Top 2 Castles around Boconnoc

While Boconnoc itself is home to the historic Boconnoc House, an 18th-century residence built on the site of a medieval tower house, you can also visit traditional castle structures nearby. Notable sites include Lanhydrock Gatehouse, part of a grand Victorian estate, and St Catherine's Point and Castle, a coastal fortification ordered by Henry VIII.

Yes, Lanhydrock Gatehouse and its wider estate are very family-friendly. The National Trust property offers extensive gardens, woodland, and cycling trails, making it suitable for all ages. You can explore 54 rooms of the Victorian mansion and enjoy the outdoors.

The Boconnoc Estate itself boasts the largest park in Cornwall, featuring a deer park, a lake, and woodlands, with parts designated as an Important Plant Area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Near St Catherine's Point and Castle, you'll find Readymoney Cove, a beautiful beach with direct access to the coastal path and forest areas.

Absolutely. The area around Boconnoc offers various outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find easy trails like the 'Lostwithiel Medieval Bridge loop' or the 'Lerryn Stepping Stones loop'. For cycling, there are numerous routes, including those around the River Fowey. You can explore more options in the easy hikes around Boconnoc guide or the cycling around Boconnoc guide.

The spring and summer months (April to September) are generally ideal for visiting, as the weather is milder and the extensive gardens and grounds of estates like Lanhydrock are in full bloom. Many sites, including the Boconnoc Estate, offer more accessible outdoor activities during these seasons. However, some sites like St Catherine's Point and Castle are accessible year-round for exterior views.

Yes, while Boconnoc House is an 18th-century residence, it stands on the site of a 13th-century fortified tower house. Additionally, you can visit the Lostwithiel Medieval Bridge, which is the lowest crossing point of the River Fowey and a significant historical landmark in the area.

At Boconnoc House, you can observe architecture influenced by Sir John Soane, along with conserved 18th-century wall and ceiling paintings and a Georgian Bath House. The estate also features a striking obelisk. At Lanhydrock, you'll find a grand Victorian mansion with parts dating back to the 17th century, showcasing impressive period decor.

Policies vary by site. While the Boconnoc Estate has extensive grounds, it's best to check directly for specific dog policies. For example, Readymoney Cove, near St Catherine's Castle, generally allows dogs for most of the year, but it's always advisable to check local signage for current restrictions.

For National Trust properties like Lanhydrock, the house is typically open from 11 am to 4 pm, with an entrance cost of approximately £16.45 per adult. Grounds and gardens may have different hours. For other sites, such as St Catherine's Point and Castle, which are often ruins or exterior structures, access may be free and available during daylight hours. Always check the official websites for the most current information.

Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. You can get a 'View of Lanhydrock House from Higher Gardens' offering a nice perspective of the estate. St Catherine's Point and Castle itself provides panoramic views over Fowey harbour, and Readymoney Cove and St Catherine's Castle View offers scenic vistas of the castle and coastline.

The Boconnoc Estate has a rich history, with connections to King Charles I, who used Boconnoc as his headquarters in 1644 during the English Civil War. It was also developed by the Pitt family, including Thomas Pitt, Governor of Madras, and his grandson, Thomas Pitt, 1st Baron Camelford. The estate even has a fascinating link to the famous Pitt Diamond, purchased by Governor Thomas Pitt.