Bodmin
Bodmin is one of Cornwall’s most fascinating towns steeped with history that will enthrall and delight everyone. Situated in the centre of Cornwall it is perfect for exploring in-land and is also within easy reach of both the North and South coastlines.Set within the heart of the town is the 83-acre Beacon Nature Reserve with breathtaking views to both the moor and coast. Of course, the rugged granite and gauze moors are a must see along with Bodmin Jail, the areas spooky attraction where you can really get a feel for how the prisoners lived and the punishments they were given.
Starting from the Jail is Cornwall’s most famous attraction The Camel Trail, offering 18 miles of traffic-free walking, cycling and horse riding along the River Camel. Head for the edge of enigmatic Bodmin Moor or coastwards, along the Camel Estuary to the market town of Wadebridge and then onto the charming harbour at Padstow. There are also walking and cycling trails leading to the South Coast, taking in Lanhydrock, Lostwithiel, Fowey and the famous Eden Project.
Just outside of Bodmin town you can discover the grand Georgian Houses of Pencarrow and Lanhydrock,– both set in lush gardens and woods, and the famous Camel Valley Vineyard where you can taste the award-winning wines.
If you fancy a day away from exploring, Bodmin town offers a selection of art and craft shops mixed in with well known high street stores. As the sun goes down Bodmin has a livelier presence and offers a host of restaurants, café’s and bars mixed in with more traditional country inns.
Bodmin has such a large variety of things to see and do there is something to suit everyone and is perfect for a holiday where you want to leave the car behind on your days out.
St Columb Major
A traditional market town located just outside of Newquay, St Columb offers a quieter holiday choice whilst still providing a selection of shops, bars and restaurants.The town is famous for playing host to 'hurling', a medieval game once common throughout Cornwall but now only played in St. Columb and St. Ives. The aim of the game is to carry a silver painted ball through the parish to score through two goals which are situated at a distance of two miles apart. It is played on Shrove Tuesday and then again on the Saturday eleven days later.
Liskeard
Liskeard is a picturesque and lively market town in ideal position to explore Cornwall. Situated at the head of the Looe Valley, it has long been an important market centre and was one of the four original Stannary towns.Liskeard boasts many interesting buildings including a Victorian Guildhall and clock tower, the Stuart House where Charles I stayed in 1644 and the second largest church in Cornwall. A market is held every Monday and Thursday
Nearby Lux Park Leisure centre offers relaxation in their spa pool, steam room and sauna plus more active sports such as tennis, squash and a gym.
Launceston
Known as the 'Gateway to Cornwall' between Bodmin and Dartmoor on the Devon and Cornwall border, Launceston is a traditional market town that has retained considerable beauty and charm.There is a town trail for visitors to follow which highlights the ancient architecture and historical features including the 16th Century Church of St. Mary Magdalene which has one of the most lavishly carved exteriors of any Church in England.
Within the area there is are a few restaurants, pubs and cafes where you can relax and watch the world go by or for the more active there are nearby facilities for riding, fishing and golf.
Places of interest you may want to visit include:
- Bodmin Moor
- Dobwalls Family Adventure Park
- Sterts Arts & Environmental Centre
- Carnglaze Slate Caverns
- Bodmin Steam Railway
- Siblyback Watersports centre
- The Camel Trail
- Camel Valley Vineyard
- Northwood Water Gardens