Lostwithiel was once the administrative capital of Cornwall and a thriving stannary town for the tin trade, sitting on the River Fowey with the ruined motte-and-bailey of Restormel Castle just outside town. The Saints Way, an ancient pilgrim route from Padstow to Fowey, passes directly through, and the National Trust’s Lanhydrock estate is just two miles north.

A historic and very pleasant small town with antique shops and good walking access, Lostwithiel makes an excellent base for the gentle wooded Fowey Valley and the Saints Way ancient pilgrim path.