Best attractions and places to see around Launceston, a market town in Cornwall, include historical sites and natural features. Known as the ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston features a prominent castle and historical monuments. The area offers a blend of historical exploration and scenic landscapes.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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St Nonna's Church is an impressive sight and known locally as the 'Cathedral of the Moors'. The church was built in the 15th century with local granite from the moors. St Nonna was the mother of St David, who travelled through Cornwall as a Celtic missionary on her way to Europe around the year 527. It is well worth a visit inside the church to see the carved bench ends, the square Norman font and the timber beams.
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Once the ancient capital of Cornwall, Launceston is a market town with steep sided hills. It is often thought of as the gateway to Cornwall.
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Launceston Castle was built shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1068. It's towering position high above the town means it can be seen from miles around. Launceston was once the capital of Cornwall but when this was changed to Bodmin, the castle fell into disrepair. It was used as a jail and then to host assizes, courts held in county towns presided over by a visiting judge.
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Picturesque freshwater lake. The largest freshwater lake in the Southwest. The lake has a large activity centre. Canoeing, fishing, archery and windsurfing amongst others. The centre also has a fantastic cafe serving quality freshly prepared food and drink.
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Launceston, as the ancient capital of Cornwall, offers several significant historical sites. You can explore the imposing Launceston Castle, built shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1068, which offers a commanding view over the town. Another notable site is St Nonna's Church, known as the 'Cathedral of the Moors', a 15th-century church built with local granite. Don't miss the Launceston Town Square Monument, which marks the town's historical significance.
Yes, Launceston offers several family-friendly options. Both St Nonna's Church and the Launceston Town Square Monument are accessible and suitable for families. Additionally, the Upper Tamar Lake Café is located by a picturesque freshwater lake with a large activity center offering canoeing, fishing, archery, and windsurfing, making it a great spot for families.
For panoramic views, head to Launceston Castle. Its towering position high above the town means it can be seen from miles around and offers excellent vistas of the surrounding area.
The area around Launceston is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various hiking opportunities, including easy walks and more moderate trails. For specific routes, check out the Easy hikes around Launceston guide or the broader Hiking around Launceston guide. If you prefer cycling, there are also Road Cycling Routes around Launceston.
Yes, Launceston offers several easy hiking trails. For example, you can find routes like the 'Launceston Castle loop from Launceston' or the 'Roadford Reservoir – Upper Tamar Lake Café loop from Lakeside Cafe' which are rated as easy. More options are available in the Easy hikes around Launceston guide.
The Upper Tamar Lake Café is a great option, offering quality freshly prepared food and drink by a picturesque freshwater lake. It's an ideal spot to relax after exploring the area.
St Nonna's Church is an impressive 15th-century church, locally known as the 'Cathedral of the Moors'. It was built with local granite and features beautifully carved bench ends, a square Norman font, and timber beams. It's dedicated to St Nonna, the mother of St David, who was a Celtic missionary.
Absolutely! Launceston and its surroundings offer various road cycling routes. You can find detailed routes, including options like 'Widemouth Bay & Bude loop from Launceston' or 'Cornish Country Lanes – Dartmoor National Park loop from Launceston', in the Road Cycling Routes around Launceston guide.
Yes, the Launceston Town Square Monument is noted as being wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive historical site to visit in the heart of the market town.
The Upper Tamar Lake, where the Upper Tamar Lake Café is located, is the largest freshwater lake in the Southwest. It's known for its picturesque scenery and a large activity center offering various water sports like canoeing, fishing, archery, and windsurfing.
Launceston Castle was constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1068. It served as a significant stronghold and Launceston was once the capital of Cornwall. Over time, it fell into disrepair but was later used as a jail and to host assizes, or courts.


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