I’m from Wales, the land of castles, but I never get bored visiting one. One of my favourite places to staycation is Looe and Polperro, which are near so many castles in Cornwall. Recently I explored the English Heritage Restormel Castle. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit.
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Regular readers will know I love visiting Polperro and try to go once a year. We stayed between Looe and Polperro at Looe Bay Holiday Park during our recent visit. As the weather was so good decided to try to see more of the surrounding areas. Armed with my English Heritage Membership, I looked to see what was nearby. Restormel Castle was top of the list. After a morning spent in Fowey – pronounced Foy – it was a 20-minute drive to Restormel, which is in Lostwithiel Cornwall. (Travelling back to where we were staying was about 30 minutes.)
Restormel Castle Lostwithiel Cornwall
If you’re looking for things to do in Lostwithiel, Restormel Castle is usually top of the suggestion list. But, is it worth the visit?
Restormel is surrounded by a deep moat and perched on a high mound. With a circular shell of stone walls and staircases to climb, you’ll be able to imagine a bustling castle life from centuries ago. If history isn’t your thing, then the Restormel Castle Circular Walk and incredible views of the Fowey Valley and River Fowey will be more than enough to entice you.
It is not a huge site, so bring a picnic or a family lawn game to make the trip worthwhile. Also, using the small bathroom is an interesting experience if you’re tall, broad or curvy.
Restormel Castle History
The original building would have been made of wood shortly after the Norman Conquest. The castle ruins date from the 13th Century. It was used as a luxurious retreat for its medieval owners and was visited twice by Edward, the Black Prince and First Duke of Cornwall. The remains show large fireplaces and high windows. The Great Hall would have been used for lavish gatherings.
During the English Civil War, the castle was besieged and was left in a state of ruin until the 17th Century. Over the following two centuries, the castle became covered by ivy and hidden from view. There was once a large deer park, where there would have been over three hundred.
Restormel Castle Dogs
A big thing for me on a day trip is ensuring it is dog friendly. Ivan, my rescue dog, loves an adventure, and I love to take him with me. Dogs on leads are welcome at Restormel Castle, and it is ideal for dogs who need space and love to sniff the flowers, roll around, run and jump.
Restormel Castle Parking
There is free parking. Use PL22 0EE in your SatNav, but follow the signs as it is in the countryside.
When is Restormel Cornwall open?
The castle can be visited between April and October, daily between 10am and 5pm. The busiest visiting times are between 11am and 2pm, so if you’d like a quieter time, visit outside these hours.
How much is entry?
£6.60 for adults, £4 for children (age 5-17) and £17.20 for a family.
English Heritage Members get free entry.
Even though I live in Wales, I love our membership, which costs £9.58 per month (couples joint membership). It gets used a lot when we are visiting England. The membership has also given me 50% off on CADW sites here in Wales. Sometimes they have let me in for free! (Sshhh, don’t tell anyone!) Castell Coch is on my doorstep, and entry cost me £4.15, Caerphilly Castle £5.05 and Raglan Castle should have been £4.15. Now that I’m in my second year of membership, I get free entry.
Not sure if it is for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
The English Heritage membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all English Heritage historic sites.
- Free admission for up to six children (aged under 18). They don’t have to be your children. They could be nieces, nephews and friends’ children.
- Free English Heritage properties access for assisting companions or carers for a disabled member. (This can be a different person each time!)
- Free parking at English Heritage car parks.
- Reduced price events, such as Christmas Lights at Eltham Palace or jousting at Pendennis Castle.
- A member’s handbook is sent annually.
- Exclusive members magazine, sent four times a year.
- Online magazine for children, including videos, games, activities and recipes.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Member’s rewards scheme where you can access over 60 partners. Includes food and drink, discounted hotels and places to stay and other tourist attractions.
- Reduced entry to CADW (in Wales), Historic Scotland and Manx National Heritage properties in your first year and free admission after year one. Free access to Ireland Heritage automatically.
English Heritage Offer
English Heritage Deals: Get 20% off memberships purchased by direct debit by using the promo code PV20OFF at the checkout. It is valid until 31 December 2025. Making a single membership £57.60 per year and a couple’s membership £100.20. Get yours here.
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 10% back on your English Heritage membership.
What English Heritage properties can you see nearby?
St Catherine’s Castle in Fowey, Tintagel Castle (highly recommend!) near Bude and Launceston Castle near Gunnislake.
Book a Tour
Embarking on a tour with Viator promises an enriching and hassle-free experience that’s hard to beat. You’re not just booking a tour; it’s an expertly crafted itinerary curated by locals and seasoned travellers, ensuring you uncover the hidden gems and must-see attractions. From walking tours to culinary adventures and everything in between, Viator offers an extensive range of options tailored to diverse interests and budgets.
Places to stay in Lostwithiel
Cornwall Hideaways
Cornwall Hideaways have a massive selection of luxury holiday homes to make your next staycation perfect. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a family holiday, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll be able to find properties with the things on your tick list, including dog-friendly, sea views, walking routes or even a log fire. There are barn conversions, cottages, lofts and manor houses.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Polperro, Looe and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
Parkdean Resorts
I have stayed at Looe Bay Holiday Park. The caravan park and lodges have a children’s play park, indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens, pub and restaurant. It is a short drive to Lostwithiel.
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