Not many spots in the UK can boast of being home to it all, but this Cornwall haven is certainly a cut above the rest. Visitors here are spoiled with ancient buildings, beautiful settings, quaint antique shops, all with amazing food and drink and exhilarating activities.
The small town of Lostwithiel is located at the head of the estuary of the River Fowey and includes a towering medieval bridge passing over it with ancient buildings and narrow alleyways, all adding to its unique charm. Home to the Old Duchy Palace, the Restormel Castle, a Grade I listed structure and the Church of St Bartholomew, there are no shortage of historical architecture to explore here too. And with poetic riverside settings, stunning woodlands and endless rolling countryside hills, this medieval town is truly a Cornish winner.
One of the most prettiest and tranquil villages in Cornwall, Lostwiethiel’s charming atmosphere and scenic location all add to its charm and is also steeped in heritage.
This was evident as the town was once among the UK’s most important ports exporting tin to the Mediterranean.
The town was also recognised in the 13th century when both the Restormel Castle and the Duchy Palace were built here, later becoming the administrative capital of Cornwall.
Today, Lostwiethil still takes its role seriously, overseeing matters in the offices of the Duchy of Cornwall.
St Bartholomew is another true historical gem here and is a 13th century steeple and stone bridge found over the river Fowey.
The Cornish town is also rich in culture, even winning the Judge’s Award in the Cornwall Heritage Award thanks to its very own museum, Lostwithiel Museum.
It is also the proud owner of a number of other awards and has a strong presence among TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, as seen on their website
Walking through Lostwithiel’s centre and you are met with a hive of activity seen along its cobbled back streets filled with cottages and historical houses.
Among the endless beautiful buildings and medieval passages, you’ll find a host of inviting cafes and restaurants with a host of antique shops to explore and earning itself the title of being Cornwall’s “Antique Capital”.
This picturesque town also provides delightful riverside walks surrounded by lush countryside all steeped in history.
One such walk that’s a must is the Saints’ Way pilgrimage route which passes through the town, linking Padstow on the north coast with Fowey on the south.
Another recommendation is the Fowey Valley Walk which is a popular route which follows a river through the town’s peaceful countryside.
One review on TripAdvisor described the beauty of this Cornish spot and said: “Amazing visit. We are never disappointed when coming and with the sun shining and pretty sites, it all added to its magical atmosphere.”