Discover Callington

Callington brings together art around the town, historic landmarks and expansive views across the Tamar Valley. The Honey Fair, held annually in October, adds a specific event date to these themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Callington, you can weigh up your options according to the focus of your stay: would you like to discover murals and town history, take in the town’s landscape setting, or combine your trip with the Honey Fair? These themes give you a concrete basis for considering Callington as a destination in line with your interests.

Landscape and townscape

Callington lies on the southwestern slopes of Kit Hill. From Callington, there are expansive views across the Tamar Valley, a landscape designated as a National Landscape for its outstanding natural beauty. Its hillside location and views across the valley give Callington a landscape dimension distinct from the town’s historical and artistic themes. When choosing a destination, you can therefore take the landscape perspective into account alongside town history and murals.

Murals with local themes

The Callington Mural Trail comprises 23 large-scale murals and can be explored on foot for free, at your own pace. Its images depict aspects of the town’s mining and agricultural heritage. This combination makes the trail appealing if you would like to view mural art alongside links to the town’s history: mining and agriculture are two clearly distinct themes.

Church, local history and town layout

The settlement of Callington is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. The Church of St Mary is a parish church and was consecrated in 1438. The dates refer to different historical points: 1086 marks the settlement’s entry, while 1438 marks the church’s consecration. Callington is also a compact town with a triangular layout; the broad section of Fore Street was probably the marketplace. While the dates anchor specific historical records and events, the triangular layout describes a spatial feature of the town.

History beyond the town

The Callington Heritage Centre is dedicated to the historical heritage of the town and the surrounding areas of southeast Cornwall. It covers all aspects of the social and economic history of Callington and the surrounding parishes. Its subject matter therefore differs from that of a single building or date: its perspective encompasses social and economic history. If you would like to extend your historical interests beyond individual buildings and dates, this thematic approach offers an additional point of reference.

Honey Fair and Country Market

The Callington Honey Fair is held annually on the first Wednesday in October. If you would like to plan your visit around the event, check the date before travelling. The programme includes craft stalls, live music, a fairground and honey-related competitions. Cream teas are also part of the fair and are called “Teas with the Bees”.

The Callington Country Market has stalls selling chutneys, preserves, honey, juices, fruit drinks and organic produce. The selection of individual products may vary. The two food-related attractions differ: the market focuses on stalls selling produce, while the Honey Fair combines cream teas with its annual event date and other activities.

Discover more destinations: Constantine Bay, Porthcurno, Morwenstow, St Agnes, Perranwell Station, Penrose, Launceston, Falmouth

For the main travel guide: Cornwall.