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.

What are the opening times?

DatesOpening TimesOpening Days
21 Mar-30 Jun 2007 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1 Jul-31 Aug 2007 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-30 Sep 2007 10am-5pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 2007 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time    
Closed 1 Nov - 31 Mar    

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£2.50
Children:
£1.30
Concession:
£2.00
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 plus a free place for every additional 20 paying passengers. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Please contact the Site Supervisor on ++44 (0)1566 772365 (see Group Booking section for further details).
Group Booking:
No parking on site, pay & display car park opposite the entrance. Coach park (max 3) adjacent to this.
Average Length of Visit:
45 minutes.

Further Info

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

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