Best attractions and places to see around Lawhitton Rural, a civil parish in east Cornwall, offer a mix of historical landmarks and natural beauty. Situated southwest of Launceston and bordered by the River Tamar, the area provides access to diverse landscapes including Dartmoor National Park and Bodmin Moor. Visitors can explore ancient sites, scenic woodlands, and significant historical structures that reflect the region's rich heritage. This region serves as an excellent base for discovering the rich heritage and natural features…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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Wheal Anna Maria – a copper and arsenic mine – covered 3.2 hectares and had over 6,850 cubic metres of arsenic flues! It was named after the Duchess of Bedford! Her main workings were on the ‘Main Lode‘ (the largest sulphide deposit in southwest England). When its rich copper waned, Devon Great Consols became the largest arsenic mine in the world because the margins of the copper-rich lode were dominated by arsenopyrite. In 1860 the copper lode at Anna Maria was up to 45 feet wide and yielding up to 80 tons per fathom, but by around 1880 the copper boom was over. Thankfully, arsenic production sustained the mine into the 1900s, until the company folded. Arsenic ore, unlike copper ore, was refined on site using the ‘calcination’ process – and at Wheal Anna Maria they yielded over 72,000 tons of refined arsenic! – Whoop!
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Area of coniferous woodland, near Tavistock, situated on the banks of the river Tamar. The woods are home to plenty of hiking and bike trails, and offer plenty of scope for exploration.
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Kit Hill sits high above the Tamar Valley, overlooking the river and the valley it formed. The hill boasts a wide array of history, including 18 burial mounds, neolithic and bronze-age barrows, as well as pointers towards Cornwall's more contemporary mining history.
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Wheal Anna Maria was originally a copper and later an arsenic mine. The biggest arsenic mine in the world. The ruins you can see are from the arsenic calcining complex where the arsenic-ore was crushed then roasted (calcinated). The white powder of arsenic would coat the walls of the flues and be scraped off by men and children. They were protected from the extremely toxic poison only by cotton wool in their ears and noses and rags covering their mouths! They even had to scrape the white powder off their boots before going home.
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The Tamar River marks the boundary between Devon & Cornwall and this medieval bridge spanning the two counties was reportedly built by Benedictine Monks from local stone. Horsebridge is the middle of three ancient river crossings, Gunnislake and Greystone comprising the other two.
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Picturesque freshwater lake. The largest freshwater lake in the Southwest. The lake has a large activity centre. Canoeing, fishing, archery and windsurfing amongst others. The centre also has a fantastic cafe serving quality freshly prepared food and drink.
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Straddling the River Tamar and marking the border or Devon and Cornwall, Horse Bridge, in the hamlet of Horsebridge, was built in 1437. It's one of many similar bridges in the South West and is in particularly good shape, continuing as a road bridge. Find a pub on the Devon side in the north of the hamlet and enjoy the stunning views of the river from the bridge's refuges.
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Another trig pointed Marilyn but nothing to write home about. A pretty part of the world no less. A 2.5 mile (4 km) windy stroll up Kit Hill 1,095 feet (334 m) near Tavistock before the wind and rain starts in earnest.
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Lawhitton Rural and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Kit Hill Trig Point, a historical site with 18 burial mounds and insights into Cornwall's mining past. The Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex offers a glimpse into the region's copper and arsenic mining heritage. Don't miss the historic Horsebridge over the River Tamar, a medieval bridge marking the border between Devon and Cornwall. Additionally, the Lawhitton Parish Church of St Michael, Launceston Castle, and Newton Farmhouse are notable local landmarks. Further afield, Dupath Well, the Hurlers Stone Circles, and Lydford Castle and Saxon Town provide deeper historical context.
The area offers abundant natural beauty. The Kit Hill Trig Point provides panoramic views over the Tamar Valley. Explore Blanchdown Wood, a coniferous woodland along the River Tamar, perfect for walks. The River Tamar itself forms part of Lawhitton Rural's eastern boundary, offering scenic vistas. You're also conveniently located between Dartmoor National Park and Bodmin Moor, both ideal for exploring. Roadford Lake, Lydford Gorge, and Golitha Falls are also within a reasonable drive for more natural attractions.
Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Blanchdown Wood offers easy trails suitable for families. Trethorne Leisure Park near Launceston is a popular choice for family activities. The Upper Tamar Lake Café is located at a picturesque freshwater lake with an activity centre offering canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing. Many local properties also feature extensive grounds with woodlands and ponds, providing pleasant outdoor spaces.
Lawhitton Rural is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking and bike trails within Blanchdown Wood. For more structured activities, explore the various hiking routes, cycling routes, and running trails available in the wider area. Adventure parks like Tree Surfers, Siblyback Lake, and Adrenalin Quarry offer more adrenaline-pumping pursuits.
The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. This is ideal for exploring historical sites, enjoying nature walks, and participating in water sports at places like Roadford Lake. Autumn can also be beautiful with changing foliage, especially in woodlands like Blanchdown Wood.
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. Blanchdown Wood offers numerous trails. You can find a variety of hiking routes around Lawhitton Rural, ranging from easy loops like the 'Great Hall loop from Launceston' to more moderate options such as the 'Launceston Castle loop from Launceston' and the 'Welcome to Devon loop from Stoke Climsland'.
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views from places like the Kit Hill Trig Point. The rich history, from ancient burial mounds to mining ruins like Wheal Anna Maria Calciner Complex, is also a major draw. The peaceful and scenic walks through woodlands like Blanchdown Wood and along the River Tamar are also highly appreciated.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. The Upper Tamar Lake Café offers quality food and drink by the lake. In the hamlet of Horsebridge, near the Horsebridge over the River Tamar, you can find a pub on the Devon side. The nearby town of Launceston also provides various cafes and pubs.
Absolutely. The region offers diverse cycling opportunities. You can explore various cycling routes around Lawhitton Rural, including challenging rides like the 'Warbstow Bury loop from Launceston' or the 'River Tamar loop via St Michael's Church and Tavistock'. There are also moderate options like the 'Bike loop from Launceston' for a more relaxed ride.
The River Tamar forms part of Lawhitton Rural's eastern boundary and is a significant natural feature. It offers scenic views and is crossed by historical landmarks like the Horsebridge. The wider Tamar Valley provides opportunities for walks and outdoor activities, and some properties in the area even boast fishing rights on the river.
Beyond the historical sites within the parish, the wider area boasts several ancient and archaeological sites. These include the Hurlers Stone Circles, three unique late Neolithic or early Bronze Age stone circles located about nine miles distant. You can also visit Trethevy Quoit, an impressive Neolithic burial chamber, and King Doniert's Stone, a 9th-century Celtic cross commemorating King Dumgarth of Dumnonia, both approximately 11 miles away.
In addition to the Lawhitton Parish Church of St Michael with its Norman font and Jacobean pulpit, the nearby town of Launceston features the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, notable for its ornately carved granite facade. Literary enthusiasts might also appreciate visiting Charles Causley's house, the former home of the renowned poet, where an annual poetry festival is held.


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