Restormel Castle Castle
Circular Norman castle ruin and medieval fortification in Cornwall
A 13th‑century circular shell keep near Lostwithiel, Restormel Castle presents thick curtain walls and views over the River Fowey valley; walkers and history enthusiasts visit the ruin and nearby coastal paths.
Restormel Castle at a Glance#
Address: Restormel Castle, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 (near the junction of A390 and B3268)
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/restormel-castle/
Hours: Seasonal: usually daily 10am-5pm (check English Heritage site for current hours)
Admission: £8.80 adult (Historic England/English Heritage rates may vary); English Heritage members free
About Restormel Castle#
Restormel Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle in Cornwall, England, notable for its near-circular shell keep and substantial surviving curtain wall. The structure dates to the medieval period and is a prominent local heritage site.
Constructed in the medieval period as a fortified manor and administrative centre, the castle passed through several noble families and fell into ruin after the medieval era before being conserved in modern times. Its circular plan has made it an object of architectural and historical interest.
Restormel Castle sits near the town of Lostwithiel in mid-Cornwall, close to the valley of the River Fowey. It is reachable by local roads and is often visited as part of touring Cornwall’s historic sites.
- Management and access: Managed by English Heritage, the castle is presented as a largely intact medieval shell keep and is accessible to visitors via a short approach from the nearby town of Lostwithiel.
What to See#
- Shell keep and inner courtyard: The circular shell keep and inner courtyard are notable for their unusual plan and well-preserved curtain wall that largely survives from the medieval period.
- Outer bailey and gatehouse: The outer bailey and gatehouse remain as earthworks and partial masonry, giving a clear sense of the castle’s original defensive layout.
How to Get to Restormel Castle#
Restormel Castle lies just off the A390 near Lostwithiel in Cornwall. By car, follow the A390 from St Austell or Bodmin; parking is available at the National Trust/English Heritage car park with a short walk to the castle. The nearest mainline station is Lostwithiel (about 1.5 km), a 20-25 minute walk through town to the castle.
Tips for Visiting Restormel Castle#
- Park at the National Trust car park off the A390 and walk the short meadow path to avoid the narrow lanes through Lostwithiel.
- Bring a jacket even on sunny days-the shell keep traps winds and the view from the ramparts is exposed.
- Stay for late afternoon light: the castle's circular keep throws long shadows and is excellent for photography.
Best Time to Visit Restormel Castle#
Late spring through early autumn provides the most reliable weather for visiting Restormel Castle; check English Heritage for specific opening times and seasonal variations.
Weather & Climate near Restormel Castle#
Restormel Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (982 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 4° - 9° | 2° | 108 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 80 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 72 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Good | 8° - 15° | 11° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 5.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.3h |
| June | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 16.2h |
| July | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 59 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.7h |
| August | Good | 13° - 19° | 16° | 68 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.3h |
| September | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 9° - 14° | 12° | 105 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 12° | 6° | 115 mm | overcast | 89% | 6.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| December | Poor | 5° - 10° | 3° | 119 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 7.9h |