Calstock View

The viaduct dominates everything when you reach Calstock View. This isn't some quiet spot where you can have a peaceful moment - it's a proper dramatic engineering statement that forces your eye upward the moment you arrive. The valley below opens out in both directions, with the Tamar River winding through woodland, and the red sandstone arches of the Victorian railway viaduct anchoring the whole scene. It's free to visit and there's no faffing about with opening hours or admission fees.

You'll want a good twenty minutes here minimum, longer if you've brought a camera or enjoy just sitting with the view. The walk down from the car park is fairly gentle, though the access roads are narrow enough that you might meet another car and need to reverse. Walkers get the most from Calstock - it's positioned beautifully for exploring the Tamar Valley more broadly, with the South West Coast Path within reach if you fancy extending the trip.

Families with younger children might find it a bit of a one-trick visit unless they're genuinely keen on railways or engineering. The viaduct itself is impressive but static. That said, the open space and lack of crowds make it ideal as a stop between activities rather than a destination in its own right.

Falling between Tavistock and the coast, Calstock slots nicely into a park holiday at Sunnyside Eco Glamping or Woodovis - both are close enough for a quick morning visit before heading elsewhere. Go when the light hits the stone, late afternoon suits it best.