Restormel Castle
Lostwithiel, Cornwall
A near perfect circular keep on a deeply ditched mound above the Fowey, with a compact grassy site and a wall walk to take on with your dog.
Restormel is Cornwall's classic circular castle and the shape is what makes it. The keep is huge and almost perfectly round, standing on a high mound with a deep ditch cut around it. It was begun in the later 13th century and reached its peak under Edward the Black Prince, who visited twice and used it as a base for his surrounding deer park.
Whilst you walk the full circuit of the wall top, looking down into the ring of rooms below and out over the Fowey valley, and trace the Black Prince's great hall, your dog gets a compact, self-contained site with plenty of grass, and the ditch circuit and wooded slopes down to the Fowey give more if you want it. Lostwithiel is a short distance away with riverside walking.
Dogs are welcome on short leads. There is plenty of free parking 70 metres from the site entrance. There is a café, shop, toilets, gardens and picnic seating. The wall walk has steps and unprotected inner edges in places, so keep the lead short up top.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- On-lead in the grounds
- Dogs are welcome on short leads.
- Site Type
- Castle & Fort
- Entry
- £8.50 adult
- £4.25 child · £21.25 family
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
- Facilities
- Café / restaurant, Gardens, Parking, Picnic seating, Shop, Toilets, Wheelchair access
- Telephone
- 01208 872687
- Parking
- There is plenty of free parking 70m from the site entrance.
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 Restormel Castle dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Restormel Castle. They're required to be kept on short leads throughout the site, which makes sense given the wall walk has steps and unprotected inner edges in places. The site itself is compact and grassy, and there's a ditch circuit and wooded slopes down to the Fowey if you want to stretch the walk out a little further.
Are dogs allowed at Restormel Castle year round?
The listing confirms dogs are welcome at Restormel Castle, but doesn't specify any seasonal restrictions. It's worth checking directly with English Heritage before visiting, particularly if you're planning a trip outside of the main season.
What should I know before visiting Restormel Castle with my dog?
Dogs must be kept on short leads throughout the site — this is especially important on the wall walk, where there are steps and unprotected inner edges looking down into the castle interior. The site is self-contained and manageable, with plenty of grass to explore, and free parking is available just 70 metres from the entrance. If you want more walking after your visit, Lostwithiel is a short distance away and offers riverside walking along the Fowey.
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