Living in Callington

Community life in Callington is characterised by a strong sense of local identity and active participation in events. The town hosts seasonal fairs, markets, and festivals, such as the annual Honey Fair and Callington Carnival, which draw crowds from across Cornwall. There are several community centres offering classes, clubs, and activities for all ages.

Outdoor living is easy to enjoy, with the nearby Kit Hill Country Park and Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offering scenic walks, cycling, and wildlife watching. Allotment associations and gardening clubs also highlight the area's rural traditions. The local library, sports clubs, and farmers markets provide further opportunities to connect with neighbours and participate in the town's social life.

Volunteer groups, arts societies, and charitable organisations are well-established, making Callington a place where residents feel connected and involved.

Safety in Callington is generally considered good, with residents reporting a strong sense of security and low levels of serious crime compared to larger urban centres. Incidents tend to be minor, reflecting the town's rural setting and close-knit community culture.

Neighbourhood policing is active in Callington, with regular patrols and community engagement events helping to deter anti-social behaviour. Cornwall as a county benefits from relatively low crime rates overall, although, as with any area, it is advisable for residents to remain vigilant, especially during busy periods or major events.

Community safety partnerships work to maintain and improve the security of the area, and initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch are well supported locally.

Parking in Callington is typically stress-free, with ample on-street spaces available in residential areas and free or inexpensive public car parks in the town centre. Residents do not usually face major challenges finding parking for daily needs. Permit schemes are uncommon, and parking restrictions are limited to the busiest parts of town.

Callington sits at the junction of the A388 and A390, providing direct access to Cornish and Devon towns as well as easy links to the Tamar Bridge. Road conditions are generally good, with congestion uncommon except at peak commuter times.

Nearby town and city road access:

• Plymouth – approx. 35 minutes via A388/A38 (15 miles)
• Liskeard – approx. 25 minutes via A390 (13 miles)
• Launceston – approx. 25 minutes via A388 (13 miles)
• Saltash – approx. 20 minutes via A388 (10 miles)

Callington offers a range of dining and drinking options that reflect its local character. Traditional pubs, such as The Bull's Head and The Tamar Inn, are popular with both locals and visitors for their welcoming atmosphere and locally-sourced menus. There are several cafés and tearooms in the town centre, including independent bakeries and coffee shops.

The area is also known for its variety of takeaways, from classic fish and chips to Indian and Chinese cuisine. While Callington is more relaxed than neighbouring cities when it comes to nightlife, community events and local music nights at pubs provide social opportunities. For a more vibrant bar or club scene, residents often travel to Plymouth or Liskeard.

Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of farm shops and food markets that showcase Cornwall's rich local produce, as well as regular food festivals celebrating regional flavours.

School Quality: Callington benefits from respected primary and secondary schools, providing families with reliable options close to home.

Parks and Green Space: The area is surrounded by accessible countryside, playgrounds, and recreational areas like Saltash Recreation Ground and Kit Hill Country Park.

Childcare: There are several nurseries and pre-schools in and around Callington, as well as childminding services, catering to the needs of working parents.

Safety: Generally low crime rates and a community-focused mindset create a secure environment for families with children.

Family Activities: Families have plenty of local options, including sports clubs, creative workshops, and exploring the natural beauty of Cornwall on weekends. The town organises children’s events throughout the year, such as seasonal fairs and youth groups.

Callington is a pet-friendly area, with its surrounding fields, woodlands, and country parks providing ample dog-walking opportunities. Kit Hill Country Park and the Tamar Valley both offer extensive trails suitable for pets and their owners, while smaller town parks are ideal for quick walks.

The town is served by local veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and several dog grooming salons. Pubs and some cafes in the area are known for welcoming dogs, and many outdoor events cater to pet owners.

Rental properties and housing associations often allow pets, reflecting the rural setting where animals are a valuable part of daily life. Community attitudes are generally positive towards responsible pet ownership, making the area attractive for animal lovers.

Callington is well-connected within east Cornwall, benefiting from strong road links that facilitate travel across the county and into Devon. The A388 and A390 are the main arterial roads, providing direct routes to hubs like Saltash, Liskeard, and Launceston. For those commuting further afield, Plymouth is within easy reach by car.

Public transport in Callington includes robust bus services, with regular routes to Plymouth, Tavistock, and Liskeard. While Callington no longer has its own train station, the nearest rail link is at Gunnislake (around 6 miles away), where the Tamar Valley Line connects to Plymouth.

Commute Times:

• Plymouth – approx. 35 minutes by car or 45 minutes by bus
• Liskeard – approx. 25 minutes by car
• Launceston – approx. 25 minutes by car
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by car

Exeter International and Newquay airports are both accessible by road, with typical drive times just over an hour, providing options for domestic and some international flights.

Primary Schools
Callington Primary School is the central provider for primary education in the area, praised for its inclusive atmosphere and broad curriculum. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2019), the school has strong links with the wider community. Nearby, St Dominic Church of England VA School and Delaware Primary Academy also serve families in surrounding villages, both known for supportive staff and varied enrichment activities.

Secondary Schools
The main option is Callington Community College, which serves both secondary and sixth form students. The college enjoys a solid reputation, achieving a 'Good' Ofsted rating in its latest inspection. It offers a wide range of academic and vocational options.

Colleges and Further Education
While Callington does not have a dedicated further education college, students typically attend City College Plymouth or Cornwall College's campuses in Saltash and St Austell. These institutions offer A-levels, apprenticeships, and a wide choice of vocational training.

Universities
The closest universities to Callington are the University of Plymouth and Falmouth University. Both institutions are easily reached by public transport or car in under an hour, broadening higher education opportunities for local students.