Saltash Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Saltash Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Saltash packs in plenty of interesting sights despite its modest size. The Royal Albert Bridge (PL12 4AP) dominates the skyline - Brunel's masterpiece of Victorian engineering spans the Tamar and connects Cornwall to Devon. It's free to view year-round and makes for fantastic photos.

Mary Newman's Cottage (PL12 4AP, open April-September, Tuesday-Saturday 11am-3pm) is Saltash's oldest building dating from 1480. This Tudor time capsule scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and costs just £3 for adults. I recommend visiting on Saturday when local volunteers demonstrate traditional crafts.

Nearby Antony House (PL11 2QA) is a National Trust property used as a filming location for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and features stunning gardens. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 12pm-4:30pm (March-October).

For something different, China Fleet Country Club (PL12 6LJ) offers golf, swimming and spa facilities just outside town. Day passes available for non-members. We found it's a great option if the weather turns - you can still enjoy your hot tub back at the cottage afterwards!

Pet Friendly

Bringing your dog to Saltash? You've made a good choice! The Tamar Trails (PL19 8JE) offer 25km of walking paths through woodland where dogs can run free. The trails follow old mining tramways and feature information boards about the area's industrial past.

The Who'd Have Thought It Inn (PL12 6PY) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are excellent - booking recommended.

Seaton Beach (PL11 3JD) is dog-friendly year-round and just 20 minutes' drive away. It's a quieter alternative to busier Cornish beaches with plenty of space for dogs to run. There's a beach café that allows dogs inside too.

Most cottages with hot tubs in Saltash welcome pets, but do check if there are restrictions about dogs using outdoor areas near the tub. We recommend bringing towels specifically for drying your dog after walks - the Cornish weather can be unpredictable!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Saltash

1. Cotehele House and Gardens (PL12 6TA) - This medieval National Trust property sits in a wooded estate beside the River Tamar. The house contains a fascinating collection of textiles, armour and furniture, while the gardens feature terraces, a valley garden and orchards. The quay has a restored Tamar sailing barge and a working watermill. Open daily 10am-5pm (March-October). TripAdvisor score: 4.5/5. One visitor wrote: "The gardens alone are worth the visit, but the house is like stepping back in time. We spent a whole day here."

2. Saltash Waterside (PL12 4EN) - This picturesque area beside the Tamar offers great views of both bridges, fishing boats and passing river traffic. The Union Inn pub with its patriotic façade is a local landmark. Several good restaurants line the waterfront including The Boatman (excellent seafood). Free parking available. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "Lovely spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a pint - the bridges look spectacular when lit up at night."

3. Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve (PL12 4AS) - This 61-acre reserve offers fantastic walks with panoramic views across the Tamar and Lynher estuaries. Home to various wildlife including skylarks and kestrels. Several circular routes range from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Free entry and parking. Open daily dawn to dusk. TripAdvisor score: 4/5. Visitor comment: "A hidden gem with the best views in Saltash - we saw a deer on our morning walk!"

Is Saltash a good base for exploring Cornwall?

Yes! Saltash sits at Cornwall's eastern edge, making it perfect for exploring both Cornwall and Devon. Plymouth is just 10 minutes away, while popular spots like Looe (25 mins), Polperro (35 mins) and even the Eden Project (40 mins) are easily reached. Having a hot tub cottage here gives you a quieter base with good access to major attractions.

When is the best time to visit Saltash?

May to September offers the best weather, but Saltash is less crowded than coastal resorts even in peak summer. Spring brings beautiful blossoms at Cotehele and Antony gardens. Winter stays can be cosy with your hot tub steaming in the crisp air - many pubs light roaring fires and serve excellent food.

Do I need a car in Saltash?

While not essential, a car makes exploring much easier. Saltash has train connections to Plymouth (7 mins) and beyond, plus local buses. Taxis are available but can be limited in evenings. Most cottages provide parking and having your own transport allows you to discover smaller villages and beaches.

What's the food like in Saltash?

Surprisingly good! The Brunel Inn (PL12 6AF) serves excellent pub classics. Just Outside (PL12 6LD) offers great breakfast and lunch options. For something special, The Cardinals Hatt (PL12 6PZ) serves locally-sourced dishes including Cornish seafood. Don't miss Saltash's farmers market (first Friday monthly) for local produce to cook back at your cottage.

Can I bring children to a hot tub cottage?

Absolutely, but check age restrictions with your specific property. Most cottages welcome families and many provide games, DVDs and garden space. China Fleet Country Club has excellent children's facilities including swimming. Nearby Whitsand Bay and Seaton Beach are great for family days out.

Is there good shopping in Saltash?

Saltash has essential shops but Plymouth offers much more variety just across the Tamar Bridge. Saltash's Fore Street has independent shops, while Carkeel Gateway Retail Park has larger stores. For serious shopping, Drake Circus in Plymouth is 15 minutes away. Local farm shops like Tamar View Nurseries (PL12 6PH) sell excellent Cornish produce.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Cornwall's Saltash Guide
2. National Trust Cotehele Information
3. Tamar Valley AONB Walking Routes