Living in Lostwithiel

Lostwithiel is renowned for its close-knit community spirit and active local involvement. Residents enjoy a strong social fabric characterized by regular community events, including a popular monthly produce market, Lostwithiel Carnival Week, and local fairs that bring together people from across Cornwall. The town’s heritage is celebrated through historical societies, arts groups, and regular guided walks highlighting the area’s medieval past.

The surrounding countryside and the River Fowey provide ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits: riverside walking, cycling, and kayaking are all popular. Community energy is evident in the variety of clubs and societies, from gardening and environmental groups to film and book clubs.

Lostwithiel’s civic centre and local churches host a variety of drop-in groups and activities for all ages, making it easy for newcomers to get involved. Green spaces, such as King George V Playing Fields and Coulson Park, further enhance the area’s appeal for meeting friends or simply relaxing outdoors.

Crime rates in Lostwithiel are generally low compared with urban centres, and the area is often described as a safe and welcoming place to live. The community benefits from active neighbourhood watch schemes and visible local policing, which contribute to its reassuring safety record.

Residents often cite the friendly atmosphere and supportive community as key factors in making the town feel secure. Typical concerns mainly centre on occasional petty crime. As with many smaller towns in Cornwall, incidents of serious crime are rare, aiding Lostwithiel’s reputation as a peaceful and safe place to reside.

Community safety initiatives, such as local outreach groups and engagement meetings, foster strong relations between residents and authorities. The area’s walkability and close-knit nature further encourage attentiveness among neighbours, enhancing overall well-being.

Parking in Lostwithiel is relatively convenient for residents and visitors alike. The town offers a mixture of on-street parking options, short-term public car parks, and residential permit schemes in busier areas. While parking can be in high demand during local events or market days, spaces are typically easier to find than in larger Cornish towns.

Lostwithiel is well-served by the A390, giving easy access to key routes throughout Cornwall. The road network connects directly to places such as Bodmin (approx. 15 minutes via A390), St Austell (approx. 20 minutes via A390, 8 miles), and further afield to Plymouth (approx. 1 hour via A38, 35 miles). The town sits within easy reach of the A30, Cornwall’s main trunk road, via nearby Bodmin. Journey times by car are:

• Bodmin – approx. 15 minutes via A390 (6 miles)
• St Austell – approx. 20 minutes via A390 (8 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour via A38 (35 miles)
• Truro – approx. 50 minutes via A390/A39 (27 miles)

Congestion is generally light, except during peak tourist seasons in summer or on event days. Road access remains one of Lostwithiel’s practical strengths, ensuring both local and regional connections are straightforward.

Lostwithiel boasts a diverse range of dining and social venues, drawing both locals and visitors with its characterful Cornish hospitality. Popular places to eat include traditional pubs such as The Globe Inn and The Earl of Chatham, both offering hearty pub food and a welcoming atmosphere. There are also several excellent cafes, such as Duchy Coffee and The Country Goodies Kitchen, known for local produce and homemade treats.

The town has a number of independent restaurants and takeaways offering a range of cuisines—even including a thriving local bakery and delicatessen scene. While Lostwithiel isn’t a hotspot for nightlife in the sense of nightclubs, it maintains a lively social scene in its pubs, which regularly host live music, quiz nights, and seasonal events.

Nearby, food enthusiasts can explore the wider Cornish cuisine scene, from seafood restaurants in Fowey to farm-to-table eateries in Bodmin. The town’s culinary offerings are complemented by its celebration of local ales, Cornish ciders, and a genuine, relaxed vibe perfect for unwinding any evening of the week.

School quality:
Families in Lostwithiel benefit from well-rated primary options, and access to respected secondary schools in the nearby catchment.

Parks and green space:
The area is well-equipped with parks such as Coulson Park and King George V Playing Fields, ideal for children and family activities. The River Fowey and local countryside add to the range of outdoor options.

Childcare:
Childcare options include local nurseries and childminder services, with further facilities available in Bodmin and St Austell.

Safety:
Lostwithiel enjoys low crime rates and a friendly, secure environment, appreciated by families seeking peace of mind.

Family activities:
The town hosts family-focused events, community groups, and offers ready access to attractions like Restormel Castle and Cardinham Woods for days out together.

Lostwithiel is particularly welcoming to pet owners. The surrounding countryside and riverbank paths offer miles of scenic trails that are popular with dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Coulson Park and the King George V Playing Fields are much used by local dog owners and are suitable for pets to roam and play safely.

The town centre features a number of pet-friendly pubs and cafes, reflecting the generally relaxed attitude to animals within the community. Local amenities also include a well-regarded veterinary practice and several pet supply shops, making day-to-day pet care convenient.

Access to the wider Cornish countryside, woodlands, and beaches further adds to the appeal for pet owners living in Lostwithiel. Most housing options are accommodating towards pets, and animal welfare is well supported here.

Lostwithiel is well-connected for a Cornish town of its size. The town is on the main railway line between London Paddington and Penzance, with Lostwithiel station offering direct services to major destinations. Travelling by rail, the journey to Plymouth is approximately 50 minutes, and to Truro it is around 40 minutes, while London takes just over four hours by direct train.

For bus travel, frequent local and regional services connect Lostwithiel to towns such as Bodmin, St Austell, and Liskeard, making trips around mid and south Cornwall straightforward. The A390 trunk road runs through the town, linking Lostwithiel with key Cornish destinations.

Major airports are not immediately close, but Newquay Cornwall Airport can be reached by car in around 30 minutes, providing domestic and some international flights. Commuters often take advantage of the train for journeys to Plymouth or Truro for work or leisure.

• Bodmin – approx. 15 minutes by road (6 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour by train (connected via mainline)
• Truro – approx. 40 minutes by train or 50 minutes by car

Primary Schools:
Lostwithiel Primary School serves the local community and is well-regarded for its supportive environment and strong links to the wider area. The school received a "Good" rating from Ofsted in its latest inspection (2018). Braddock CofE Primary School, also nearby, offers another option for families and enjoys a welcoming rural school feel.

Secondary Schools:
For secondary education, students in Lostwithiel typically attend Fowey River Academy, a popular choice with a focus on all-round education and community involvement. Secondary schooling is also accessible at Bodmin College, located around 7 miles north, which offers a wide range of subjects and facilities. Both schools are co-educational and serve a broad catchment area.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:
Post-16 education is mainly accessed at Bodmin College Sixth Form, which provides an extensive array of academic and vocational courses. Further afield, Truro and Penwith College is highly respected in Cornwall for its diverse curriculum options and outstanding results.

Universities:
While there are no universities in Lostwithiel itself, the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus and Falmouth University are both within easy reach for those seeking higher education. These universities are well-respected in the southwest, offering undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities in a variety of fields.