Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Launceston

Known as the gateway to Cornwall, previously the county’s capital and surrounded by beautiful countryside, holiday cottages in Launceston offer a fine choice of houses, cottages and barn conversions. Within Launceston and the surrounding area of East Cornwall, visitors will find plenty of attractions to fill their days, from cycling down green lanes to surfing on the beaches of the nearby North Atlantic coast. Discover the gorgeous countryside and take the trail along the River Tamar, with waterfalls and rapids galore. There’s also a wealth of fantastic walks to keep you occupied, such as town trails to get better acquainted with the town you find yourself in, or perhaps a more scenic route down through the Tamar Valley; walk just a few of the thirty-mile footpath from Launceston to Plymouth, offering breathtaking views from the hilltops and intricate views of nature and the river from the valley bottom – a fantastic day out.

Single storey exterior of a white-rendered bungalow with hanging flower baskets.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Palmer’s Lodge induces romance with its charming exterior, cosy, contemporary open-plan layout, fresh flowers and a bottle of wine upon arrival. The one-bedroom romantic cottage lies on the outskirts of Elgoskerry, surrounded by lush green meadows and beautiful beaches for which Cornwall is famed.

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1. Launceston Castle

One of the most prominent landmarks in Launceston is Launceston Castle. This English Heritage-managed medieval castle dates back to the 11th century and offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

2. St. Mary Magdalene Church

The town is home to St. Mary Magdalene Church, a Grade 1-listed 14th-Century,  granite-built parish church renowned for its exterior carvings with a tall tower that can be seen from various points in the town.

3. Launceston Markets in The Square

Launceston is a historic market town with a rich heritage. It holds a regular market on the 2nd Saturday of the month. The Launceston Butter Market is held on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, where locals and visitors can buy fresh produce, crafts, and various goods.

4. The Launceston Steam Railway

This narrow-gauge heritage railway runs for 2.5 miles from Launceston to Newmills along the track bed of the old North Cornwall line through the scenic Kensey Valley.

5. Lawrence House Museum

The Lawrence House Museum is a local museum housed in a Georgian merchant's townhouse, showcasing the history and heritage of Launceston and its surroundings.

 

Out and About

Launceston’s location provides easy access to various attractions in Cornwall and Devon. Notable places nearby include Dartmoor National Park, Bodmin Moor, and Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre. Other nearby attractions within a short drive of Launceston include

1. Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre

Located just a few miles from Launceston, this wildlife centre is home to otters, deer, wallabies, and other animals. It offers a chance to get up close to these fascinating creatures.

2. Hidden Valley Discovery Park

Although not a large theme park, it’s a ‘Puzzle Park’offeringutdoor adventures and activities, including a maze, miniature railway, a forbidden mansion and a forest play area.

3. Tamar Valley Donkey Park

Visit Cornwall’s happiest donkeys at this family-friendly attraction in Gunnislake, near Launceston, which allows visitors to feed, pet and learn about donkeys and other animals.

4. Trethorne Leisure Park

Trethorne Leisure Park is a family attraction offering indoor and outdoor activities and play areas, including ten-pin bowling, farm animals, and an adventure park.

4. Cardinham Woods

A short drive from Launceston, Cardinham Woods between Launceston and Bodmin offers beautiful woodland walks, family-friendly cycling trails, and a play area.

6. Roadford Lake Country Park

A little further from Launceston, Roadford Lake offers nature trails (one wheelchair accessible), watersports, fishing, cycling trails, and scenic picnic spots.

7. Dairyland Farm World

Dairyland Farm World is around an hour’s drive from Launceston. It offers an all-weather farm experience, feeding and petting animals, plus indoor play areas and outdoor attractions suitable for families.