Description
*Please check the Launceston Castle website for the official opening hours. Climb to the top of this Norman castle and you'll be rewarded with the most remarkable views. Launceston was the former capital of Cornwall and the castle, commanding the town and surrounding countryside, controlled the main entry route into the county.
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Reviews
3
One of the only redeeming features for visiting Launceston in the first place. The main tower/keep remains with beautiful views from the top across the surrounding countryside, the remainder of the castle pretty much in ruins. But worth a look.
3
Small castle in the middle of Launceston, not a huge amount to explore here and quite expensive for what you do get. Lots of steps up to get some nice views from the top but it's a very limited space as you'd expect. Disappointed not to see the Cornish flag flying, it's an historic building afterall, not a platform for anyone's views. Grounds are well maintained and the staff were very friendly but there aren't any facilities as such and it's not a castle I'd go back to again.
5
Beautiful castle with a unique structural design, circles within circles. Once the most powerful of the four Cornish castles, the top of the tower can still be seen from Devon today.
4
Great castle! Lots of history and a great view from up there. Lots of stairs to navigate but worth it. Doesn't take more than 30mins.
5
Great views and interesting history lesson. A lovely walk and sightseeing trip for family and friends. Had some 75 steps to the tower and an additional 15 or so to the top of the tower, but not difficult or unsafe. My wife did get a little bit acrophobic at the top. Recommend buying annual family passes to either English Heritage or National Trust as visiting three sites would cost as much as buying the annual pass. A great value and an endless ticket to over 600 sites combined. Unedited photos, you're welcome to edit and use as you wish, if you wish :) Also a few photos of the lovely town of Launceston.
5
Interesting remains of this once important castle. Used as a county gaol in the past and as the home of the Earl of Cornwall. You can clearly see where the floors and ceilings used to be. It's a steep climb up several sets of stairs to the top of the castle but the view is worth it. The surrounding grounds, which also have remains of the assizes buildings, are used as a park for locals and visitors. There is no cafe or toilets on site but the town centre is a 5 minute walk away. I parked at Westgate St car park.