In a Georgian building on Fore Street, that was once the Corn Exchange, Lostwithiel Museum has also been a school room, a butchers, a magistrate’s court and the town jail in its time.  These days, things are a little less dramatic but no less interesting, housing the Guildhall, which is used for meetings of Lostwithiel Town Council, above the museum.  Showcasing the town’s local history with a number of displays including local ceramics, agricultural tools, wartime memorabilia, medals and minerals, it’s a charming introduction to the area and a charitable organization to visit when you’re in this pretty little town in Cornwall.

When the ‘Black Prince’ was given newly created title of Duke of Cornwall in 1337, this large estate and castle came with it along with the manor of Restormel, its parkland and the town of Lostwithiel.  He visited the castle twice, but we can take the time get to know it a little better, along with its Wall Walk and stone staircases, and imagine castle life bustling about as you go.  The area is brimming with flowers and wildlife, and the bailey and keep or base court of the castle are a delight, standing proud on a natural high point in the middle of a circular ditch and bank.  The site is open throughout the year, with prices starting at £4 for adults and £2.40 for children, if you’re not an English Heritage member.

The Wingz Bird and Animal Sanctuary was originally built using his own private collection of birds and animals.  A family venture, it opened to the public after 2006, they now have relationships with zoos around the world and are able to benefit from breeding loans and swaps to allow visitors to see both common birds and animals, as well as rare and endangered species.  They also help organisations and individuals like the RSPCA with rehoming and rehabilitation work.  When you visit you can meet or adopt the animals you see, pop into Waffles Coffee Shop for hot food at the weekends and have sandwiches and light bites any day.  There’s free parking, a picnic area, a gift shop and all necessary facilities.  There’s also a dog kennel that’s free of charge for four legged friends while you visit, and prices start at £6.95 for adults and £4.95 for children.  Opening times vary so do check the website for more information.

http://www.wingzbirdsanctuary.co.uk/

A spectacular, late Victorian country house, garden and wooded estate, Lanhydrock has the vibe of a wealthy but unpretentious family home with a delightful history to learn about on your visit.  The National Trust property was devastated by fire in 1881 and was then refurbished in the latest modern style of the time.  It’s a beautiful example of upstairs/downstairs living with the division between the servants’ quarters and family accommodation evident as you wander from the elegant dining room to the bedrooms, nurseries and kitchens.  The house has a restaurant, café and tea room to relax in, guided walks, workshops and activities, so you can visit and get stuck in or simply enjoy the location as you wish.

The marvelously named Dragon Leisure Centre in Bodmin is home to a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and learner pool consisting of six lanes, catering to kids, and their parents who may want to have a little time to themselves.  There’s also a flume, and a spectator friendly area on poolside, as well as lots of opportunities to join one of the structured activities or just pop along for a casual swim.  

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Lovely pub set in the heart of Lostwithiel. Sunny beer garden, car parking and dog friendly.

Royal Oak, Duke Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall (T:01208 872552)

One of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, The Crown is full of charm and period features including low beamed ceilings and fireplaces.  Today it is well known for its award winning locally produced food accompanied by a good selection of wines, ales and ciders.  

The Crown Inn, Lanlivery, Bodmin PL30 5BT (T: 01208 872707)

Full of charm; take in the stunning views of the River Fowey with your choice of traditional cask ales or choose from the menu of pub favourites.  Annual beer festivals are held May and August Bank Holiday weekends.

Fishermans Arms, Fore St, Golant, Fowey PL23 1LN (T: 01726 832453)

A friendly pub with fires to enjoy in the winter months and a large garden for hot summer days. Family and dog friendly.

The New Inn, Fore St, Tywardreath, Par PL24 2QP (T: 01726 813901)

The Kings Arms is a traditional village pub serving affordable locally sourced family meals.  Children and dogs also catered for and welcome at all times.

Kings Arms, Bridges, Luxulyan, Bodmin PL30 5EF (T: 01726 850202)

Popular with families, this idyllic sandy cove offers safe swimming, fantastic watersports and interesting rockpools aswell as tempting beach restaurants.  If you're feeling active there are plenty of  events throughout the year including beach yoga, beach cleans, sailing events, sea swim and stand up paddleboarding events and more.  Hire a paddleboard, learn to sail or simply flop on the sand with a good book, the choice is yours.  Plenty of parking at the main Polkerris carpark just 200yards from the beach. 

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In the heart of Polruan, Back Beach is not short of facilities and nearby shops and restaurants.  A pretty little beach that’s popular with families, it has beautiful views across the river to Fowey and is a lovely place to watch the world go by with all the boats pottering along in front of you.  It’s predominantly a sand beach, leading to a sheltered section of the river, so it’s good for swimming, but there aren’t any lifeguards around.  The only complication for access is that it’s very difficult to park in the village, and it’s a considerable walk down the steep hill from the car park at St Saviours, or a ferry ride across the river from Fowey.  Therefore, it’s best to combine a visit with a day exploring the village itself to make the most of it.