Launceston Castle
Launceston, Cornwall
A unique multi-tiered keep on a high motte above the town, with level lawns below for your dog while you take on the steep climb.
The keep at Launceston is not like other keeps. Richard, Earl of Cornwall, built it in the 13th century as a tower inside a tower on top of an already high motte, creating a distinctive multi-tiered silhouette that dominates the town. The castle controlled the main route into Cornwall for centuries, and later became a prison so grim it was nicknamed Castle Terrible. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, was held here.
Whilst you climb for one of the best views in east Cornwall, your dog gets the grounds below the motte: a decent expanse of level lawn, good for picnics, right in the middle of Launceston.
Dogs are not covered by any published rules here, so treat it as leads on throughout, particularly on the steep motte path where the ground drops away. There is no parking on site, and the nearest is an NCP multi-storey opposite the castle, with accessible parking on request. There is a café, shop, toilets, museum, exhibition and picnic seating. The climb to the keep is steep and stepped.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £8.50 adult
- £4.25 child · £21.25 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Exhibition, Museum, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01566 772365
- Parking
- No site parking. The nearest pay-and-display parking is an NCP multi-storey opposite the castle. Accessible parking can be arranged in advance; please call the castle on 01566 772365.
English Heritage Membership
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Planning Your Visit
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Thursday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Friday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday
- 10:00 - 17:00
- Sunday
- 10:00 - 17:00
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Launceston Castle dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome at Launceston Castle, with a good expanse of level lawn around the base of the motte where they can stretch their legs and enjoy a picnic stop. The steep climb up to the keep itself is not suitable for dogs, but the grounds below offer a decent amount of space right in the heart of Launceston.
Are dogs allowed at Launceston Castle year round?
There are no published seasonal restrictions on dogs at Launceston Castle, so visiting year round should be fine. As always, it's worth checking with the castle directly if you're planning a trip at an unusual time of year.
What should I know before visiting Launceston Castle with my dog?
There are no specific dog rules published for the site, so keep your dog on a lead throughout your visit — this is especially important on the steep motte path where the ground drops away sharply. There's no parking on site, but there's an NCP multi-storey opposite the castle, and if you need accessible parking you can arrange it in advance by calling 01566 772365.
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