Tourist Information
Saltash Town Visitor Guide Coming Soon!
A new Visitor Guide, developed by the Saltash Town Team in partnership with Saltash Town Council, is currently in progress and will be available soon.
Welcome to Saltash - Where Cornwall Begins
Discover the charm of Saltash, a vibrant Cornish town set on the beautiful banks of the River Tamar. Enjoy spectacular views of Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge and stroll beside the striking Tamar Road Bridge, which is a memorable way to cross into England if you have a head for heights!
Saltash is a welcoming town, its lively main street lined with independent shops, cafes and local businesses. Whether you are browsing for unique gifts, enjoying a freshly baked Cornish pasty or relaxing with a coffee, Fore Street offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What's On
The town hosts a vibrant programme of community events and festivals throughout the year, including the May Fair, Regatta and Christmas Festival. Many of these take place in the town centre, bringing the whole community together and creating a warm, friendly atmosphere for residents and visitors.
For up to date events, visit the Town Councils Event calendar or Visit Saltash
Discover Saltash!
Explore Saltash by browsing our points of interest that highlight the town’s history, culture, and amenities. Each location offers a glimpse into what makes Saltash unique, from heritage sites and green spaces to facilities and attractions. View Saltash Town Council Points of Interest.
Saltash Markets
The Saltash Markets are a vibrant, community focused event designed to bring life to the heart of Saltash. Running monthly through the summer months, this exciting initiative is a collaborative effort by the Saltash Town Team, working in partnership with Saltash Town Council and delivered by Diverse Events CIC.
Funded through the Cornwall Council Vitality Accelerator Funding and Town Delivery Funding, these markets promise to offer a lively experience for all ages, showcasing the best of our local community.
Market Dates for 2026 are to be confirmed.
History and Heritage
Saltash is steeped in history, with landmarks that reflect its rich past. The imposing ramparts of Trematon Castle still dominate the landscape overlooking Churchtown Farm and the Lynher estuary, guarding the historic river crossing. Built soon after the Norman Conquest and recorded in the Domesday book, the fortress played a dramatic role in Elizabethan times when it stored Spanish treasure captured by Sir Francis Drake before the hoard was transferred to the Tower of London.
On the eastern side of town, the iconic Royal Albert Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, stands as a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and remains one of Cornwall’s most recognisable landmarks.
In the town centre, Saltash Heritage Museum provides a fascinating insight into local history and heritage, while Elliott’s Store preserves the character of an early 20th century shop. A short walk away, Mary Newman’s Cottage and Garden offer a rare glimpse into Tudor life.
On waterside Green, a reproduction of J.M.W Turners painting captures the bustling riverside as he saw it in 1811, a remarkable artistic record of Saltash in the early nineteenth century.
Discover more of the town’s past by following the Blue Plaque Trail, marking the lives of some of its most notable inhabitants.
Historical Figures
Saltash is steeped in history with a famous Cornishwoman who achieved national celebrity for rowing a four-oared watermen's boat - Ann Glanville (1796–1880)
Born in Saltash in Cornwall as Ann Warren or Warring, she married John Glanville, a waterman from a line of watermen.
Ann formed a crew of four female rowers who took part in local regattas; she was noted for her large stature and for her crew who were dressed in white caps and dresses. Their success led to competitions all over the country; one event at Fleetwood was watched by Queen Victoria, who congratulated Ann when they won by beating an all-male crew.
In September 2013, a fibre glass statue of Ann sitting on a bench was unveiled in Saltash. The life-sized figure has a sound recording of the key events of Ann's life, which can be listened to by clicking on the hyperlinks provided.
Click here to listen to Ann Glanville recording one.
Click here to listen to Ann Glanville recording two.
Nearby, the statue of Brunel (1806-1859) pays tribute to the visionary engineer who shapes the connectivity of Saltash.
Culture, Leisure and Community
Saltash Town Centre has a vibrant creative scene. Just off Fore Street, Saltash Social Club regularly hosts live music, while nearby Saltash Studios offers weekly film showings and creative events. Independent shops across the town centre offer handcrafted goods and unique finds.
The Guildhall is home to the Saltash Chronicles, an intricate embroidered artwork depicting key moments in the town’s history. Crafted using the same type of thread as the Bayeux Tapestry, the embroidery is displayed on the walls of the Guildhall’s main room. Viewing of the embroidery can be arranged by contacting Saltash Town Council.
On the waterside, you’ll see the large Union Mural on the side wall of a local pub. Painted in 1999, it vividly brings the story of Saltash to life through scenes of its people, traditions and community events.
For recreation, Saltash Leisure Centre and the China Fleet Country Club offer excellent facilities offer excellent facilities for swimming, fitness and family activities. With the Tamar Valley National Landscape on its doorstep, Saltash is an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside. Walkers can follow sections of the Tamara Way and discover landscapes shaped by the region’s rich mining heritage.
Find information on local leisure and sports clubs here
View Events at Saltash Library here
Parks and Nature
Saltash boasts an array of walks, each offering a unique opportunity to explore its natural beauty and rich history. Fram tranquil woodland paths to charming villages like Forder, walkers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and learn more about the town’s rich heritage.
Tincombe Nature Reserve
Tincombe is a treasured community asset spanning over 12 acres, with a rich mix of woodland, gently flowing streams and a wetland scrape alive with dragonflies. There is even an old quarry – a haven for nature watchers. The park is teeming with wildlife, from newts and toads to owls and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, their black and white feathers lit by vivid flashes of red.
Churchtown Farm Nature Reserve
Covering 150 acres, the Reserve is a peaceful wildlife haven, home to diverse habitats that support creatures including butterflies and hedgehogs, as well as birds like skylarks and linnets. As you wander along the paths, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the River Lynher and the imposing Norman ramparts of Trematon Castle rising on the horizon. You may even spot a warship.
Victoria Gardens
A charming park established in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victorias Diamond Jubilee, Victoria Gardens features a rose garden in memory of Queen Elizabeth II and the King’s Oak, planted to mark the coronation of King Charles III. With its central location and plentiful benches, Victoria Gardens offers a perfect space to rest and reflect.
Elwell Woods and the Cornwall Cross
An iconic piece of art on the Saltash skyline that proudly welcomes people to Cornwall, the Cornish Cross stands at the top of Elwell Woods. Over 19 metres tall, it is a stunning sculpture by artist Simon Thomas. After admiring the cross, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the peaceful little gem that is Elwell woods.
Waterfront Greens
Saltash boasts several scenic waterfront spaces that provide the perfect setting for relaxation and community activities. Among these, Brunel Green, Jubilee Green and Waterside Green stand out for their spectacular views over the River Tamar. Each green is a hub of community life, where nature, history and social gatherings come together.
Further information on local walks can be found here
Useful Information
Saltash is easy to reach and well connected. The A38 passes through the town, over the Tamar Road Bridge and through the Saltash Tunnel.
By Car
After crossing the Tamar Road Bridge, the immediate first exit leads straight into the heart of the town centre. If you’re travelling from the west or north, at Carkeel Roundabout follow signs to ‘Town Centre’.
By Bus
Regular buses connect Saltash with Plymouth, most stopping on Fore Street in the town centre. Saltash has a direct service to Derriford Hospital and is around 25 minutes from Royal Parade, Plymouth. There are also direct buses from places like Liskeard.
By Train
On the main Paddington to Penzance rail line with regular services from Plymouth and Truro, Saltash has a good mix of long distance and local rail services and is approximately 10 minutes from Plymouth and 60 minutes form Truro. Saltash Station is just a short walk from the town centre and Waterside. There are no ticket facilities at the station itself, but tickets can be bought on board or online.
By Ferry
A summer ferry service operates seven days a week between Saltash and the Royal William Yard in Plymouth. Please check with the operator, Plymouth Boat Trips, for schedules and fares. The ferry arrives and departs from the Jubilee Pontoon, just north of the bridges, offering a commanding perspective of these engineering marvels as you sail beneath them.
Suggested Round Trip from Plymouth
From Royal William Yard, a lively destination with plenty to see and do, catch the Saltash Ferry for a delightful 30-minute cruise up the River Tamar to Saltash. Explore the historic waterside area, then make your way up the hill to discover the town centre. Return by river to enjoy stunning views or take the train to cross it!