Restormel Castle - English Heritage in Cornwall

Heritage Trail | St. Mawes Castle | Lostwithiel | Where to Stay in Lostwithiel

Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel, Cornwall - English Heritage

Restormel Castle
Lostwithiel,
Cornwall
Tel. 01208 872687
Fax. 01326 319911
Map Ref: SX 104614

Facilities. Picnics welcome. Toilets. Parking

Location: From the main A390 through Lostwithiel - follows signs to Castle which is 1½ miles to the north of the town.

Restormel castle lies just to the north of Lostwithiel village, overlooking the River Fowey. This is one of Cornwall's often forgotten corner's, lacking the fame of the nearby castles at Launceston, St. Mawes and Pendennis.

Restormel is the ideal location for quiet afternoons with the family. The grounds are ideal for picnics, with splendid views across wooded valleys.

Children with love exploring the ramparts (supervision needed, as the steps can be slippery), or racing around the top of the moat.

The castle, originally built by the Normans on a spur, overlooking the river valley, stands proudly one mile upriver from Lostwithiel.

You can still make out the ruins of Restormel's keep, gate and Great Hall, and even the kitchens and private rooms. They were built around 1100, making Restormel one of the oldest and best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in Cornwall.

The castle was rebuilt by Edmund, Earl of Cornwall in the late 13th century, as a splendid residence for himself. The bailey (a large courtyard where the retainers lived) has now disappeared, so has the deer park, where Edmund kept 300 deer. The Black Prince held court here briefly in 1354.

Restormel's defenses were perfect. The castle was built behind a 17 metre moat, upon slopes which were artificially steepened. These clearly acted as a powerful deterrent, for Restormel has seen action only once during its long history in 1644, when Charles I's forces drove out the Parliamentarian garrison during the Civil War.

The Castle still belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall. It is administered by English Heritage and is open to the public. Various events are staged here from time to time, bringing history to life. The views over the valley from the top of the castle wall are magnificent.

In the spring, Restormel Castle is surrounded by banks of daffodils and bluebells. It lies a mile to the north of the attractive medieval town of Lostwithiel.

Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel, Cornwall - English Heritage

CHARACTER ACCOMMODATION IN THE LOCAL AREA

The Heritage Trail has 21 unique places of charm and character for you to visit in the Westcountry.


Costislost Washaway	A historic Cornish manor house situated in spacious grounds within a woodland setting. 3 miles from the Cornish town of Wadebridge and 7 miles from a range of beautiful white sandy beaches suitable for sailing, swimming and surfing.

Tregrehan Garden Cottages St Austell	Treat yourself to something special. Located in the grounds of Tregrehan House home of the Carlyon family since 1565, The Mews and The Stables provides the ideal location for your holiday. Centrally located for touring Cornwall. 1 mile from the coast, ½ from the Eden Project

Skisdon Wadebridge	Six spacious self catering apartments housed the East and West wings of 'Skisdon' a Grade II listed building first mentioned in 1350. The apartments are individually decorated and furnished capturing a certain ambience. It is an ideal location for exploring Cornwall and its many treasures

Readymoney Cove Fowey	A small secluded apartment overlooking the beach at Fowey, its location is ideal for couples seeking a quiet relaxing break within easy reach of the towns main amenities.

Treveddoe Warleggan	Treveddoe is an 85 year old farmhouse set on the site of an Elizabethan Manor, facing south with uninterrupted views over its own farmland, on which sheep and South Devon cattle graze. The fields behind the house at the top of the farm lead onto Bodmin Moor, a famous Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty .

Lanhydrock Farm Cottages Bodmin	A group of attractive single and two storey cottages recently converted from linked granite barns on two sides of the original farm yard. Set at the end of the stone farm lane in a secluded valley bounded by a stream.

The Ship Inn Lostwithiel	Quality B&B accommodation in 16th Century Inn in beautiful creekside Lerryn. In 'The Independent's Top 50 British pubs', it is open all year for short breaks, gastro food/excellent hospitality. Self-catering or B&B also available in nearby riverside cottage (sleeps c.6).

The Cormorant Hotel Fowey	The Cormorant Hotel nestles on the hillside, high above the glorious River Fowey; an independent luxury hotel, in a wonderful & peaceful setting, we pride ourselves on the personal touch. You can just relax, or fill your days visiting a host of places of interest nearby.

Marina Villa Hotel Fowey	Built in 1815, this hotel enjoys a spectacular riverside location.

The Fowey Hotel Fowey	The Fowey Hotel is a haven of tranquillity, a tribute to Victorian architecture, offering the ultimate in quality accommodation; perched majestically on the banks of the River Fowey, overlooking one of Cornwall's most attractive harbours.

Trevalsa Court Hotel Mevagissey	The award winning Trevalsa Court Hotel is the perfect location for your holiday in Cornwall. Stunning location, elegantly furnished, attention to detail and First Class service ensure that your stay will be both relaxing and memorable.

St Benets Abbey Bodmin	15th century country house hotel standing right at the heart of Cornwall.

Boscundle Manor Country House Hotel St Austell	Small country house hotel situated just one mile from The Eden Project.Perfect choice for luxury short breaks.Beautiful gardens, indoor/outdoor pools, excellent restaurant.

Lavethan Blisland	Lavethan, listed in the Domesday Book and set in its own secret valley, is now a beautiful and comfortable family house in 30 acres of park like fields and gardens sloping to a small river.

Tredudwell Manor Country House Lanteglos-by-Fowey	A charming Queen Anne country manor house, set in its own peaceful gardens and woodlands with stunning rural views stretching out to Cornwall's Heritage Coastline. The perfect location for those who are seeking comfortable Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a quiet, relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Peregrine Hall Lostwithiel	Historic property, set in 10 acres, with spa pool, sauna, gym and outdoor swimming pool. Quiet, relaxing holidays in the heart of the Cornish countryside, within easy reach of coast and moor, Eden Project 6 miles. Self catering cottages available and open all year.

Botelet Liskeard	Quiet relaxing holidays in the heart of Cornwall's most breathtaking scenery. An ideal all year round destination for early, late season getaway breaks.

Menkee St Mabyn	Welcome to our beautiful listed Georgian farmhouse with its spectacular gardens and view towards the north Cornish coast. Set in 2½ acres of mature gardens. Ideally located for exploring Cornwall

Trewardale Blisland	Treat yourself to something special. Built in 1760, Trewardale is a historic Cornish House set in nine acres of gardens. This is an ideal location for touring both Cornwall's north and south coastlines.

Polrode Mill Bodmin	Luxury accommodation in 17th century cottage. Relax and enjoy a charming and romantic atmosphere. Gourmet meals available Ideal base to explore all the delights of Cornwall

Cornwall Classic Car Hire Bodmin	How many times have you or your partner dreamed of driving a classic car? Well here is your chance. Cornwall Classic Car Hire is Cornwall's ONLY multi-marque classic car hire specialist offering a fine range of classic British sportscars for self-drive touring. Ideal for exploring Cornwall's heritage or for special breaks be it birthdays, anniversaries or to add a special touch of romance & nostalgia.…