Discover 8 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Launceston (United Kingdom). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Hidden Valley Discovery Park, Launceston Castle, and Lawrence House. Also, be sure to include Launceston Guildhall and Town Hall in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Launceston (England).
Table of Contents
Hidden Valley Discovery Park
Amusement park in England. Hidden Valley Discovery Park is a family-run visitor attraction near the town of Launceston, Cornwall, England, UK. Founded in 1994 by Pete Jones, as a simple treasure hunt and play area, the park has expanded to include a "Forbidden Mansion" with mazes and team treasure hunts. It also includes a 7+1⁄4 in gauge miniature railway system around the site, encouraging 11,000 visitors each year.[1]
Address: Tredidon, St Thomas, PL15 8SJ Launceston
Launceston Castle
Countryside views from 1200s round tower. Launceston Castle is located in the town of Launceston, Cornwall, England. It was probably built by Robert the Count of Mortain after 1068, and initially comprised an earthwork and timber castle with a large motte in one corner. Launceston Castle formed the administrative centre of the new earldom of Cornwall, with a large community packed within the walls of its bailey. It was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century and then substantially redeveloped by Richard of Cornwall after 1227, including a high tower to enable visitors to view his surrounding lands. When Richard's son, Edmund, inherited the castle, he moved the earldom's administration to Lostwithiel, triggering the castle's decline. By 1337, the castle was increasingly ruinous and used primarily as a gaol and to host judicial assizes.
The castle was captured by the rebels during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549, and was garrisoned by the Royalists during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Towards the end of the civil war it was stripped for its building materials and rendered largely uninhabitable. A small gaol was erected in the centre of the bailey, which was also used for executions. The castle eventually became the county gaol for Cornwall, but was heavily criticised for its poor facilities and treatment of inmates. By 1842, the remaining prisoners had been moved to Bodmin Gaol and the site was closed, the castle being landscaped to form a park by the Duke of Northumberland. During the Second World War, the site was used to host United States Army soldiers and, later, by the Air Ministry for offices. The ministry left the castle in 1956 and the site was reopened to visitors.
In the 21st century, Launceston is owned by the duchy of Cornwall and operated by English Heritage as a tourist attraction. Much of the castle defences remain, including the motte, keep and high tower which overlook the castle's former deer park to the south. The gatehouses and some of the curtain wall have survived, and archaeologists have uncovered the foundations of various buildings in the bailey, including the great hall.[2]
Address: Castle Lodge, PL15 7DR Launceston
Lawrence House
Museum in Launceston, England. Lawrence House is a Georgian townhouse in Launceston, Cornwall. Built in 1753, the house is a National Trust property and a Grade II* listed building. It is leased to Launceston Town Council and used as a local museum.[3]
Address: 9 Castle St, PL15 8BA Launceston
Launceston Guildhall and Town Hall
Launceston Guildhall and Town Hall is a municipal building in Western Road in Launceston, Cornwall, England. The building, which was the meeting place of Launceston Town Council, is a Grade II listed building.[4]
Launceston Steam Railway
Railroad company in Launceston, England. The Launceston Steam Railway is a 1 ft 11+ 1 ⁄2 in narrow gauge railway, in Cornwall, England. The railway operates from the town of Launceston to Newmills, where there is a farm park; it is 2+1⁄2 miles long. The railway is built on the trackbed of the former standard gauge North Cornwall Railway.[5]
Address: St Thomas Road, PL15 8DA Launceston
St Mary Magdalene's Church
Church in Launceston, England. St Mary Magdalene's Church, Launceston is a Grade I listed parish church in the Church of England in Launceston, Cornwall. It is unusual for its carvings; the entire exterior of the original part of the church is built of carved granite blocks. The church is dedicated to Jesus' companion, Mary Magdalene.[6]
Address: Church St, PL15 8AU Launceston
Trethorne Leisure
Bowling alley, Farm, Theme park, Zoo
Address: Kennards House, PL15 8QE Launceston
New Mills Farm Park
Farm, Park, Relax in park
Address: New Mills Farm Under Lane, PL15 8SN Launceston