CORNWALL is a gem to visit – but one Cornish town in particular has heaps of history and if you are lucky, you might spot a royal.
Lostwithiel (pronounced lost-with-ee-ul) sits at the head of the River Fowey estuary and was the medieval administrative capital of Cornwall in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Now, it is nicknamed the ‘antiques capital of Cornwall‘ thanks to having numerous independent shops with fascinating objects.
For a bargain, head to the Community Centre which hosts a number of antiques fairs throughout the year.
You’ll find most of the independent shops on Bodmin Hill and Fore Street, including gems such as homeware shop Alice in Scandiland and Hagstone Pottery.
Restormel Castle sits on a circular keep and looks over the River Fowey.
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The castle was most used under the reign of Edward the Black Prince, who gained his name from the black armour he wore which made him stand out in battle during the Hundred Years’ War.
The castle is an English Heritage site and is currently closed, but will reopen to visitors on March 28 with entry costing £6.50 per adult and £3.50 per child.
And Duchy Palace can be found in the town centre, which once made Lostwithiel the administrative capital of Cornwall.
Though currently closed, the Old Duchy Palace dates back to 1292.
And other famous links to the town include King Charles III and his family, who have been known to stay in the area.
The town used to be an important port as well, importing tin from the Mediterranean Sea.
There’s a good choice of pubs in the town too, including The Globe Inn which opened back in 1707.
One visitor said: “Lovely ambiance, cosy and felt like we’d stepped back in time.”
If you want to explore slightly further afield, then head off on a walk along the river to a wooded creek which leads to the village of Lerryn.
When the tide is out, you can cross the river via stepping stones and walk through the woods that inspired Kenneth Grahame’s famous novel The Wind in the Willows.
Also in Lerryn you will find an abandoned pleasure garden that is over 100-years-old and was inspired by one of the world’s oldest and most popular amusement parks.
Tivoli Park in Lerryn features abandoned fountains, arches, a bandstand and even a swimming pool among the trees.
The park was inspired by the Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Cornish park opened back in 1922 and was previously used as the venue for Lerryn Regatta.
Around Lostwithiel there are lots of places to stay as well, from independently-run hotels to B&Bs and campsites.
For more places to explore in the county, here’s The Sun’s favourite hotels, holiday parks, cottages and campsites in Cornwall.
Plus, the Cornish road trip that rivals New Zealand with pirate towns and fairytale islands.