Morwellham Quay UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tavistock, Dartmoor National Park

Morwellham Quay UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tavistock, Dartmoor National Park

Morwellham Quay, and the surrounding area, is one of the Westcountry's great visitor destinations. In the scheme of things, few people know about the place which is a shame because it's special. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it's part of a rare UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whilst Morwellham Quay is not in Dartmoor National Park, it's close and we'd recommend making the effort to visit when on holiday in Dartmoor.

We've positioned Morwellham Quay on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.

According to an information board on site, 'Morwellham was once the greatest copper ore port in Queen Victoria's Empire. Its distinguished history and outstanding survival is recognised within the newly-designated Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site. This global significance was awarded by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in July 2006, placing our historic mining landscapes on a par with such international treasures as Stonehenge, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China.'

Today, it's a thriving visitor attraction set within a remarkable landscape. In addition to Morwellham Village, you can take a trip on the Copper Mine Train, walk the Nature Trail or grab some food and drink in The Ship Inn. You can explore the old dock and quay, wander around a merchant sailing vessel called the Garlandstone and walk sections of the stunning Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty. Bike trails connect Morwellham Quay with the superb Tamar Trails Centre.

Other attractions in the local area include the National Trust's Cotehele and the village Calstock with its viaduct.