Liskeard
The North Cornwall town of Liskeard has a surprising amount of things to see and do. Not only is it on a direct train link from London but makes an excellent base for touring the region. Here are just a few of the many attractions in and around Liskeard.
Beaches and Countryside
Liskeard lies at the head of the Tamar Valley and is a delightful market town. There aren’t any beaches here but several are within an hours’ drive. These include Bude, Looe, and Polzeath. Daymer Bay and Treyarnon Beach are also close by and easy to get to from Liskeard. One of the biggest draws for visitors to Liskeard is the open space of Bodmin Moor. Famed for ancient stones and Jamaica Inn, this area is a favourite with walkers. Some of the most popular hikes include the Brown Willy which is Cornwall’s highest point, and Rough Tor. Liskeard is also within easy reach of the Tamar Valley which has even more walking routes. This area is excellent for off road cycling too with some great trails in the Liskeard area. Liskeard also has fisheries nearby which includes Siblyback Reservoir and coastal fishing from Looe and Polperro. Canoeing and kayaking on the Tamar is popular. Surfing lessons are available in nearby beach resorts including Polzeath and Daymer Bay. For scuba divers, there are dive boats in Looe and Plymouth and wreck diving is particularly good. Horse riding is very popular especially across Bodmin Moor and there are also places where lessons are offered.
Attractions
One of the big attractions to this part of Cornwall are the links to Arthurian legends. On Bodmin Moor there is Dozmary pool where Excalibur is reputed to have been flung and nearby Slaughterbridge is said to be the site of Arthur’s last battle. At Tintagel the ruined castle has many Arthurian connections, whilst St Nectan’s Well is a lovely walk and is said to have been connected to the Knights of the Round Table. Visitors will also enjoy exploring Launceston Castle and visiting the Eagle House Museum in town. Liskeard itself has a guildhall and a small museum linked to the town’s history. Plymouth is a short train ride away and has excellent shopping, an aquarium and the historic Barbican. For a picturesque day out try the fishing village of Polperro with its harbour, narrow streets and delightful cafes. Another way of enjoying the Tamar Valley is to take a boat ride across the river to Devon. The Cremyll Ferry or the larger Torpoint Ferry are ideal. For some industrial heritage try Morwellham Quay, and for a tour with a difference take a look at Carnglaze Caverns. These caves near Liskeard often host concerts. Foodies will enjoy a drive to Padstow where the seafood restaurants are renowned and many eateries have waterfront views. Don’t forget to spend time at the vineyards along the camel Estuary and Tamar Valley where some surprisingly good bottles can be found. You’ll also find a wealth of farm shops and lots of local cheeses which are ideal for those on a self-catering holiday.
Liskeard has a range of bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation and something to meet most needs. There are farm stays too as well as campsites and few hotels. The town has restaurants and pubs as well as tea rooms. This area can often be less expensive than the larger seaside resorts and a lot quieter too. With most things within a short drive of Liskeard there is more to this area than may look at first. Just be sure to discover North Cornwall and Liskeard before everyone else does.