classical
style with a central block of Pentewan stone joined by
colonnades to red brick wings. The house contains
exquisite tapestries, a large library and dining room and
some fine pieces of 18th century furniture. Open on certain days Apr-Oct, check website for full opening times.
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Tel: 01752 822236 - attractive 900 acre gardens are open all
year and free. Dating back to Elizabethan times, they
contain a deer park, follies, parkland, Italian gardens and an
orangery. Mount Edgcumbe House, open to the public for a fee on
certain days, is a reconstruction of a 16th century building
destroyed in the Blitz. Mount Edgcumbe is host to the National Camelia Collection.
The mild Cornish climate and Mount Edgcumbe's stunning location surrounded on three sides
by water at the entrance to Plymouth Sound ensures that these beautiful and diverse shrubs
are at their best from early February.
- twin coastal villages where cottages
cluster around a small quay. It is a pleasant 2 mile walk
from Cawsand, west along the coast path to Rame Head. On
the way, just as the path emerges from the trees and set
into the cliffs are the remains of a small church. From
here are visible Trinity House buildings that contain a
fog horn. From Rame Head it is possible to return to
Cawsand by the lanes, passing Rame Parish Church on the
way.
- a distinctive rocky promontory surmounted by the shell of an old chapel. The chapel was first licensed for mass in 1397 and was dedicated to Saint Michael. It is probably on the site of a Celtic chapel. The hermit priest who occupied the building lived in its upper floor and was responsible for lighting a beacon to guide mariners and also warn of seaborn threats. As early as 1486 records exist of Plymouth paying a watchman at Rame to maintain a beacon there to warn shipping and to bring news to Plymouth of important ships. A concrete structure standing on the seaward side of the building is the remains of a second world war radar station.
- 2 miles of high cliffs and the best
beaches on Cornwalls south coast stretching west from
Rame Head. It is well worth descending the network of
paths to seek out the quiet coves and broad beaches, with
their 'white sand', below. The larger beaches have
lifegaurds in attendance during peak months.
- A village with a tiny harbour and great family beach. Parking and
the descent to the beach are easy. Toilets and ice cream kiosk. A harbour and second beach can be found at the far end of the beach and road.
- A fantastic place to birdwatch, many waders and estuarine birds reside in the waters here. There's also the remains of an engine shed and line once used for supplying the fort at Antony.LOOE
East and West Looe face each other across the combined estuary of two rivers and are joined by a broad seven arched bridge and by a small passenger ferry closer to the sea. It was formerly a pilchard fishing community and fishing is still a major industry . However, the arrival of the railway in 1859 brought the first wave of summer visitors and tourism is now the towns mainstay. There is plenty of character left though, with a labyrinth of narrow streets and courtyards in the old quarter of East Looe sandwiched between the still active fish quay on one side and the sea front with its small beach. Fishing and pleasure boat trips can be booked at the fish quay. There is a plethora of places to eat in Looe, many of them specialising in locally caught fish.
A popular coastal walk is from West Looe to Polperro. Polperro is an old fishing village, now largely dependant on tourism but still attractive never the less. There is a return bus service which leaves from the Crumplehorn pub in Polperro for Looe.
SALTASH (PT)
Saltash is a very old town which came to prominance because the relative narrowness of the Tamar river at this point made it a crossing point. Consequently much trade passed through the town.
- the future wife of Sir Francis Drake was born here.
largely unchanged since the 1940's
- Brunels world famous rail bridge joining Cornwall to the rest of the nation. PLYMOUTH (PT)
Plymouth is only 15 minutes away by train along what must be one of the most beautiful stretches of line in the country, culminating with crossing the Tamar on Brunels famous Royal Albert Bridge.
The sea has played a prominant role in the cities history. Its position at the mouth of the Tamar estuary affording it deep, sheltered waters. The naval dockyard of Devonport was established here and is still a major employer. The city center has been largely pedestrianised and has all the major names as well as smaller specialist shops.
TAMAR VALLEY
The Tamar estuary and river forms the border between Devon and Cornwall. The twice daily tidal influx of warm seawater up the estuary and the shelter afforded by the valley gives the area an exceptionally mild climate. For this reason horticulture has always been the major industry. The upper reaches of the estuary were extensively used for transporting minerals from the surrounding mines. The mudflats bordering the estuary are home to vast quantities of birds.
- branch line following the river stopping at tiny stations linked by
footpaths (Railtrack) (PT)
- Tel: 01579 351346 - Medieval manor house set above sheltered valley garden. (NT)(PT)At 365 square miles, this is a vast area of granite tors, bog, heather and gorse offering fine walking and views.
Much smaller than Dartmoor but just as cabable of instilling a feeling of isolation, there are many fine walks and it is easy to drop down into one of the surrounding village pubs for refreshment.
LISKEARD (PT)
The town owes its past prosperity to the local mining industry and this is reflected in the grandier of the buildings. It is also a market town and still retains the cattle market at its center. The major banks are represented here as are some highstreet names and also some shops of character.
SURROUNDING AREA FOOD & EATING OUT Info on Food and Eating Out is available on the Food Page.
Look around Cornwall - panoramic views of Cornish places you can explore. Includes a tool for panning through the views.
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| SITE MAP - left click on the underlined Section or Sub Page to go to that page | ||
|---|---|---|
| Section | Sub Pages | Details |
| Home Page | The Railholiday self catering holiday accommodation home page | |
| St Ives Bay SK2 | The St Ives Bay SK2 holiday carriage home page | |
| Hayle Area | Info on Hayle and West Cornwall, St Ives, Penzance, Newquay, Truro, Mousehole, St Michaels Mount, Lands End, The Lizard, Falmouth, St Mawes and the Lost Gardens of Heligan | |
| Gallery | Pictures of the St Ives Bay SK2, Hayle and West Cornwall | |
| Virtual Tour | Have a look around the SK2 by way of a series of photos | |
| Visitors Comments | Genuine extracts from the St Ives Bay SK2 visitors book | |
| Travelling Post Office | The Travelling Post Office holiday let home page | |
| St Germans Area | Info on St Germans and South East Cornwall, Whitsand Bay, Looe, Millendreath, Polperro, Fowey, Mevagissey, and the Eden Project | |
| Gallery | Pictures of the Travelling Post Office, St Germans station and village | |
| Virtual tour | Have a look around the TPO by way of a series of photos | |
| History | Some history of GWR Travelling Post Office 841 | |
| The Old Luggage Van | The Old Luggage Van vacation carriage home page | |
| St Germans Area | Info on St Germans and South East Cornwall, Whitsand Bay, Looe, Millendreath, Polperro, Fowey, Mevagissey, and the Eden Project | |
| Gallery | Pictures of the Old Luggage Van, St Germans station and village | |
| Virtual Tour | Have a look around the Old Luggage Van with a series of photos | |
| Visitors Comments | Genuine extracts from the Old Luggage Van visitors book | |
| Walks from St Germans | Selection of walks centred on the village | |
| Prices and Availability | This years prices and availability for all the holiday lets | |
| Next years prices | Next years prices and availability for all the holiday lets | |
| Booking | How to book your railway carriage holiday accommodation. You can book over the phone by card or by post with a cheque. | |
| Booking Form | Use this if you are sending payment by post. | Booking Conditions | The legal stuff | Things to do | Holiday planning ideas for making the most of your stay |
| Rail and Heritage | Railways and trains (standard, narrow gauge & model railways), heritage & attractions to engage the technically minded (prehistoric sites, Cornish mines, the cornish mining world heritage site, china clay extraction, lighthouses etc.) | |
| Houses & Gardens | National Trust, English Heritage and private houses, country estates, gardens and castles open to the public | |
| Other attractions | Theme parks (Flambards, Creally) kids play areas, aquariums, animal attractions (Newquay and Paignton zoo, Paradise Park, National Seal Sanctuary etc.) | |
| Beaches and Outdoor Activities | The best beaches with info on facilities, access, family friendly, dog friendly plus walking, surfing, fishing, canoeing, golf, sailing, diving, karting etc. | |
| Day Trips by Train | Some possible itineries for days out by train in cornwall | |
| Fishing | Places to fish near our holiday carriages | |
| Walking | Places to walk near our holiday carriages | |
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