We’re enjoying our second year of English Heritage membership. Membership for two adults, with L free, is £31 in Tesco Clubcard Vouchers. So it is next to no money. L loves castles, English Heritage have a lot. It’s free days out for a year.
I’m trying to write about all the properties we visit using our membership. What I liked, didn’t like, share some pictures. We more than made our money back on the membership last year and this, so I am very happy it is good value for money.
Launceston Castle – Cornwall
We visited Launceston Castle on our way home from Trevornick Eurotent, still in Cornwall it was a nice little stop. About an hour into our journey we wanted to stop somewhere with a Tesco as we had a fuel voucher, plus I needed a jumper as I had run out thanks to my poor packing skills and we grabbed a picnic and car snacks whilst we were there. 
Facilities
There are plenty of little picnic spots, so we had our picnic pretty soon after we arrived. A lovely little gift shop that sold drinks and a few snacks, it even had a vending machine for hot drinks.
There are no toilets on site but there were public toilets in the multi storey car park that’s almost next to the castle and we had parked in. The car park is an NCP and reasonably priced. It’s worth noting you enter at the top of the car park and it looks very small, but as you are at the top of the multi storey you wind your way down to find loads more spaces, so don’t panic. 
The Museum
As you enter there is a lovely little museum that tells you all about the history of the site and contains some interesting artifacts and displays.
I didn’t get to spend as long in here as I wanted and barely got to read anything which is sad, especially as it’s unlikely I’ll get to return any time soon. 
L liked looking at the little artifacts that had been found and he really loved completing the fun worksheet he had been given when we entered. Despite the museums small size, it had been really well designed for children, with little stop off points for activities.
He did a brass rubbing of the site, he got to sign his name with a quill and ink, then he got to seal it with a stamp. 
Each step followed on from the next really well and the information and explanations that went along with it were perfectly pitched for the younger audience.
It was the first time I’ve ever really seen L enjoy these activities so much, partly because he’s now at the age to enjoy them but also because they had just done it so well. 
The Castle
The Castle Tower is worth the climb. A lovely round tower with plenty of views across the surrounding countryside.
It’s imposing, dark and moody. Just like a proper castle should be. Running round the tower, climbing and exploring was perfect for L and he kept us busy with all of the questions!
Why is the Tower round? Where did the knights live? Why are the walls so thick? Why did they have a fireplace? Why is it ruined? Who did they fight? It went on and on. 
The Gardens
Some of the Castle Grounds and old walls are in the castle gardens, outside the area you pay to see with English Heritage. These are worth looking at it really adds to your visit, there are some information boards and it’s just a lovely spot to run around.
They are not huge and won’t take much time, but honestly it’s just lovely. 
Opening Times & Prices
Open 10am to 5pm Monday to Sunday
| WITHOUT GIFT AID | WITH GIFT AID | |
|---|---|---|
| Member | Free | Free |
| Adult | £4.70 | £5.20 |
| Child (5-15 yrs) | £2.80 | £3.10 |
For full details of times and prices please visit the English Heritage Website, these are only a snapshot. It’s also worth noting the castle is closed from 1st November. 
Overall
Launceston Castle was a lovely stop off and we spent around an hour exploring and walking and a little longer just sitting enjoying the views and eating our picnic.
I would have loved to have spent a little longer in the museum and actually read about some of the history but L just wanted to get out and explore, he was still on a mission to find the missing round table he had been unable to locate at Tintagel!!
The views form the top of the castle are lovely and the information boards were very interesting. I’m really pleased we stopped to visit.
I was most impressed with the children’s activity sheet, it wasn’t too long and incorporated a lot of fun things as well as some history. It really got L thinking.
I can’t comment on the rest of the town as we didn’t look further than the Castle. 