Name: Launceston Castle
Rating: 5.0

Launceston Castle

Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7DR, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Towering over the town, Launceston Castle once controlled the main route into Cornwall. In the 13th century, Richard Earl of Cornwall created the unique multi-tiered stone keep. You get amazing views from here. Later Launceston Castle became a notorious prison, nicknamed ‘Castle Terrible’. Today the prison’s long gone, and the castle grounds are an ideal spot for picnics.

Look out for the displays tracing the castle’s varied history. They feature site finds including mysterious whale bones (leftovers from a medieval feast, perhaps), as well as stories and poetry by the much-loved Launceston poet Charles Causley. Charles’ favourite cat, Rupert, leads the family trail.

Price starts from £6.50 for Adults, £3.50 for Children(5-17 years) and £10.00 for Family(1 adult, up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Things to See and Do at Launceston Castle: There’s lots to see and do on a visit Launceston Castle, Cornwall’s most important medieval fortress. Here you’ll find the highlights of Launceston set out below, giving you tips on how to explore medieval castle life through the exhibition, follow a family trail led by Rupert the cat, and where to enjoy the best views from the tower.
Enter through the gatehouses: The main entrance to the castle today is the South Gatehouse. In medieval times, this was the gateway to the castle park and faced away from the town. The North Gatehouse, known as 'Town Gate' in the Middle Ages, was where the Castle Constable lived .Today, it is mostly demolished.
Follow a time travelling cat: Enjoy a fun family day out at Launceston castle. Race to the top of the keep, and imagine you're king or queen of the castle. Follow a time-travelling cat, Rupert, who leads the family trail, as you unearth the castle’s fascinating history. You can picnic in the grounds of the inner bailey. There’s plenty to keep children of all ages busy!
Examine rare whale bones: The castle's exhibition showcases some never-before-seen objects from the castle collection. The rare whale vertebra is the star of the show. It’s a mysterious find from this land-locked castle (the furthest point in Cornwall from the sea) and suggests high-status feasting from days gone by.
Climb the tower: Since the 11th century, a high mound, partly natural, partly man-made, has stood over the town and surrounding countryside. The High Tower was built within the circular stone wall. You can see the joist holes for the roof.
Discover magical creatures: Looking for an adventure with your little ones? Uncover English folklore with our Folktale Creature Trails, where children can discover magical creatures from English myths and legends.
Relax in the castle courtyard: Excavations in the courtyard between the 1960s and 1980s have revealed intriguing details of daily life inside the castle. The courtyard or bailey enclosed the main buildings of the castle. Look out for traces of the foundations as you enter the site.
Exhibition: There is an exhibition and display which traces 1,000 years of history, featuring a number of archaeological finds from site excavations.
Museum: There is a small exhibition room and cabinet display area, located beyond the shop.

Facilities

Parking: No site parking. The nearest pay-and-display parking is an NCP multi-storey opposite the castle. Accessible parking can be arranged in advance; please call the castle on 01566 772365.
Food And Drink: There is a vending machine selling hot drinks, including tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The shop also sells a selection of soft drinks and water, as well as ice-cream.
Toilets: Unfortunately, there are no public toilets available on the site.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Advance online tickets:

Adult: £6.50 With donation & £5.90 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £3.50 With donation & £3.10 Without donation.
Concession: £5.50 With donation & £5.00 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £16.50 With donation & £14.90 Without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £10.00 With donation & £9.00 Without donation.
Member: Free.

On the day tickets:

Adult: £8.00 With donation & £7.20 Without donation.
Child (5–17 years): £4.50 With donation & £4.00 Without donation.
Concession: £6.50 With donation & £5.90 Without donation.
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children): £20.50 With donation & £18.40 Without donation.
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children): £12.50 With donation & £11.20 Without donation.
Member: Free.

Pricing URL: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/launceston-castle/prices-and-opening-times/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open Wed - Sun: 10am - 4pm (last entry at 3.30pm).

Address: Launceston, Cornwall PL15 7DR, UK

Post Code: PL15 7DR

Council: Cornwall

County: Cornwall

Road Access: Launceston Castle is in Launceston town centre.
Bus Access: The nearest bus stop to Launceston Castle is Launceston Westgate Street. This is a short 0.2 mile walk from the castle. Go Cornwall operate the following bus services to Launceston - see website for operating times. Bus 12 from Plymouth via Saltash and Callington, also from Bude to Launceston. Bus 78 / 78A from Liskeard. Bus 79 from Camelford. Bus 306 from Okehampton Station. Bus 425 from Altarnun. Bus 426 from Egloskerry & North Petherwin.
Train Access: The nearest stations are Okehampton (19 miles), Plymouth (24 miles) or Liskeard (16 miles). To reach Launceston Castle catch buses as listed under Bus Access. For train times and tickets, visit the Great Western Railway website.
Bicycle Access: Find your cycling route to Launceston Castle at sustrans.org.uk, the National Cycle Network.
Parking: No site parking. The nearest pay-and-display parking is an NCP multi-storey opposite the castle. Accessible parking can be arranged in advance; please call the castle on 01566 772365.