In the area

Once you've visited the places to see in Lostwithiel, don't miss the world-class attractions within a few miles of the town.

Lanyhydrock

Lanhydrock is a magnificent late Victorian country house just 5 miles from Lostwithiel with extensive servants' quarters, gardens and wooded estate. With 50  rooms open to the public it offers the ultimate 19th century "upstairs/downstairs"  experience. Of particular  interest is the 17th century gatehouse and long gallery.

The grounds are particularly stunning in spring with bluebells throughout the woods and a large collection of magnolias.

Information:

• owned by the National Trust
  
• car parking at entrance (disabled parking at house)
• toilets
• shop and restaurant
• adventure playground for children
• Church service every Sunday at 9:45
• dogs allowed in grounds

Eden Project

The world famous Eden Project is hugely popular all year round and located just 3 miles away from Lostwithiel. Two vast artificial biomes have been created in a reclaimed clay-mining pit housing a tropical rainforest in one biome (the largest greenhouse in the world) and a Mediterranean environment in the other biome.

There's much more to the Eden Project than the biomes: world famous architecture and art, drawing inspiration from nature, in The Core building, interactive displays to educate and inspire, workshops, demonstrations and many other sights and activities to enjoy. It's an ideal destination for families with children as there are great facilities, a huge site to explore and plenty of places to grab a snack or a full meal.

In the summer the Eden Project is home to the Eden Sessions for intimate concerts with world class bands. Visit the Eden Project website to see what's on at the moment.

Information:

• car parking with buses to entrance
• toilets throughout the site
• several cafes, restaurants and a large gift shop
• no dogs

Lerryn

Lerryn, a village three miles from Lostwithiel, is  situated on the Lerryn creek, a tributary of the Fowey river. Like Lostwithiel, the river is tidal at Lerryn and at low tide you can cross the river via  stepping stones.

Kenneth Grahame is said to have based The Wind In The Willows in and around Lerryn; to this day it is surrounded by ancient woodland and is home to a wealth of birdlife such as egrets and kingfishers. There are beautiful walks along both banks of the river, including National Trust woodland at Ethy which leads to St Winnow. Encounter Cornwall run kayak trips starting from Lerryn at high tide.

Information:

• car park
• picnic area
• public toilets
• village shop sellings ice-creams, teas and coffees and pasties
• Ship Inn public house

Fowey

Fowey (pronounced Foy) is a charming town with stunning views across the estuary.  Its narrow winding streets are home to top quality shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants and pubs along the water's edge. The natural deep water harbour allows mooring for boats of all sizes and there are many activities available including sailing, kayaking and swimming at Readymoney Cove.

Great authors have been drawn to Fowey including Daphne Du Maurier, Sir Arthur Quiller Couch (known as "Q") and Wind in the Willows author Kenneth Grahame.

The Daphne Du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature is an internationally popular event based at the spectacular Fowey Hall.

Fowey is steeped in history. In Tudor times it had a reputation for buccaneering and the pirates who sailed from there were called the Fowey Gallants (now the name of the sailing club). The 15th century church dedicated to St Fimbarrus is located in the centre of town. The Esplanade, with fine views across the estuary, leads to St Catherine's Castle built by Henry VIII.

Information:

• main car park at top of town; additional car park at Caffa Mill
• shuttle bus to car parks in summer (limited winter service)
• car ferry from Bodinnick; passenger ferry to Polruan
• numerous cafes, restaurants, pubs and take-aways

Luxulyan Valley

Luxulyan Valley has been designated a World Heritage site due to the extensive 19th century industrial remains set in a boulder strewn, thickly wooded valley which is now a tranquil haven for wildlife.

Joseph Treffry was the man responsible for the development of mining in the valley and the infrastructure constructed around it. Notable features of the former industry which remain to this day include the iconic Treffry Viaduct across the valley, a system of leats to provide water power, and Ponts Mill water turbine which has been restored and now generates electricity.

The Friends of Luxulyan Valley conduct talks and tours in the valley throughout the year. Visit their website for further details on the history of the area and latest events.

Information:

• car parks at both ends of the valley
• no toilets or refreshments
• dogs allowed

Images by Cathy Connolley, Mat Connolley and Tomhannen