The 'Antiques Capital Of Cornwall' Is An Artsy Medieval Town With Quaint Shops, Gardens, And A Scenic Castle

Occupying the southwestern corner of England, the county of Cornwall boasts over 400 miles of coastline. While its sandy beaches beckon, Cornwall's bucolic inland treasures are also worth exploring. Located about 6 miles up the River Fowey from the coast, Lostwithiel is known as the "Antiques Capital of Cornwall" for its abundance of antique shops. 

Lostwithiel's status as an antiques capital began nearly 40 years ago when the town hosted its first annual antiques fair in 1989. However, the town has been an important hub in Cornwall since medieval times. Restormel Castle, a uniquely circular Norman stronghold, was built in the 13th century on the shores of the River Fowey. By the late 13th century, the riverfront town became the center of Cornwall's global tin mining industry, which was managed by Lostwithiel's Duchy Palace. Today, the town's commercial center is lined with quaint antique shops and artsy galleries. Surrounding town, the idyllic Cornwall landscape reveals the town's historic landmarks. Visitors can wander the stone keep of Restormel Castle or stroll through the blooming gardens of Lanhydrock, an impressive Victorian-style estate nearby.

Lostwithiel is about 250 miles southwest of London and can be reached by a 5-hour drive or train ride from the British capital. If you're flying in, Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY) is about a 30-minute drive away. The best time to plan a trip to Lostwithiel is between June and September when temperatures hover in the mid 60s Fahrenheit, ideal for outdoor activities.

To experience the antiques world of Lostwithiel, head to the antique shops, galleries, and local auction house that are concentrated along Liddicoat Road and Fore Street. Begin on Liddicoat Road at Stick Antiques and Vintage, which boasts an impressive assemblage of old-world treasures, from antique copper kettles to charming picnic sets. Afterwards, head over to Fore Street to Jeffrey's Auctions if you are in the bidding mood. This established auction house hosts frequent auctions in a number of antique categories, including jewelry, coins, fine art, and more. For a prestigious selection of antiques, journey over the Lostwithiel Bridge to Lostwithiel Antiques. Open by appointment only, the showroom has an elegant selection where you may discover items like Carrara marble sculptures, 19th-century leather chairs, an Art Deco cocktail shaker, or a vintage framed map. The best day to plan a trip to Lostwithiel is the second Sunday of the month for the Lostwithiel Antiques & Collectors Fair, which features a series of local vendor stalls at the town's community center. 

While antiques may be synonymous with Lostwithiel, the medieval town also has plenty of modern artsy offerings. Those in search of local art should beeline to The Old Palace, where artists Orly Katz and Paul Kaye display their colorful and whimsical paintings. The stone walls are hung with their distinctive work, while the rest of the shop brims with globally-sourced art and crafts. Afterwards, meander back to Fore Street to Alice in Scandiland, a chic shop with Scandinavian-inspired design and British-sourced homewares. If you've worked up an appetite, check out Bellamama Deli for local Cornish cheeses, homemade breads, and sausage rolls. For even more shopping, venture just a 20-minute drive away to Charlestown, England's most endearing port village. 

Lostwithiel's most famous landmark is the 13th-century Restormel Castle, a well-preserved Norman fortress that rises on a grassy perch above the River Fowey. Built in a circular style, the once-prominent castle was even visited twice by Edward the Black Prince, the son of King Edward III, in the 14th century. Largely abandoned by the 16th century, Restormel Castle has stood amidst Lostwithiel's scenic landscape for centuries and offers visitors the chance to imagine medieval royal life. After entering through the impressive gateway, visitors can stroll on the walkway along the crenellated wall at the top of the castle for incredible panoramas of the River Fowey and the patchwork of Cornish fields. The courtyard, the heart of the castle, still reveals the remnants of the grand chambers that once filled this stone structure. "The castle itself, though in ruins, has a lot of different rooms to explore with interesting information boards to explain each one," reported a Tripadvisor reviewer. History buffs should also make the trip an hour's drive north to Tintagel, a little English town with its own historic castle ruins.

From Restormel Castle, you can embark on a 45-minute walk to the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, a garden shop with a duo of lovely gardens. The Bumblebee Garden blooms with colorful flowers, while the Play Garden has outdoor toys and a tiny playground for children to enjoy. For more sprawling gardens, head north of Lostwithiel to Lanhydrock, a Jacobean mansion set on an 890-acre estate. Lanhydrock's gardens are a wonder to behold, from the majestic magnolia trees that dot the grounds to the flower beds hemmed in by landscaped hedges in the formal parterre. For more horticultural fun, head just a 10-minute drive from Lostwithiel to the Eden Project, which features the world's largest indoor rainforest.