Best things to do in Lostwithiel

Like a fine wine, the ancient town of Lostwithiel has only grown more charming with age. Home to a winding network of quaint cobblestone streets each lined with characterful stone cottages and red-brick houses, you need only peer into a few to get a grasp of the plethora of restaurants, cafes, and wonderful businesses this town has to offer. With an old Cornish name meaning ‘place at the end of the woodland’, you can find it nestled within the gorgeous woodlands of the Fowey Valley. Whether you’ve come to see history, enjoy the spectacular scenery of South Cornwall, or indulge at one of the many fantastic eatery’s, read on to find out the best things to do in Lostwithiel.

1. Restormel Castle

Any town this ancient is bound to be steeped in history, and Lostwithiel is no exception. Dominating the horizon is the magnificent Restormel Castle. Built by the Normans in the 13th century it’s now an English heritage site open to all. It’s one of the big four Norman castles in Cornwall, alongside Tintagel, Trematon and Launceston and certainly not an attraction to be missed. Inside you’ll find a wealth of knowledge about the town and its history, and after a climb to the top you’ll be rewarded by a breath-taking view over Lostwithiel and the Fowey valley.

2. Gillyflower Golf

From the top of Restormel Castel you’ll see a beautiful golf course in the valley below. Gillyflower golf club is a golf course in Lostwithiel overlooking the Fowey valley. A spectacularly well looked after course with a challenging ecological twist, it’s one of the best golf courses in Cornwall and a rewarding experience for players of all levels. On a mission to make golf a more sustainable pastime, Gillyflower golf club features areas of expanded rough to accommodate local wildlife and 9 signature holes each planted with a unique crop of edible fruits, nuts and vegetables. Available for 9 or 18 holes, it’s a staple of any golf holiday in Cornwall.

3. Gillyflower Farm

On the same site as Gillyflower Golf club, you’ll find Gillyflower Farm. Taking its name from a variety of rare Cornish apples, Gillyflower farm features an expansive orchard, meticulously planted and cared for to revive this sweet, cultural gem. On site there’s also a potager garden growing heritage varieties of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, with a goal of developing a truly local cuisine in the Lostwithiel area.

4. Duchy of Cornwall Nursery Café

Speaking of fantastic food, just a short walk (or even shorter drive) up the road from Gillyflower farm and golf course is the Duchy of Cornwall nursery. Well worth a look for the thriving plant life, they also have an incredible café serving the finest cream teas and coffee, as well as larger plates if you’re feeling peckish.

5. Asquith’s restaurant

If you fancy something a little more substantial Lostwithiel is home to some truly top tier restaurants. Top of our list is Asquith’s, always in the AA and Michelin restaurant guides they serve modern British staples using the best quality local produce. Classic but cosy on the inside, head chef Graham Cuthbertson has earned renown for his imagination and flair when it comes to creating mouth-watering dishes.

6. Lostwithiel Farmers Market

There are also great options if you plan on donning an apron and cooking up your own feast. Every 4th Saturday of the month is the historic Lostwithiel farmer’s market. The longest running market of its kind in Cornwall, the market is crammed full of vendors selling local produce. From top quality meats and fish to ready made and delicious puddings. Why not pop by and pick up some local Cornish honey whilst you’re nearby.

7. The Tudor bridge

Being in Cornwall, many of the best ways to pass a minute in Lostwithiel include the outdoors. Whilst passing through the town you’ll come across the old Tudor bridge. A beautiful link back to the town’s ancient history its still in use and offers a delightful spot to dip a toe in the river during the summer months. After a paddle there’s a great pub a short walk up the road or picnic tables nearby to enjoy the view with a packed lunch.

8. Cardinham woods

Venturing a bit further into the Lostwithiel countryside the final top spot on our list is Cardinham woods. A brilliant option for all nature lovers but especially great for a family holiday with kids, the woods is perfect for a walk or bike ride and even has an adventure trail running through where you’ll find character’s from Zog the dragon.