Cornwall


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nbsp">WHY?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>&#8220;Lostwithiel has more to show in a small space than any Cornish town&#8221; wrote Poet Laureate John Betjeman – and he wasn&#8217;t wrong. Often overlooked in favour of its coastal neighbours, this under-the-radar gem of a place was once the capital of Cornwall (back in the 13th century), and the county&#8217;s most important stannary town, where tin taxes were collected. Six miles inland from Fowey, Lostwithiel sits at the head of the river near the south coast, surrounded by ancient woodlands and brimming with character.</p>



<p>The town is home to some impressive and period buildings that tell of its past, including the Guildhall and the bridge that dates back to medieval times, plus the once-mighty Duchy Palace that was largely destroyed during the civil war. Once a busy port, second only to Southampton, today Lostwithiel is much quieter: tidal waters now best explored by kayak and paddleboard, while the railway still carries china clay back up from Fowey. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat-nbsp">EAT&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Locals rate <a href="https://restormelkitchen.wixsite.com/food" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restormel Kitchen</a>, and there are a number of pubs in the town, including the The Globe, Earl of Chatham and the Royal Oak. For coffee, try Q Street or Mess Hall, and for ice-creams <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littleicecreamshoplostwithiel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Little Ice-Cream Shop</a> is well rated. </p>



<p>Muddy Award-winning cider <a href="http://www.foweyvalleycider.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fowey Valley</a> is produced nearby, and the <a href="https://www.duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duchy of Cornwall Nursery</a> is a gorgeous spot for breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas. Also close is <a href="https://www.colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colwith Farm Distillery</a> &#8211; Cornwall&#8217;s first farm-to-table distillery, where they grow the potatoes for their vodka, and they also have a <a href="https://www.colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk/farm-to-fork-cafe?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seasonal farm to fork café</a> open Tues – Sat.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/Duchy-of-Cornwall-Nursery-Muddy-Stilettos-Duchy_New-39-e1707834013332.jpg" alt="Duchy of Cornwall Nursery orangery restaurant interior" class="wp-image-32946" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/Duchy-of-Cornwall-Nursery-Muddy-Stilettos-Duchy_New-39-e1707834013332.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/Duchy-of-Cornwall-Nursery-Muddy-Stilettos-Duchy_New-39-e1707834013332-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/Duchy-of-Cornwall-Nursery-Muddy-Stilettos-Duchy_New-39-e1707834013332-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/02/Duchy-of-Cornwall-Nursery-Muddy-Stilettos-Duchy_New-39-e1707834013332-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>During the summer season residents and holidaymakers alike are spoilt for choice in the nearby towns. In Fowey, <a href="https://www.nskfowey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">North Street Kitchen</a> leads the foodie charge – crowned <em>Best Local Restaurant in the South West </em>in the 2024 Good Food Guide. <a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/fowey-hall-hotel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fowey Hall Hotel</a> (the inspiration for Kenneth Grahame’s Toad Hall) serves a classic afternoon tea, and don&#8217;t miss Charlie Walter&#8217;s <a href="https://www.narlarestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Narla</a> for fine dining. </p>



<p>Just seven miles away in Bodmin, you&#8217;ll find Muddy-Award winning <a href="https://www.nativeburger.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Native Burger</a>, while St Austell and Charlestown serve up sea views galore &#8211; from steaks at <a href="https://www.thelongstore.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Longstore</a> to pints on the sea wall at <a href="https://pierhousehotel.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pier House</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>The town is known for its antiques shops, including the <a href="https://www.lostwithielantiquecentre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lostwithiel Antique Centre</a>, with regular fairs and events also hosted at the community centre. On Fore Street, former Muddy Award-winning <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aliceinscandilandshop/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alice in Scandiland</a> tempts with dreamy homewares, sitting opposite <a href="https://www.instagram.com/watts_trading/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watt&#8217;s Trading</a>, another emporium of loveliness stocked with everything from kitchen kit to more brushes than you&#8217;ll ever need. The aforementioned Duchy of Cornwall Nursery shop is just up the road &#8211; more than just a plant nursery, the shop sells everything from women&#8217;s clothing to perfume, children and baby gifts to homewares alongside the greenery. Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.molesworthandbird.com/m-b-shops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molesworth &amp; Bird</a>, create gorgeous seaweed art from their studio and shop in the ground floor of the lovely Monmouth House.</p>



<p>There is a Co-Op in Lostwithiel itself, but for larger supermarkets like Asda or Sainsbury&#8217;s (because who doesn&#8217;t need one from time to time), it&#8217;s into Bodmin or St Austell, both around a 15 min drive away. And don&#8217;t miss <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Tywardreath-Butchers/61557125360337/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tywardreath Butchers</a> down the road, definitely worth the detour!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="954" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/07/Tia-Tamblyn-wellbeing.jpg" alt="Tia Tamblyn Wellbeing" class="wp-image-37888" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/07/Tia-Tamblyn-wellbeing.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/07/Tia-Tamblyn-wellbeing-800x596.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/07/Tia-Tamblyn-wellbeing-1000x745.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/07/Tia-Tamblyn-wellbeing-768x572.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>This part of Cornwall is often described as the &#8220;greenest and richest of Cornish valleys&#8221; – and it&#8217;s easy to see why. Wellness fans are spoiled here: we love Muddy Awards finalist <a href="https://www.tiatamblyn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tia Tamblyn Wellbeing</a>, who offers massages and yoga in a beautifully converted space on her ancient family farm at Botelet, just up the road. Closer to home, there are plenty of yoga classes in town too, including sessions at The Duchy of Cornwall Nursery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Two riverside parks, Coulson Park and Shirehall Moor are lovely to visit. Coulson Park has a children&#8217;s playground. There is a scenic walk along the side of the river Fowey. For a longer walk, <a href="https://cornwall.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/pilgrimage-trails-cornwall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Saints Way</a> passes nearby, on route from Padstow to Fowey. Summer brings its own buzz: the Lostwithiel Carnival lights up the town at the end of July, while Colwith Farm Distillery run &#8216;Distillery Sessions&#8217; with food and music. Over in Golant, Bar Silo keeps the party going with regular DJs and live bands.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions-nbsp">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/restormel-reopening.jpg" alt="Restormel Castle Cornwall UK" class="wp-image-20017" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/restormel-reopening.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/restormel-reopening-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/restormel-reopening-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2020/08/restormel-reopening-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Restormel Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>Perched on the hill above town, Restormel Castle (English Heritage) is one of four Norman castles in Cornwall and part of the wider <a href="https://www.duchyofcornwallholidaycottages.co.uk/collections/restormel-estate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restormel Estate</a>, the historic heart of the Duchy of Cornwall. In the town itself St Bartholomew&#8217;s Church dates back to the 12th century.</p>



<p>Nearby, the <a href="https://boconnoc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bocconoc Estate</a> – more than 900 years old – hosts a wide calendar of events including music, and can be rented out for weddings and holidays. For a stately day out, The Victorian National Trust house and estate at Lanhydrock is a must – complete with regular Saturday morning parkrun and neighbouring Respryn Woods for walks. Kids like the Porfell Wildlife Park &amp; Sanctuary.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>In December, the town goes full festive with its annual Dickensian evening, complete with late-night shopping. Lambs Gallery keeps culture fans happy with regular art exhibitions while the <a href="https://www.lostwithielmuseum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lostwithiel Museum</a> – a bijou, free little gem run entirely by volunteers – opens all summer in the Guildhall on Fore Street. The community centre is the beating heart of local life, hosting a packed programme of regular events.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The average house price was £322,667, marginally up on the previous peak of 2022. Terraced properties are the most popular, with an average price of £329,792; detached properties averaged £394,350, with semi-detached properties £291,938.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/10/Lostwithiel-1000x667.jpeg" alt="This 4 bedroom Grade II listed town house in the heart of Lostwithiel is on the market for £600k." class="wp-image-38670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/10/Lostwithiel-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/10/Lostwithiel-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/10/Lostwithiel-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cornwall/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/10/Lostwithiel.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This 4 bedroom Grade II listed town house in the heart of Lostwithiel is <a href="https://www.webbers.co.uk/property-for-sale/4-bedroom-house-for-sale-in-fore-street-lostwithiel-cornwall-pl22/41298/">on the market</a> for £600k.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Lostwithiel Preschool is next to the primary. <a href="https://www.nurtured-nursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nurtured Nursery</a> offers year-round childcare; it is rural but handily placed near to the A390 for parents commuting between St Austell and Plymouth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools-nbsp">SCHOOLS&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The local kids go to <a href="https://www.lostwithiel.cornwall.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lostwithiel Primary</a>, followed by local secondary academy<a href="https://fracademy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Fowey River Academy</a> (both rated Ofsted Good). If you’re after independents, you’re going to have to travel – the nearest are in Truro, Launceston or Plymouth, all a decent drive away.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret-nbsp">BEST KEPT SECRET&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.lostfest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lost Fest</a> isn&#8217;t exactly a secret, but it <em>is</em> a cracking day out. Every May the town turns into one big street party, with stalls, music and performances galore – all free, and all in support of local artists and businesses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Lostwithiel is on the mainline, from where you can be in Plymouth in an hour, or London in four and half, although not all trains stop. The A390 joins to the A38 for a commute to Bodmin, St Austell or Plymouth.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Lostwithiel

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