Restormel Castle - A Hidden Gem

It was the AGM of the Cornwall MX-5 Club today and they were all going on a run before arriving at the Jubilee Inn, Pelynt for the meeting. As Mike has had his eye surgery he didn't want to be driving in a convoy and unable to stop if he wanted to and so we decided to take our time and find somewhere nice to visit on the way. We've driven the road through Lostwithiel so many times and seen the sign to Restormel Castle that I thought it would be a good idea to stop there, have a wander round, a picnic lunch and then move on to Pelynt. I emailed Jo and asked if they fancied coming with us but Paul had his eye on a hill climb near St Austell so it meant she would have to drive herself and she wasn't over keen. However after a short time I got a message to say yes she'd give it a go which was great and very brave of her! We met up just off the A30 and then drove to the Castle with no problems at all. It is an English Heritage property but was so cheap to get in - only £2.70 for concessions and £3.20 for Jo. It's dog friendly so Hamish came with us although Fred had to be left at home as Jo was alone in her car. I was amazed at the beauty of the place ...

We went through the gatehouse ...

looked in the porter's room ..

and then climbed the steps up to the top level ...

Hamish was as nosey as ever ...

There was a walkway all around and the views were wonderful ...

We could look right down into the heart of the castle ...

With the sun shining and blue sky it was perfect for photographs ...

After walking around the top we decided to have our picnic lunch at one of the tables provided and then walk the lower route working our way through the rooms. We began with the kitchen ...

then the Great Hall ...

passing the well ...

and on to the chapel ...

We were soon back to the gatehouse ...

and then it was time to walk around the outside ...

It is easy to see what a stronghold it was with the depth of the moat and the height of the building ...

After a quick pose for photos ...

we headed back to the cars and set off for the AGM. We all gathered in the gardens at the back of the pub for a very light-hearted meeting ...

and then it was time to drive home. This was the worst part of the day for Mike as the sun was getting lower in the sky but he managed it brilliantly and well done to Jo too. We were very proud of her as this was a journey way out of her comfort zone.