Lostwithiel Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Lostwithiel Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Lostwithiel sits in the Fowey Valley and packs in more history per square metre than most Cornish towns. The town centre has over 90 listed buildings within a tiny area. I recommend starting at the 13th-century bridge before heading to St Bartholomew's Church with its 14th-century tower.

Restormel Castle (PL22 0EE, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct) sits just outside town. This perfectly circular shell keep offers amazing views across the valley. English Heritage members get in free, while others pay £6.50. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the "spectacular views" and "fascinating history".

Lanhydrock House (PL30 5AD) is a magnificent Victorian country house with gardens and woodland. National Trust members enter free, others pay £18. The kitchens are particularly interesting - we think they're some of the best-preserved in Britain.

The Eden Project (PL24 2SG) lies just 20 minutes away. Their massive biomes house plants from around the world. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from over 14,000 reviews. Book online to save about £2 per ticket.

Pet Friendly

Many Lostwithiel cottages welcome dogs and the town makes an excellent base for pet holidays. The Duchy Coffee Shop (PL22 0BW) allows dogs inside and offers water bowls and treats. Their homemade cakes are worth trying too - the carrot cake is my favourite.

Coulson Park has a dedicated dog exercise area where your pet can run off-lead. The riverside walks along the Fowey are perfect for morning and evening strolls. The path to Restormel Castle makes a good 40-minute walk with plenty of sniffing opportunities.

The Globe Inn (PL22 0BG) welcomes dogs in the bar area and garden. They serve proper pub food and local ales. I'd recommend booking ahead at weekends as it gets busy.

When heading to the beach, Polkerris (PL24 2TL) allows dogs from October to Easter. During summer, Par Sands (PL24 2AS) permits dogs on the left side of the beach. Both are about 15 minutes' drive from your hot tub cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Lostwithiel

Lostwithiel Museum (PL22 0BS) occupies the old Corn Exchange building and tells the town's story from medieval times. The Civil War exhibits explain how Lostwithiel was the site of a decisive Royalist victory in 1644. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-3:30pm, admission £2. What makes this special is the volunteers who run it - they know everything about local history and will happily chat for hours.

Lostwithiel Antiques Market happens on the last Sunday of each month at the Community Centre (PL22 0HA). With over 40 dealers, it's considered one of Cornwall's best antique markets. We've found everything from Victorian silverware to 1950s fishing gear here. The market runs 10am-4pm and entry costs £1. The bacon rolls from the café are worth queuing for.

St Winnow Church (PL22 0LF) sits in a stunning riverside location 2 miles south of town. This 15th-century church features remarkable carved bench ends and a peaceful atmosphere. The walk there along the river is beautiful, especially in spring when the banks are covered with wildflowers. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it "the most peaceful place in Cornwall" - and they might be right.

Is Lostwithiel good for shopping?

Yes! For a small town, Lostwithiel punches above its weight. Fore Street has independent shops selling everything from artisan bread to antique furniture. The town is known as Cornwall's antique capital with at least seven dealers. The farmers' market runs every other Friday on the Parade and sells local produce, crafts and plants.

Where's the best place to eat in Lostwithiel?

Trewithen Restaurant (PL22 0BL) serves modern British food using Cornish ingredients. Their seafood comes from Looe market each morning. For casual dining, Duchy Café does excellent breakfasts and lunches. The Earl of Chatham pub offers good value evening meals - their steak and ale pie is fantastic after a day of walking.

Can I get around without a car?

Yes, though a car gives more flexibility. Lostwithiel has a train station with services to Penzance, Plymouth and beyond. Local buses connect to Bodmin and Fowey. Many attractions like Restormel Castle and riverside walks are accessible on foot from most cottages. Taxis are available but book in advance, especially during summer.

What's the best time to visit Lostwithiel?

September offers warm weather without summer crowds. The LostFest music festival happens in early May and fills the streets with performers. December brings a lovely Christmas atmosphere with the Dickensian Evening - the shops open late and everyone dresses in Victorian costume. Your hot tub will be especially welcome during autumn and winter visits!

Is Lostwithiel suitable for children?

Absolutely. Coulson Park has a good playground and the riverside walks offer duck-feeding opportunities. The Lostwithiel Museum runs children's activities during school holidays. Nearby Cardinham Woods has excellent family bike trails and a woodland playground. Most cottages provide board games for rainy days.

How far are the beaches from Lostwithiel?

The closest beaches are about 15 minutes' drive away. Polkerris is a sheltered cove with a beach restaurant. Par Sands offers a long, flat sandy beach ideal for families. Readymoney Cove near Fowey is picturesque but gets crowded in summer. The north coast surfing beaches are about 30-40 minutes' drive.

Some helpful links:

1. Visit Cornwall's Lostwithiel Guide
2. Restormel Castle Information
3. Lanhydrock House and Garden
4. The Eden Project
5. Lostwithiel Events Calendar