Attractions and Places To See around Pillaton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Pillaton, a village in Cornwall, include historical landmarks and natural features. The area is characterized by its proximity to the River Tamar and the Tamar Valley. It features diverse landscapes, from ancient mining heritage to significant viewpoints. The region offers opportunities for outdoor exploration and historical discovery.
Best attractions and places to see around Pillaton
- The most popular attractions is Kit Hill Trig Point, a historical site that sits high above the…
Last updated: April 23, 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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Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex
Highlight • Structure
It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! …
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Cotehele Quay
Highlight • River
It is now a Discovery Centre but was once a bustling quay transporting goods to …
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Tamar Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Maristow Weir
Highlight • River
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Tips from the Community
Spectacular bridge, very safe to cross by bike or on foot. At least when there is not a crosswind nor too many other users
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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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The Tamar Bridge links the UK's two most south western counties between Plymouth in Devon and Saltash in Cornwall. It was once the longest suspension bridge in the UK. It is a toll bridge but pedestrians and cycles go free over a separate path which has recently been resurfaced. Close by there is a 'Bridging the Tamar' Visitor & Learning Centre which provides detailed information about the significance of the bridge and its rich history.
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Nice segregated cycle path with a good view of the Brunel bridge adjacent.
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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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Also, you can get a nice cup of tea and tasty flapjack, in The Edgcumbe cafe!
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A National Trust estate. In it's prime, a busy working quay from which goods were moved via the River Tamar to and from Plymouth
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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 historical landmarks can I explore in and around Pillaton?
Pillaton, Cornwall, offers several historical sites. You can visit Kit Hill Trig Point, which features ancient burial mounds and evidence of Cornwall's mining past. The village itself is home to St Odulph's Church, a Grade I listed building, and the historic Pillaton Old Hall with its 15th-century gatehouse and chapel. Further afield, you can find Dupath Well, a charming well-house from around 1500, and the impressive Neolithic burial chamber, Trethevy Quoit.
Are there any significant industrial heritage sites near Pillaton?
Yes, the area has a rich industrial past. The Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex is a notable former copper and arsenic mine, where you can see the ruins of the arsenic processing complex. Kit Hill Trig Point also showcases pointers towards Cornwall's mining history.
Where can I find natural beauty and viewpoints around Pillaton?
For natural beauty, Kit Hill Trig Point offers fantastic panoramic views high above the Tamar Valley. The River Lynher forms part of the parish boundary, providing scenic riverside views. Cotehele Quay also provides beautiful views over the Tamar River.
Are there opportunities for walking or hiking near Pillaton?
Absolutely. There are several walking routes that start and end in Pillaton village, ranging from 2.5 to 8 miles. For more structured options, you can explore easy hikes around Pillaton, including routes like the Cotehele House loop or the Calstock Viaduct – Cotehele Quay loop.
What kind of geological sites are in the area?
Viverdon Quarry, located on Viverdon Down, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's recognized for its rare inland exposure of fossiliferous Dinantian conodont fauna, ostracods, and bivalves, which are significant for understanding local stratigraphy.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities available?
Cotehele Quay is considered family-friendly and offers a Discovery Centre, a working watermill, and a tea room on an estate run by the National Trust. Many of the walking routes around Pillaton are also suitable for families.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions around Pillaton?
Yes, the Tamar Bridge has a separate, recently resurfaced path for pedestrians and cyclists, making it wheelchair accessible with good views. The Torpoint Ferry also accommodates wheelchairs, with pedestrians and cyclists traveling for free.
Where can I find refreshments or accommodation near the attractions?
In Pillaton village, The Weary Friar is a public house offering accommodation. Near Cotehele Quay, there is a tea room on the National Trust estate. Other nearby villages like Calstock and Bere Alston also offer pubs, cafes, and accommodation options.
What are the best ways to get around or access attractions using public transport?
The Tamar Valley Line provides public transport options to areas near Pillaton. Additionally, the Torpoint Ferry connects Torpoint in Cornwall with Plymouth in Devon, and pedestrians and cyclists can use it for free.
Are there cycling routes available near Pillaton?
Yes, there are various cycling opportunities. You can find cycling routes around Pillaton, including easy loops like the Descent from Kit Hill or the Tamar Bridge loop. For road cyclists, there are also road cycling routes of varying difficulty.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Pillaton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the historical significance of sites like Kit Hill Trig Point and Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex, as well as the beautiful river views from Cotehele Quay. The blend of ancient history, industrial heritage, and natural landscapes, coupled with opportunities for outdoor exploration, is highly valued by the komoot community.
Can I visit Pentillie Castle?
Pentillie Castle, while not always open to the public, does host special events throughout the year. It's advisable to check their official website for current event schedules and opening times.
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