St Dominick Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your St Dominick Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

St Dominick sits in a prime spot for exploring both Cornwall and Devon. The parish itself is small but packed with character and surrounded by stunning countryside. I've found the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides some of the best walking in the region.

Cotehele House and Gardens (PL12 6TA, 10am-5pm daily) tops the local attractions with a 4.5/5 TripAdvisor score. This medieval National Trust property has barely changed since Tudor times. The gardens are spectacular year-round and there's a working water mill that still produces flour.

Kit Hill Country Park (PL17 8AX, open 24/7) scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and offers 360-degree views across Cornwall and Devon. On clear days, you can see both Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor from the summit.

The Tamar Valley Discovery Trail passes near St Dominick and gives walkers access to the river landscape. We recommend the section between Cotehele Quay and Calstock for its mix of woodland and river views.

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love a St Dominick holiday as much as you will. Many cottages welcome pets, often with enclosed gardens where they can run safely while you enjoy your hot tub.

The Who'd Have Thought It Inn (PL12 6TF) in the village allows dogs in the bar area and garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. Their Sunday roasts are legendary locally.

Cotehele's gardens and estate welcome dogs on leads, giving you 1,300 acres to explore together. The woodland paths are particularly good for morning walks.

Kit Hill Country Park is completely dog-friendly with no restrictions, making it perfect for letting energetic pets burn off steam. There are several circular routes of different lengths.

If your dog enjoys water, the small beach at Cotehele Quay allows paddling access to the River Tamar. Just watch the tide times as it changes dramatically throughout the day.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in St Dominick

Cotehele House and Estate (PL12 6TA) is unmissable. This Tudor house remains largely unchanged since the 1500s. The Great Hall displays a collection of arms and armour that kids find fascinating. In December, they hang a 60-foot garland made from flowers grown on the estate - it takes gardeners over 5,000 hours to create. The Barn Restaurant serves excellent cream teas using flour from their mill.

St Dominick Parish Church (PL12 6TH) dates from the 13th century with a 15th-century tower. The interior features medieval bench ends and a Norman font. The churchyard contains graves spanning centuries, including several with fascinating stories attached. One visitor wrote: "So peaceful and full of history - the carved woodwork inside is amazing."

Pentillie Castle (PL12 6QD) sits just outside St Dominick and opens its gardens several times a year. This 17th-century castle has been restored to its former glory and featured in the BBC's "Delicious" starring Dawn French. The woodland gardens slope down to the River Tamar with spectacular rhododendrons in spring. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "The gardens are immaculate and the views across the Tamar Valley are worth the entrance fee alone."

Is St Dominick suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Most cottages provide child-friendly facilities. Cotehele has a dedicated family trail and the flat paths around Cotehele Quay work well for pushchairs. The Tamar Trails Centre (20 minutes away) offers family cycling routes and tree-surfing for older kids.

When is the best time to visit St Dominick?

Spring and early summer showcase the area at its best, with wildflowers throughout the Tamar Valley. Autumn brings spectacular colours to Cotehele's woodlands. The hot tub will be especially welcome during cooler months!

Are there any good places to eat in St Dominick?

The Who'd Have Thought It Inn serves excellent pub food using local ingredients. For fine dining, try The Horn of Plenty in nearby Gulworthy. Cotehele's Barn Restaurant and Edgcumbe Arms at Cremyll both offer quality meals with local produce.

How far is St Dominick from the coast?

The nearest beaches are about 30 minutes away by car. Whitsand Bay offers 4 miles of sandy beach, while Seaton and Downderry provide smaller, family-friendly options. All have parking nearby.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. There's a limited bus service connecting St Dominick to Saltash and Plymouth. Taxis are available but need booking in advance. We strongly recommend bringing a car to make the most of your stay.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage holiday?

Bring walking shoes, swimwear for the hot tub and towels (though many cottages provide these). A torch is useful for country lanes at night and binoculars help spot wildlife along the river.

1. National Trust - Cotehele House and Gardens
2. Tamar Valley AONB Official Website
3. Visit Cornwall - Tamar Valley Guide