Restormel Castle, Cornwall

Restormel Castle is one of the four chief Norman castles of Cornwall.

Overlooking the River Fowey, Restormel Castle has an unusual, perfectly circular shell keep with an internal bailey. It contains a limited number of stone domestic buildings which are curved to fit into the shell keep, in an extreme example of the 13th century trend.

Restormel Castle was probably built after the Norman conquest around 1100 by Baldwin Fitz Turstin, the local sheriff. the castle was constructed in the middle of a large deer park, where it overlooked the primary crossing point over the River Fowey, a key tactical location

The castle was seized in 1264 by Simon de Montfort during the civil conflicts in the reign of Henry III, and was seized back in turn by the former High Sheriff of Cornwall, Sir Ralph Arundell, in 1265.the castle was eventually granted to Henry III's brother, Richard of Cornwall in 1270, who died in 1271. His son Edmund took over Restormel as his main administrative base.

After Edmund's death in 1299 the castle reverted to the Crown and was rarely used as a residence. The castle was significantly damaged in the Civil war and was in ruins by 1740. But it became a popular attraction for visitors, and in 1846 the British royal family visited the castle; arriving on their yacht the Victoria and Albert up the River Fowey.

(Photographs courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

April to October - open daily.
10:00 to 17:00 April to September
10:00 to 16:00 October

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £3.40
Children: £2.00 (5-15 years)
Concessions: £3.10
EH Member: Free

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Disabled Facilities

General access: Via a stock grazing area so appropriate footwear must be worn. There are three steps on the entrance path, so disabled visitors may want to call the site in advance to arrange alternative access.
Castle: The ground floor, from which the layout of the castle can be appreciated, is mainly grass and gravel. The battlements are cobbled and reached via a wooden staircase which is slippery when wet.
Grounds: All accessible on smooth level grass. The sloping lawns are slippery when wet.
Toilets: Not adapted.
Shop: Level access.

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More Information

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