Post Office and village hall.
Savour the scents and sights of this beautiful woodland garden that envelopes a grand manor house. E...
The Launceston Steam Railway links the historic Cornish town of Launceston with the hamlet of Newmil...
The Tamar Otter Sanctuary is the only organisation in the West Country breeding otters on a regular ...
Lawrence House, Launceston, built in 1753, was given to the National Trust to help preserve the Geor...
Flanked by the Tamar Valley to the east and Bodmin Moor to the west, the ancient market town of Launceston (say 'Laaaanceson') is the self-confessed 'Gateway to Cornwall'. Nestled on the county border, the town serves up a great mix of medieval ruins and elegant Georgian architecture, providing a solid jumping off point to explore the lush wooded valleys and villages extending south to Callington and beyond.
Head up the thigh-straining hill to Launceston Castle http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=conProperty.275 , a medieval fortification that time is slowly getting the better of. Make sure you get it on a clear day: the views are stunning. Continuing the tight-britched marauder theme, National Trust owned Cotehele Manor www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cotehele/ is worth a visit as a stunning example of a delicately preserved Tudor manor, complete with breathtaking views down the valley. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Tamar Valley deserves a good nose around. Hop on a bike, or take the Tamar Valley Line www.tamarvalley.org.uk/6_13_train.htm from Plymouth to Gunnislake, which allows you to admire the scenery at a more leisurely pace. Pay particular attention to the viaduct at Calstock. Alternatively, try the valley from the water in an open-topped Canadian canoe. Pick up paddles, lifejacket and a guide from Canoe Tamar (www.canoetamar.co.uk ).
For something a bit special, Callington's Langman's Restaurant www.langmansrestaurant.co.uk is hard to beat for a top-notch feed. The six-course taster menu can't fail to get the mouth watering. For flavoursome cheeses, sundrenched antpasti and organic, local veg, head to VG Deli www.sugarvine.com/devonandcornwall/neighbourhood-watch/story.asp?story=6... on Launceston's Church Street.
Head south from Launceston towards Callington to the Springer Spaniel www.wagtailinns.com , a charming country pub. Should the resident spaniels raise the blood pressure too far, sedate yourself with the potentially perilous Springer Spaniel, brewed specially for the pub by Sharp's.
A joint of local meat from Warren's in Launceston makes you wonder what that shrink-wrapped stuff in the supermarket really is. Drop into Lokaroma www.launceston-town.co.uk for sparkling silverwares and homewares, many of which are made by local designer-makers.
Pick up the Tamar Valley Trail www.tamarvalley.org.uk/6_11_walk.htm at any point along its 30-mile length to enjoy the plunging valleys and verdant woodlands that typify this part of the county. Of particular note is Kit Hill Country Park www.tamarvalley.org.uk/6_22_kithill.htm , whose 400 acres include the highest point in the Tamar Valley.