Launceston Castle

Launceston Castle (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography
Aerial View from the South West (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography (c) Skyscan Balloon Photography

Set on a large natural mound, Launceston Castle dominates the surrounding landscape. Begun soon after the Norman Conquest, its focus is an unusual keep consisting of a 13th-century round tower built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, inside an earlier circular shell-keep. The tower top is now reached via a dark internal staircase.

The castle long remained a prison and George Fox, founder of the Quakers, suffered harsh confinement here in 1656. A display traces 1,000 years of history, with finds from site excavations.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-30 Jun 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Oct-1 Nov 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Closed 2 Nov-31 Mar  

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£3.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £3.20 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£1.50 (5-15 years) until 31 Mar 2010 / £1.60 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£2.60 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.70 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:

How do I get there?

Address:
Cornwall - PL15 7DR
Road Access:
In Launceston
Bus Access:
First 76 Plymouth railway station - Bude
Map Location:
Telephone:
01566 772365

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Suitable for people with disabilities Exhibition Dogs allowed on leads Shop Picnic area Hazardous Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
No parking on site, pay & display car park opposite the entrance. Coach park (max 3) adjacent to this.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
45 minutes.

Further Info

Disabled access (outer bailey, museum and shop). Toilets (nearest public convenience across the road).

Useful tools