Launceston
Ancient capital of Cornwall
Launceston lies in rural countryside between Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor about a mile west of the Tamar river – the border between the counties of Cornwall and Devon – and is situated within an hour's drive of both the stunning north and south coasts.
Until the 13th century Launceston was the capital of the earldom of Cornwall. It is dominated by its impressive castle which was built just after the Norman Conquest and is now open to the public.
Ancient capital of Cornwall
Launceston lies in rural countryside between Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor about a mile west of the Tamar river – the border between the counties of Cornwall and Devon – and is situated within an hour's drive of both the stunning north and south coasts.
Until the 13th century Launceston was the capital of the earldom of Cornwall. It is dominated by its impressive castle which was built just after the Norman Conquest and is now open to the public.
The town centre, with its paved central square, reflects the architecture that has shaped Launceston’s development over the centuries. Places to visit in the town include the imposing St Mary Magdalene Church with its finely-carved granite exterior and Lawrence House, a beautiful Georgian town house, which now houses a museum spread over three floors.
A trip on the Launceston Steam Railway, with its lovingly restored engines from a bygone era, makes an interesting outing. It runs from the former Launceston station west along the Kensey valley for 2½ miles to Newmills.
There is plenty to see and do in Launceston including the annual Charles Causley Festival and the Launceston Show run by Launceston Agricultural Association. The best way to explore the town on foot is to follow the town trail. Information on events and copies of the town trail are available from the visitor information centre or http://www.visitlaunceston.co.uk/ .
The town makes a perfect base for exploring Cornwall's superb and varied scenery by visiting the fishing towns and smuggling coves, the fascinating old towns and rugged moorlands. And it's not only the scenery that's worth exploring - wherever you go, restaurants, pubs and cafes are proud to serve meals made with local produce. There is much more to Cornish cuisine than pasties and cream teas.