Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Liskeard, Cornwall

Situated at the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, Liskeard is a market town that experienced significant growth in the 19th century during a copper mining boom.

This Victorian townscape, characterized by slate and granite architecture, features over one hundred residences designed by one architect, Henry Rice, amidst this period of intense development.

Amongst its notable attractions are a medieval parish church, an engaging town museum, and an informative heritage trail that directs visitors around the historic center.

Bodmin Moor is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, showcasing a timeless landscape adorned with Neolithic monuments, granite formations, and the highest peaks in Cornwall.

To the south of Liskeard, the landscape becomes gentler as it transitions into the wooded Looe Valley, which is best appreciated via a scenic train journey.

1. Bodmin Moor

Numerous rivers in Cornwall originate from this rugged expanse of granite moorland, located just north of Liskeard.

Bodmin Moor has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic Period, with many relics such as dolmens, stone circles, cairns, and hut circles serving as reminders of its historical significance.

Before habitation, the area was extensively forested, although this woodland has largely been replaced by heather and rough pastures utilized for grazing cattle, sheep, horses, and ponies.

Rising to 420 meters, Brown Willy is the highest point in Cornwall and is favored by walkers for its accessible, rounded slopes.

Near Liskeard, the southeastern border of the moor is rich in more attractions, including waterfalls, ancient woodlands, standing stones, dolmens, and remnants of former mines.

2. Golitha Falls

A ten-minute drive from Liskeard leads you into Bodmin Moor, where one can discover a breathtaking series of waterfalls flowing through a designated nature reserve.

Located on the River Fowey between Braynes Bridge and Treverbyn Bridge, the river descends 90 meters over a brief distance, resulting in a perpetual cascade of water.

The majestic ancient oak woodlands lining the riverbanks enhance the serene atmosphere of this area.

Trees that have fallen are cloaked in moss, liverwort, and lichen, which also blanket the numerous boulders scattered across the riverbed.

The reserve is home to more than 120 types of moss and over 50 different species of liverwort.

The diversity of nature along the waterfall’s course is striking, transitioning from open glades to a dramatic gorge.

Visitors may also observe salmon and sea trout in the upper reaches of the Fowey River, often hunted by local otters.

3. Carnglaze Caverns

Situated on the southern flank of the moor, en route to Bodmin, is a preserved quarry where slate was gathered both on the surface and mined in three substantial caverns situated 150 meters into the hillside.

These caverns maintain a consistent temperature of 10°C, and the lowest cavern contains a lake.

For enthusiasts of British New Wave music, it is noteworthy that the cover photo for Echo & The Bunnymen’s album Ocean Rain was captured here.

The tour is generally self-directed, allowing visitors to learn about the significance of slate during the Industrial Revolution and gain insights into the mining process.

A captivating exhibition showcases the various minerals that have been mined and quarried in the South West of England.

Younger visitors will appreciate the Woodland Walk, a visually striking area adorned with four acres of bluebells during spring and said to be inhabited by Cornish faeries (mythical wood sprites).

4. Looe Valley Line

Liskeard serves as the northern terminus for one of the most picturesque railways in the country.

The Looe Valley Line meanders through densely wooded valleys following the River Looe, which culminates in a stunning estuary shortly before reaching the charming seaside resort from which it derives its name.

Approximately nine miles in length, the railway was established in the early 20th century and was slated for closure during the nationwide Beeching cuts of the 1960s; however, it was saved at the last moment.

Currently operated by the Great Western Railway, an off-peak return ticket to Looe costs just £4.50. Opt for a window seat to enjoy scenic views of pastures, woodland valley slopes, and the opportunity to spot wading birds foraging in the estuary, such as oystercatchers, curlews, and little egrets.

5. Hurlers Stone Circles

In the southeastern corner of Bodmin Moor, there exists an intriguing set of three stone circles located approximately five miles north of Liskeard.

The designation “The Hurlers” stems from a local legend about a group of men who were transformed into stone for participating in the sport of Cornish Hurling on a Sunday.

Cornish Hurling, which still sees occasional play, resembles an organized melee between two teams passing a small silver ball.

Believed to be up to 6,000 years old, these Neolithic circles are carefully preserved by English Heritage.

A close examination of the individual stones reveals marks where their surfaces were meticulously smoothed thousands of years ago.

Situated about 100 meters to the southwest are the Pipers, a pair of monolithic standing stones roughly two meters in height, proposed to serve as a gateway to the stone circles.

6. Liskeard Heritage Trail

Visitors can obtain a complimentary leaflet for the Liskeard Heritage Trail at the Tourist Information Centre and the historic Stuart House, providing a guided walking tour through the town’s main landmarks.

This walk takes approximately 90 minutes and will lead you through the Medieval heart of Liskeard, showcasing impressive sites such as the Guildhall and clock tower from 1859, the Medieval St. Martin’s Church, and curiosities like Pipewell, a well mentioned as far back as the 14th century.

For those captivated by Liskeard’s Victorian architectural style, there is also a Henry Rice Trail which highlights more than 100 buildings crafted by this architect during the era of the copper boom.

7. Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary

Conveniently accessible from Liskeard by car, the Porfell Wildlife Park and Sanctuary serves as both an enjoyable family outing and a vital refuge for exotic wildlife.

Many of the 250 animals residing here have been rescued from unfavorable conditions in homes or zoos.

This diverse group includes coatis, various species of lemurs, meerkats, owls, zebras, serval cats, raccoons, and capybaras.

All animals are accepted and provided with a safe home, regardless of their condition or appearance.

This sanctuary also distinguishes itself through the variety of close encounters available with the animals, including opportunities to feed goats or participate in a “Lemur Experience,” where visitors can enjoy lunch with a playful group of ring-tailed lemurs.

8. Liskeard Museum

The impressive Foresters Hall, a late-Victorian neo-Gothic structure, hosts Liskeard’s Tourist Information Office alongside the Liskeard Museum.

This museum is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site, detailing the historical significance of the local lead, tin, and silver mining sectors, in addition to showcasing an impressive array of minerals.

Furthermore, the Liskeard Museum possesses the largest collection of historic toys in Cornwall, featuring unique items such as a toy gun modeled after Christopher Lee’s weapon from The Man with the Golden Gun and a miniature Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car.

Prepared to utilize your smartphone, as the museum incorporates various augmented reality experiences.

9. Stuart House Arts and Heritage Centre

This late-Medieval townhouse is designated as Grade II* listed and has been accessible to the public for over three decades.

In 1644, Stuart House served as a residence for King Charles I during his Cornish Campaign during the Civil War, and it features a permanent exhibition detailing the events of the Civil War in Cornwall, complete with information boards, weapons, period furniture, and costumes.

This site also functions as an exhibition space for regional artists and photographers, ensuring there is always something new to explore upon each visit.

The on-site café is a cherished community feature, and the garden showcases 17th-century design elements, including boxwood hedges and topiaries.

10. Minions Village

This village, located on the eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, has gained attention in recent years due to its namesake connection with the popular characters from Despicable Me.

However, Minions has a unique charm that stands independently of this association.

Notably, the area reflects its rich mining heritage, with remnants of tin and copper mining scattered throughout the moorland.

Additionally, visitors can explore significant prehistoric sites, including the Hurlers Stone Circles, already mentioned, as well as the early-Bronze Age Rillaton Barrow, which revealed astonishing treasures upon excavation in 1837, including the Rillaton Gold Cup now exhibited at the British Museum.

Another natural wonder near Minions is the Cheesewring, a striking granite outcrop shaped by weathering and resembling stacked slabs.

11. Trethevy Quoit

At first sight, it becomes evident why this remarkable megalithic tomb is locally referred to as the Giant’s House.

Dating back over 5,500 years, Trethevy Quoit is a Neolithic dolmen (portal tomb) standing 2.7 meters high, composed of five standing stones surmounted by a sloping 3.7-meter-long capstone.

Originally, the capstone would have been level, supported by the frontal stone and the rear walls; however, these structures have partially collapsed, creating its current angle.

Visible at the base of the monument are the remnants of an earthwork that once entirely enveloped the tomb.

12. Parish Church of St Martin

Liskeard is home to the second-largest parish church in Cornwall, making it worthy of a visit if in the vicinity.

This remarkable building features numerous chantry chapels established by various local guilds.

With Norman origins, St Martin’s Church preserves traces from that era within the lower sections of the tower and the stoup (for holy water). The remaining structure primarily reflects the 15th and 16th centuries in the Perpendicular Gothic style, adorned with exquisite stonework in the piscinas on both aisles, along with a 16th-century baptismal font.

An impressive octagonal oak pulpit dating from 1636 is present, along with a collection of funerary monuments from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

13. Siblyback Lake

Located within the Bodmin Moor AONB is a reservoir, dammed in the 1960s, now serving as a watersports destination surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

To the east rises the formidable Trearrick Tor, adorned with granite outcrops and additional megalithic structures.

Siblyback Lake Activity Centre provides facilities for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and rainbow trout fishing.

Anglers can obtain permits either online or on-site.

Around the lake, there are approximately three miles of flat pathways suitable for walking and cycling, along with bird hides, a high ropes course, a children’s play area, and a café offering views of the reservoir and surrounding countryside.

14. Looe Valley Vineyard

Although the South of England is becoming prominent in the wine industry, the South West faces challenges due to a wetter climate and acidic soil.

Nevertheless, this vineyard, established in 2008 on the western side of the picturesque Looe Valley, boasts soils comparable to those found in Alsace.

Consequently, grape varieties such as Bacchus and Solaris, along with Schönburger (a German-developed grape that is rarely cultivated in the UK), have thrived here.

The vineyard owner, Charles, offers friendly and informative tours and tastings on Thursdays during the summer, lasting up to two hours.

15. Adrenalin Quarry

Only a ten-minute drive from Liskeard, an old quarry has been transformed into an adventure-filled activity center that offers a variety of exhilarating experiences.

At the Adrenalin Quarry, one can navigate a zip-line nearly half a kilometer long, challenge themselves on the nerve-wracking Giant Swing, or engage in coasteering adventures involving sheer cliff climbing and water leaps.

Additionally, the quarry features an 800-meter all-weather karting track, along with a newly opened inflatable Aquapark, which welcomes all ages including a special session for young children aged 6-8 during the summer.

Furthermore, guests have the opportunity to try axe throwing, launching these blades toward tree trunks like a dartboard.