Old Miners Cottage

Old Miners Cottage Overview

First Impressions

There’s something about pulling up to Old Miners Cottage that immediately makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special. It sits on Newbridge Hill in Gunnislake — a quiet corner of Cornwall that most people drive straight past without realising what they’re missing. The name alone tells you a bit of the story: this is a place with history baked into its walls, and you can feel that the moment you arrive. It’s not a polished, corporate kind of place, and honestly, that’s exactly the point.

Location & Neighbourhood

Gunnislake is one of those small Cornish villages that sits right on the edge of the Tamar Valley, which is actually an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — so the scenery around here is genuinely worth your time. You’re close enough to Tavistock for a proper wander and a good meal, and the Tamar Valley Line, one of the most scenic little railway routes in the southwest, is practically on your doorstep. I mean, if you’re into walking, the trails around here are brilliant — varied, well-marked, and rarely crowded. It’s the kind of location that rewards slow travel rather than rushing between tourist hotspots.

The Cottage Feel

Old Miners Cottage has that sort of atmosphere that’s hard to manufacture — it feels genuinely lived-in and cared for, rather than styled within an inch of its life. The character of the building comes through in the details, and there’s a warmth to the place that you don’t always find in more conventional accommodation. It’s well-suited to couples, and you can see why — it’s quiet, it’s intimate, and it doesn’t feel like you’re sharing your weekend away with a lobby full of strangers. Guests consistently rate it highly, sitting at an 8 out of 10, which for a place this personal and unpretentious is a solid endorsement.

Practical Bits Worth Knowing

One thing that’s genuinely useful here — especially given the rural setting — is the free private parking on site. If you’re driving down from further afield (and most people do, because this part of Cornwall isn’t exactly on a major transport hub), not having to think about where to leave the car is a small but real relief. The surrounding lanes are narrow in that very Cornish way, so having a dedicated spot waiting for you matters more than it might sound. It’s one of those practical details that just makes the whole stay feel easier from the start.

Why Guests Love It

What keeps people talking about Old Miners Cottage is the combination of genuine character and a setting that feels removed from everyday life without being completely off the map. Couples in particular seem to find exactly what they’re looking for here — somewhere peaceful, somewhere with a bit of soul, somewhere that doesn’t feel like every other place they’ve stayed. The Tamar Valley backdrop, the quiet of Newbridge Hill, the sense that you’ve found a proper hidden gem rather than a heavily marketed destination — it all adds up. If you’re after something with a bit more personality than a standard hotel room, this is well worth considering.

Old Miners Cottage Accommodations

Reviews of Old Miners Cottage

• Fiona from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (5/10)

  The sitting room is lovely, beautiful views across the valley and very comfortable. The kitchen is well appointed. The shower in the bathroom is wonderful. The property was very clean and well looked after. It was lovely to be able to sit on the patio. The larger bedroom was very comfortable. The beds in both rooms were comfortable with nice bed linen. The cottage would be ideal for a couple who are fit. The owners were very responsive.
  
  What could be improved: The access to the property…the lane is a challenge, as very sharp turn from the main road and more directions would have been helpful. We damaged our car as drove too far up the lane and reversing down was very narrow with a steep drop on one side. There is long run of steep steps up to the cottage, which is a challenge with luggage and although has some lights was more difficult in the dark.The second bedroom has a small double bed and about a 1m square area of space to stand in. We were a group of 2 couples in our 60s and 70s – all pretty fit for our age, but anyone with mobility issues would not find this property accessible.

• Claudia from Austria – 18 June 2025 (9/10)

  Geschmackvoll eingerichtet, blitzsauber, Grundausstattung wie Salz, Tee, Gewürze in der Küche, toller Ausblick. Bequeme Betten. Wirklich gemütlich.
  
  What could be improved: Der Parkplatz ist nur etwas für beherzte Einparker. Wir waren vorgewarnt, aber es war trotzdem eine tägliche Challenge. Außerdem ist die nicht sichtbare Straße unterhalb des Hauses sehr laut.

Surroundings

Facilities