
Restormel Castle
A remarkably preserved circular castle keep offering panoramic views and a perfect picnic spot amidst Cornish countryside.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Quieter exploration

Restormel Castle
Best Time
Quieter exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remarkably preserved circular castle keep offering panoramic views and a perfect picnic spot amidst Cornish countryside.
"A gem of a castle, perfect for picnics and soaking in history with breathtaking views."

🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking is available on-site, though the lanes leading up can be narrow. :car:
🧺 Pack a Picnic Feast
Bring your own food and drinks! The castle grounds are perfect for a picnic, with limited refreshments on-site. :sandwich:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Unique Circular Keep
Central structure
Marvel at the impressive, intact circular keep, a rare architectural design for its time. Explore its rooms and imagine medieval life.

Panoramic Countryside Views
Top of the keep walls
Ascend to the top of the castle walls for breathtaking, sweeping views of the Fowey River valley and surrounding Cornish landscape.

Picnic Spot Extraordinaire
Castle grounds
Spread out a blanket on the well-kept grassy areas within the castle walls for an unforgettable picnic experience.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Picnic Paradise & Parking Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking is available on-site, though the lanes leading up can be narrow.
:car:🧺 Pack a Picnic Feast
Bring your own food and drinks! The castle grounds are perfect for a picnic, with limited refreshments on-site.
:sandwich:🚶♀️ Explore the Wall Walk
Don't miss the chance to walk along the castle walls for fantastic views and a sense of history.
:hiking_boot:📜 English Heritage Access
If you're an English Heritage member, entry is free! Otherwise, there's an admission fee.
:ticket:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
Plenty of free parking is available on-site, though the lanes leading up can be narrow.
:car:🧺 Pack a Picnic Feast
Bring your own food and drinks! The castle grounds are perfect for a picnic, with limited refreshments on-site.
:sandwich:🚶♀️ Explore the Wall Walk
Don't miss the chance to walk along the castle walls for fantastic views and a sense of history.
:hiking_boot:📜 English Heritage Access
If you're an English Heritage member, entry is free! Otherwise, there's an admission fee.
:ticket:🎭 Check for Summer Events
During summer, the castle grounds sometimes host outdoor theatre performances.
:performing_arts:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Restormel Castle for its unique circular architecture and stunning panoramic views, making it an ideal spot for picnics and historical exploration. While it's a ruin, the preserved keep offers a strong sense of its past. Some note the narrow approach lanes and limited on-site refreshments, but the free parking and peaceful atmosphere are significant draws.
"We have visited many times as English Heritage members. Great for a picnic. We love this spot. Good parking, but a long walk from town if you don't have wheels. Decent toilets. Nice walk to Duchy of Cornwall. Will definitely be back."
Khalid Aziz
"Lovely castle visit ... ruins, but still plenty remaining to walk round. Views Lovely. Staff friendly. Loos available. Drinks (machine) and v small shop.
[We walked on to the Duchy from here ... took about 25 mins.]"
Elizabeth Dee
"Great place to visit if you love your history! Preserved so well, you can walk around, in and up to the top. Fantastic views!
The lanes up to the castle are narrow, but not difficult. Plenty of free parking.
You pay £9 per adult (less for each child) towards English heritage.
Toilets on site, the small reception/gift shop but no cafe or refreshments on site.
Lots of wooden benches to sit, with well-kept grassy areas for a picnics.
We went on a Sunday bank holiday, on a dry but windy day - there were 6 other people there so it’s pretty quiet!
Worth a visit if you’re in the area."
Mrs McNiven
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Restormel Castle is located near Lostwithiel in Cornwall. If driving, there is ample free parking available on-site, though the lanes leading to the castle can be narrow. For those without a car, it's a walk from Lostwithiel town, which has a train station.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at Restormel Castle, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, you can walk to Restormel Castle from Lostwithiel. It's approximately a 25-minute walk, offering a pleasant route through the countryside.
Driving is often the most convenient way to reach Restormel Castle, especially if you plan to picnic or have mobility needs, due to the free parking. However, walking from Lostwithiel is also a viable and scenic option.
The nearest public transport hub is Lostwithiel train station. From there, it's a walk to the castle. Bus services may also serve the Lostwithiel area, but direct routes to the castle are unlikely.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Restormel Castle is managed by English Heritage. Their opening times can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information on Restormel Castle opening times.
There is an admission fee for Restormel Castle. However, entry is free for English Heritage members. Check the English Heritage website for current ticket prices.
English Heritage members get free entry. Other potential discounts might be available for families or groups, so it's worth checking the English Heritage website for details.
Yes, you can visit Restormel Castle without an English Heritage membership by purchasing an admission ticket.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance for English Heritage sites like Restormel Castle can sometimes be recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Check their website for the latest guidance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive circular keep, walk the castle walls for panoramic views, and enjoy a picnic in the grounds. Informative panels provide historical context.
Yes, Restormel Castle is very much worth visiting and great for children. They can explore the ruins and imagine themselves as knights or royalty.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site at Restormel Castle.
Yes, you can walk around and up to the top of the castle ruins, offering fantastic views.
Facilities include toilets, a small shop selling refreshments, and numerous wooden benches and grassy areas for picnics. There is no cafe on-site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is no cafe or restaurant on-site at Restormel Castle. A small shop may sell some refreshments, but it's best to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic.
Absolutely! Restormel Castle is a fantastic picnic spot with plenty of grassy areas and benches within the castle grounds.
The nearby town of Lostwithiel offers various pubs, cafes, and restaurants where you can find food before or after your visit to the castle.
While the castle itself has limited refreshment options, the town of Lostwithiel, a short walk or drive away, has shops and eateries.
In Lostwithiel, you can find traditional pub fare, cafes offering light bites, and local Cornish produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique circular keep, the panoramic views from the top, and the castle ruins set against the countryside offer stunning photographic opportunities. Drone shots can capture its impressive layout.
Yes, drone photography can provide spectacular aerial views of Restormel Castle's circular design and its picturesque setting.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the unique structure still photographs well.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or drone photography, it's advisable to check with English Heritage for any specific regulations or permissions required.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full circular keep and surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shots. A drone offers a unique perspective.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧺 Picnic Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Admirers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Restormel
The castle's history is intertwined with significant figures, including Edward the Black Prince, who owned it. It served as a luxurious retreat rather than a purely military stronghold, reflecting the evolving needs of its noble inhabitants. The intact nature of the keep, even in its ruined state, allows visitors to easily visualize the layout of rooms and understand the castle's past functions.
Its unique circular form and strategic hilltop location make it a visually striking landmark. The surrounding countryside, with the Fowey River valley below, adds to its picturesque appeal, making it a favorite for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Experiencing Restormel: Beyond the Ruins
For those who appreciate scenic beauty, the panoramic views from the top of the keep are unparalleled. The rolling hills of Cornwall and the winding Fowey River create a stunning vista that changes with the light and seasons. This makes it an ideal spot for photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Beyond its historical and scenic merits, Restormel Castle sometimes hosts outdoor events, such as summer theatre productions. These events transform the ruins into a magical open-air venue, offering a unique cultural experience that blends history, art, and the natural beauty of the location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit