Launceston Castle
Cornwall, England
Key facts
- Operator
- English Heritage
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass
- Nearest station
- Gunnislake, 10.5 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Castle Dyke, Launceston PL15 7DR
Telephone 0370 333 1181
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Visitor essentials
- Parking
- No site parking; nearest pay-and-display is an NCP multi-storey opposite the castle, with accessible parking arranged in advance by phone.
- Access
- Wheelchair access limited to the outer bailey, exhibition and shop via a side gate; 64 steps with handrails up to the keep; no accessible toilet.
- Facilities
- Vending machine for hot drinks; no public toilets on site.
A shell keep on a high motte above the town, with the walk to the top - and the views once you're there - the main event, since there are no roofed rooms left inside. English Heritage runs a small museum at the base with artefacts and, by reviewer accounts, an unusually engaging curator.
Worth the trip
The panoramic view from the top of the keep, taking in the town and the surrounding Cornish countryside.
Before you go
The climb to the top is sometimes closed out of season, so check before planning a visit around it; allow 45 minutes to just over an hour to see the grounds and information boards properly.
Visitors consistently highlight the panoramic views from the top of Launceston Castle and the friendly, knowledgeable staff, including praise for the small on-site museum. Reviewers note it's a ruin with no furnished rooms, but most feel the climb and roughly hour-long visit are well worth it for the views alone.
Shell keep on high motte
“Well worth the climb to the top for the Panoramic views. Lots of interesting information on the castle scattered around as you climb and in the ticket office. It is a ruin so it doesn't have any rooms.”- Alex Whiteman, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Don't think there is dedicated parking...” - trevor eustace
- How long to allow
- “To walk round the grounds and read all info it will take about 45 minutes to 1hour 15mins.” - trevor eustace
Common questions about Launceston Castle
Where is Launceston Castle?
Launceston Castle is in Cornwall, England, at Castle Dyke, Launceston PL15 7DR.
Do you need a ticket to visit Launceston Castle?
Yes - Launceston Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by English Heritage. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Launceston Castle?
The panoramic view from the top of the keep, taking in the town and the surrounding Cornish countryside.
Is Launceston Castle a ruin or still intact?
Launceston Castle is a partial ruin - Shell keep on high motte.
