Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Launceston has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Launceston.
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Sights in Launceston
When it comes to picturesque towns in England, it doesn’t get much better than Launceston. This quaint town is located in Cornwall and is known for its medieval fortified castle, which sits atop the hill overlooking the River Tamar. Launceston is also home to a number of other historic buildings and landmarks, making it a great place to explore if you’re interested in English history.
Other than the castle, some of the other mustsee sights in Launceston include the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, the 15thcentury Cornish gatehouse known as Carclew House, and the remains of the ancient town walls. For a taste of local culture, make sure to check out the Launceston Steam Railway, which offers rides on a vintage steam train, or the Launceston Town Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts relating to the town’s history.
If you’re looking to do some shopping while you’re in Launceston, head to the Guildhall Shopping Centre, where you’ll find a variety of shops and boutiques. When you’re ready to relax, take a stroll through one of the town’s many green spaces, such as Victoria Park or the Castle Gardens. And of course, no visit to Launceston would be complete without stopping by one of the local pubs or cafes for a pint of Cornwall’s famous real ale.
History of Launceston
Historical evidence suggests that Launceston was established by the Saxons in the 6th century; its name is derived from the Old English word ‘launder’ meaning ‘enclosure’ or ‘settlement’. The town was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as having 17 households. In the 12th century Launceston Castle was built by Robert, Count of Mortain on St Stephen’s Hill, overlooking the town. It subsequently became the property of the Duchy of Cornwall and is now managed by English Heritage.
During the medieval period Launceston was an important trading town, especially for wool, and it was also a stannary town where cornets (corn merchants) brought their tin to be weighed and assessed. In the late 15th century Launceston was the last town in England to be affected by the Plague; in 1497, seven years after the outbreak of the disease in Bristol, the first cases were recorded in Launceston.
In the 16th century the town became increasingly prosperous through the wool trade, and cloth making was also an important industry. During the Civil War Launceston changed hands several times between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians, and in 1643 the latter occupied and destroyed the castle.
Until the early 19th century Launceston remained a small market town, but in 1826 the Duke of Cornwall allowed a section of the town to be enclosed for residential development, and this sparked a period of growth. The coming of the railways in the 1840s further boosted the town’s economy, and by the early 20th century Launceston was a thriving commercial centre with a bustling livestock market.
Today Launceston is a popular tourist destination, with its medieval castle, Georgian architecture and picturesque setting in the Cornish countryside. The town still has a lively market, and its annual Festival of the Flea is a popular event.
Vacation in Launceston
Launceston is a town in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The town has a population of about 3,100 people and is located on the River Tamar. Launceston is the gateway to Cornwall and is about 2 hours away from London by train.
The town is served by a small airport which has regular flights to London, Manchester, and other major UK airports. There are also a number of ferries that operate from the port of Launceston which connect the town to Plymouth, Exeter, and other towns along the River Tamar.
Launceston is a historic town with a number of interesting buildings and monuments. The Launceston Castle is a large castle that was built in the 11th century. The castle has a number of interesting features including a Norman gateway, a 14thcentury gatehouse, and a large keep. The castle is open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town.
The town also has a number of churches including the Church of St. Mary Magdalene which dates back to the 12th century. The church has a number of interesting features including a Norman font, a large organ, and a stained glass window.
The town centre of Launceston is located around the High Street which is home to a number of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The town also has a number of parks and green spaces including the Castle Gardens, Victoria Park, and the Tamar Valley Country Park.
Launceston is an ideal location for a number of activities including walking, cycling, and golf. The town is also home to a number of annual events including the Launceston Steam Fair, the Launceston Jazz Festival, and the Launceston Agricultural Show.
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