Sundowners

Hotel Description

You know what? I wasn’t expecting much when I first pulled up to Sundowners in Calstock – it’s tucked away in this sleepy Cornish village that most people zoom past on their way to the coast. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes this place so brilliant. The hotel sits right in the heart of this old mining village (and I mean proper old – we’re talking medieval old), where the houses tumble down the hillside toward the River Tamar like they’re trying to get a better view.

The thing about Sundowners is that it actually feels like someone put real thought into it, you know? Sure, it’s got that four-star polish, but it doesn’t feel stuffy or corporate. The rooms have this warm, lived-in quality – think exposed beams and views that’ll make you forget to check your phone for hours. I mean, if you get one of the river-facing rooms, you’re basically watching a postcard come to life every morning. The staff seem to genuinely know the area too, which is rarer than you’d think. They’ll tell you the best time to catch the Tamar Valley Line (it runs right through the village – the vintage railway that connects to Plymouth), or where to grab proper Cornish pasties that aren’t tourist traps.

What really got me was how quiet it is here, especially in the evenings when the day-trippers have headed home. You can actually hear the river flowing below and – this sounds cheesy but it’s true – it’s incredibly peaceful. The village itself is tiny, so don’t expect loads of restaurants or nightlife, but there’s a decent pub (The Boot Inn) within walking distance, and honestly, half the joy is just wandering the narrow lanes and pretending you’ve stepped back in time. Parking’s straightforward too, which is a relief if you’ve been dealing with Cornwall’s more… challenging village car parks. The 8.9 rating makes sense when you stay here – it’s not trying to be everything to everyone, but what it does, it does really well. Perfect if you want to explore the Tamar Valley or use it as a base for day trips to Dartmoor (about 20 minutes away), but also brilliant if you just want to properly switch off for a few days.

Facilities