Welcome to Callington
Callington (Cornish: Kelliwik) is a historic market town nestled on the south-western slopes of Kit Hill, the granite landmark that dominates the surrounding landscape. From its heights, wide vistas stretch across the rolling countryside, reflecting the town’s role as a gateway to the Tamar Valley, designated a National Landscape and area of outstanding natural beauty.
Callington’s story is rooted in both mining and agriculture, industries that shaped its growth and character over the centuries. Today, it remains a place where heritage and community meet, a centre for local trade, traditional events, and cultural activity while preserving the enduring charm of Southeast Cornwall.
Top visitor tip: The town is famous for its murals. Finding all of the murals on the Callington Mural Trail can be quite a challenge!
Town Guide
Town Map
Getting There
Callington’s history spans many centuries. Once even proposed as the possible location of the legendary Celliwig, associated with King Arthur, the town lies close to a wealth of ancient sites including Castlewitch Henge, the Iron Age hillfort at Cadsonbury, and Dupath Well, a holy well-house built in 1510 on the site of a sacred spring.
By the 18th century, Callington had become one of Britain’s most important mining areas. Silver was discovered in nearby Silver Valley, and while mining has long since ceased, the landscape still bears its marks. Hingston Down continues to be worked for its granite, a reminder of the area’s enduring geological wealth.
Today, Callington has a population of just over 6,000 and serves as a centre for the surrounding villages and hamlets. The medieval character of the town is still evident: narrow streets, enclosed courtyards, long burgage plots, and stone outbuildings evoke the settlement’s earlier form, while the intimate, high-density townscape remains one of its defining features.
visitor Parking
The countryside around Callington offers a wealth of walking opportunities that combine natural beauty with a strong sense of history. A popular route leads up to Cadsonbury, an impressive Iron Age hillfort set high above the River Lynher, where sweeping views reward the climb. Another gentle walk takes visitors to Dupath Well, a beautifully preserved 16th-century granite well-house built on the site of an ancient sacred spring. These routes, along with many local footpaths and lanes, allow walkers to explore the landscapes, heritage sites, and quiet corners that make Callington and its surroundings such a rewarding place to discover on foot.
Cadsonbury Walk
Dupath Well Walk
Callington Heritage trail
Holmbush Walk
Discover Kit Hill Walk
Callington’s mural trail is a one-of-a-kind experience in Cornwall, inviting both visitors and locals to explore the town’s story through art. Across the streets you’ll find 23 large-scale murals, each depicting a different facet of Callington’s past — from its mining and agricultural heritage to its folklore, landscapes, and community life.
Walking the trail, every corner offers a fresh discovery: bold images of industry and tradition sit alongside scenes of local legend and everyday moments, together forming an open-air gallery that brings the town’s history vividly to life. The murals not only celebrate Callington’s rich heritage but also add colour, character, and vibrancy to its streets today. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to familiar paths, the mural trail turns a stroll through town into a journey of art, memory, and imagination.
Callington is a welcoming market town that blends rich history with a lively community spirit. From exploring medieval streets and colourful murals to setting out on walks that lead to ancient hillforts and holy wells, the town offers plenty to discover. Surrounded by the rolling landscapes of the Tamar Valley, it’s an ideal base for those who enjoy heritage, countryside, and a slower pace of exploration. Whether you’re drawn by its historic character, scenic walks, or vibrant cultural life, Callington makes a rewarding stop on any journey around the Tamar Valley..
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