Dupath Well

Dupath Well is a granite well-house built over a spring near Callington around 1510, probably by the Augustinian canons of St Germans Priory, who owned the site. Of some 40 Cornish springs given medieval buildings, it is an unusually large and late example that survives largely unaltered. The spring was once believed to cure whooping cough, and visitors' offerings may have made it a useful income for the canons. Look for the steep roof of long granite slabs, the corner pinnacles and the elaborate bell turret over the door. Inside, the water runs under the threshold along a granite gutter into a sunken stone basin, probably used for bathing. The Cornwall Heritage Trust looks after the well for English Heritage. Reviewers enjoy stepping inside and the quiet of the setting. Dogs on leads are welcome. One tip from visitors: park in the signed farmyard area and walk the short track; it is a working farm, so watch for livestock and machinery.