1 River Cottage

Three-bedroom cottage on the quay at Calstock, looking straight out over the River Tamar towards the Devon bank. Sleeps five across three floors, with the river framed by the village's 12-arch Edwardian viaduct - the train across it is part of the view.

The layout works upward. Ground-floor sitting room with a wood burner; kitchen and bathroom on the next level; three bedrooms split across the upper floors. The main bedroom has an en-suite and a small balcony; the single opens onto a roof terrace. One bathroom for five guests is the obvious caveat for larger family bookings.

Outside there's a garden terraced over several levels and off-road parking for two small cars - the lanes into Calstock are tight, so leave the larger SUV at home if you can. The Tamar Trails network and Cotehele House (National Trust) are both within a 10-minute drive, and the Tamar Valley AONB walks start from the door. For beaches, plan on around 45 minutes to the north Cornwall coast at Widemouth Bay.

Best for: families and small groups who want river views, walking and a quieter slice of Cornwall over surf-and-sand. Less good for: anyone needing two bathrooms, step-free access (three floors plus a roof terrace), or a beach within walking distance.