Make a holiday rental home or cottage in Launceston, England your home away from home

With narrow, winding streets, old Georgian houses and a historical thriving marketplace, Launceston is very much a traditional Cornish town. It also provides a great base from which to explore the region, as it offers easy access to West Devon, North and South Cornwall, the Tamar Valley and much more. Rental of a holiday cottage in Launceston is one of the best and most authentic ways to enjoy the town known as the ‘Gateway to Cornwall’.

Things to do in Launceston, England

The narrow streets of the town centre are a great place to start exploring Launceston. The old market square is still a key focal point of the town, and on the first Saturday of each month it is here that you will find the Butter Market – a series of stalls selling everything from food and drink to craft and gift items. There are also a number of bakeries in town where you can enjoy a famous Cornish pasty or Cornish Cream Tea, as well as a Norman Castle and a 16th Century Church to wander around.

Outside of the town centre the area becomes mainly farmland, and a good place to learn about this rural history of the area is the Lawrence House Museum, which offers an array of attractions, all housed in a 250 year old Georgian Mansion. Trethorne Leisure Park is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the area, and allows visitors to milk cows, enjoy pony rides, bottle-feed lambs and enjoy other farmyard pursuits.

Many other attractions in Launceston are outdoor-based, and Launceston Castle is the starting point for a series of popular walks to locations such as Okehampton Castle and Plymouth. Those who would rather take public transport can enjoy a ride on the Launceston Steam Railway, which runs through countryside to the hamlet of Newmills, with plenty of scenic photography opportunities along the way.

Places to visit on holiday in Launceston, England

The north of Cornwall has some excellent beaches, and many of these can be found in and around Bude and Widemouth Bay, both of which are less than 20 miles away. This part of the county is also King Arthur territory, and no holiday in Cornwall is complete without a visit to the remains of Tintagel Castle.

Weather in Launceston, England

Though the British weather is somewhat unreliable, summer temperatures in Launceston are usually some of the best in the country, with highs of over 20C, and several hours of sunshine on the majority of days. Winters are also milder than many other UK towns and cities, so a holiday rental in Launceston can still be enjoyed outside of peak season.

Flights to Launceston, England

Those who wish to fly to their destination can choose between Newquay Airport (NQY) 39 miles away and Plymouth Airport (PLH) 25 miles away. The area also has good rail and bus links from many other towns and cities across the UK.