Discover Launceston: Castle, Culture and the Kensey Valley

Launceston combines medieval history, distinctive cultural sites and a variety of excursions in Cornwall. Those planning a trip with several interests will find historical discoveries here alongside a narrow-gauge railway journey, riverside walks and locally produced food at a covered market. This combination makes the town an interesting choice for travellers who do not want to choose their accommodation based on just one attraction.

Castle and Medieval Launceston

Launceston Castle is Cornwall’s most significant medieval fortress. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy views across the town and the surrounding countryside. The castle’s attractions also include a rare whale vertebra. Those interested in walking can also join the route of the Two Castles Trail here: the first stage, heading east, begins at Launceston Castle.

The town itself also offers historical points of interest. A town walking guide to Launceston, available from the VIC, leads through the maze of medieval streets. For a trip planned around independent exploration, this provides a practical way to discover the town’s history beyond individual buildings.

Cultural Sites and Unusual Insights

The Church of St Mary Magdalene stands out externally for its elaborate carved decoration. Inside is an exceptionally high-quality, octagonal, painted and carved oak pulpit dating from the 16th century. Launceston Priory was founded in 1127 as a house of Augustinian canons. The site features surviving walls, dressed stone and the burial place of several priors.

Cyprus Well adds a place closely associated with the writer Charles Causley: the house was his home for 50 years. A private visit can be arranged by email, provided that no guest is staying there and a volunteer guide is available. Anyone wishing to include this visit in their plans should take these stated conditions into account when preparing their trip.

Steam Railway and Riverside Walk

The Launceston Steam Railway offers 2½-mile journeys by narrow-gauge railway through the unspoilt countryside of the Kensey Valley in Cornwall. Its stations are in Launceston and Newmills. From Launceston station, visitors can take the train to Newmills station, from where they can enjoy a riverside walk. This makes it possible to combine a railway journey with subsequent outdoor activity, without focusing the excursion solely on a historical attraction.

Market, Museum and Practical Orientation

The covered Friday market in St Mary’s Hall sells locally produced food and complements the cultural impressions with an insight into regional products. The Lawrence House Museum also operates a pop-up location at the Merchant’s House, 13 High Street, Launceston, PL15 8ER. When planning your day, you can therefore choose between different focuses, including the castle, historic indoor and outdoor sites, the museum and the market.

Launceston is connected by bus to Plymouth, Exeter, Bude and Liskeard, as well as to numerous surrounding villages. The town lies just across the border into Cornwall and close to the A30. The Tamar Valley National Landscape extends across the border between Cornwall and Devon and covers around 75 square miles of the lower River Tamar below Launceston. When looking for holiday accommodation, you can therefore first decide whether you mainly want to include the town’s historic routes and cultural sites, the steam railway with its riverside walk, or the wider countryside in your trip.

Other places for your trip planning: Saint Stephen, Antony, Saint Eval, Lanlivery, St Kew, Boswinger, Saint Cleer, Poundstock.

Back to the main travel overview: Cornwall.