Launceston known as the “Gateway
to Cornwall” is a town situated just over one mile west of
the River Tamar in the Tamar Valley. An historic town with narrow
medieval streets, a market square and dominated by a Norman castle.
Once the ancient Capital of Cornwall it has several arch bridges
dating from the 15th century and earlier as this was the only crossing
point of the River Tamar at the time.
Launceston Castle
Built by Count Robert Mortain half brother to William the Conqueror,
built after the Norman conquest, it was remodelled during the 13th
century.
St Mary Magdalene Church in the centre of the town dates from the
16th century, it has many ornate carvings on the granite exterior
and a tower which houses six bells and a clock.
Lawrence House Museum
Is housed in a Georgian building dating from 1753, features include
local history, toys, John Couch Adams the discoverer of the planet
Neptune, a working polyphon powered by clockwork, a rare herbarium,
six volumes of over 1,000 pressed plants 1881-1920's, 3mm scale
model of the Launceston Southern Railway Station.
Events in Launceston:
Launceston Agricultural Show
Annual show held in July, agriculture, crafts, local produce, displays,
trade stands and entertainment.
Launceston Steam & Vintage Engine Rally
3 day event usually held over the Spring Bank Holiday. Steam Engines,
Vintage Tractors, Vintage Cars, Motorbikes, Military Vehicles, Models
& Collectables, trade stands, fair attraction and more.
Places to visit:
Tamar Otter & Wildlife Centre
British and Asian Short Clawed Otters, woodland enclosure with Fallow
Deer, Wallabies, Muntjac Deer, Owl aviaries, peacocks and a variety
of waterfowl on the two lakes. Woodland walk and waterfall. Car
park, tea room and gift shop.
Trethorne Leisure Park
Activities throughout the day, ride ponies, bottle-feed lambs, hand
milk cows, and stroke the animals. Iindoor play area includes Pillow
Bash, Bungee Run, Ball Pools, Assault Course, Soft Play Area, Climbing
Wall, Slides, Trampolines and Jolly Rogers Ball Blaster. Large outdoor
park with Crazy Golf, Aerial glide, slides and swings. Paddleboats
on the lake. The area is enclosed for children's safety with a friendly
supervisor to help. The premier bowl has 8 lanes of fully computerised
ten-pin bowling providing entertainment for all kinds of occasion.
there is a Licensed Bar. Amusements Arcade, pool tables, Mario Karts,
Horse Racing & Deal or No Deal. Gift shop.
Villages near Launceston:
Lewannick
Village approx. five miles south west of Launceston, there are two
ancient inscribed stones, one inside St Martin’s Church dating
from Roman times, the other in the churchyard. The village has a
number of 14th and 15th century buildings. Near to the church is
Blaunders Holy Well.
Werrington
Village once within the boundries of Devon, Werrinton Park was built
in the 17th century.
St. Martin and St. Giles Church built in the gothic style dates
from 1742 and has three towers.
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