Local Towns
Kelly is situated between the two largest local towns of Tavistock in Devon, and Launceston just over the border in Cornwall. Both have a wealth of history, and there is plenty to see in both.
Tavistockis an ancient Stannary (tin mining) town located on the edge of Dartmoor on the Tavy river. The town is well known as a food-lover’s paradise, featuring a brilliant Farmers Market (2nd, 4th and 5th Saturday mornings – Bedford square) as well as three brilliant butchers, fishmonger, local food specialist (Roots and Vines), cheese shop (Country Cheeses), European food specialists and a well-stocked deli (Crebers). There are a number of restaurants, including Gorton’s, the Cornish Arms and Chinese (Birds Nest) and Indian specialists. While there are pasty shops in abundance, we would recommend buying pasties from Palmers Butchers on the High Street for a special treat!
Tavistock also has a Pannier Market just behind Bedford square, which hosts regular special events throughout the year and is a great place to pick up gifts and souvenirs of your visit to Devon.
Launceston is located just over the Tamar river in Cornwall. The ancient castle which looms over the centre of the town is visible from the gardens at Kelly House during clear weather. The town is also home to the Launceston Steam Railway
Out and About
Those wanting to see the local countryside can rest assured they are already there. Kelly is at a junction of many footpaths and bridleways, and we will be very happy to give you directions for walks or cycle rides from three to twenty miles in the local area.
The house overlooks Bodmin Moor from the front terrace, and a short walk through Meadwell Village to the top of the road will provide stunning views of Dartmoor too. From this vantage point, you will also see Bren Tor – an imposing granite mount surmounted by the ancient church. Adventurous types should take the challenge of visiting the church itself – a small car park provides a closer starting point – to see some of the most fantastic views of an uncluttered British countryside.
Bodmin, we would recommend a walk out onto the moor from Minions, just north of Liskeard to the Cheesewring – a local stone structure made – legend tells us – when a Saint did battle with a local Giant during the conversion to Christianity.
Again locally, the reservoir at Roadford is an excellent watersports location, with sailing and canoe hire available from the club on the north-west of the lake.
The Seaside
From Kelly you are spoilt for choice! We can recommend a number of beach locations depending on your requirements, most with refreshments available on site. If you are keen to enjoy a quiet day away, why not allow us to make up a picnic basket for you to enjoy at your leisure!
The South Cornish coast has some of the best sandy beaches.Looe is a favourite tourist spot, with plenty of shops and a wide esplanade of soft sand but can be rather breezy on the seafront in less than perfect weather. Further along towards St Austel, the small fishing village of Polkerris provides great dining opportunities, as well as a more sheltered but smaller beach.
To the north, we would recommend a visit to Crackington Haven, which offers some of the best sunsets in the world, Trebarwith Strand with the imposing cliff walks available or, for those wishing to take in a bit of history, the tourist village of Tintagel, possible location of the ancient Camelot.