Exploring Launceston, Cornwall, in the English Peninsula

Exploring Lanceston, Cornwall, in the English Peninsula is an opportunity to see Cornish life and living as it is today. It is a town -- and an ancient borough -- in the northern region of Cornwall. With a population of about 7,200, it sits some 2 miles from the border with Devon, the third-largest of the English counties. The natural border between Cornwall and Devon, for the most part, is former by the River Tamur. The town is also known as the "Gateway to Cornwall."

The town is able to avoid the flooding which plagues the area from time to time due to its location on the side of a large hill. It serves as a market town and a shopping nexus for northwestern parts of rural Devon and northern Cornwall in general. It benefits from its location on the A30 trunk road, which runs through several towns and into western Cornwall. In recent years, the town's economic base has benefitted from the growth of large business development.

There are a numbers of pubs and restaurants in the town, which can make for lively weekend evening nightlife.

Culturally, Launceston was the home of the famous poet Charles Causley, a onetime contender for the title of Poet Laureate of the monarch. It hosts an annual music festival, called "Castle Rock," every July. The historic Launceston Castle dominates the town. It is a Norman-era structure, first built in 1067. Robert de Mortain, half-brother of William I (William the Conqueror) is most responsible for its construction.

Architecturally, the town hosts a fine example of Tudor design -- the church of Saint Mary Magdalene -- built between 1511 and 1524. There is a tower of the church, constructed from the remnants of an earlier church on the site, that dates from the 14th century.

History runs all through Launceston, with buildings and structures dating from medieval periods up through the Georgian-era. The famous actor Roger Moore, of James Bond fame, took education at Launceston College, which is a boys grammar boarding school.

Cornwall is a county in England, located at the tip of the southwestern English peninsula. It currently has a population of around 532,000 people. It is the homeland of the ancient Cornish people and is one of the six historic Celtic nations. It continues to hold onto its language and culture. The only city in the county is Truro. Both Launceston and Cornwall are excellent examples of Cornish life in modern day England and the United Kingdom.

Discover Cornwall's Forgotten Landscape ? The Rame Peninsula

It's one of the United Kingdoms best-kept secrets. A hidden landscape in the South East corner of Cornwall boasting dramatic stretches of beautiful secluded white sandy beaches, rugged coastline and spectacular walks. Officially designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, this untouched coastal land is considered a treasured gem to locals and those in the know. Hidden away from the hordes of tourists and visitors who pass-by, on-route to the ever-popular South Western and Northern shoreline of Cornwall, this forgotten peninsula of land is a real find. Located just across the border of Devon, and surrounded on three sides by water, (the Rivers Lynher or also known as St Germans River, the Tamar and Plymouth Sound) here you'll find a haven of peace and tranquillity and a beautiful stretch of the South West Coast path ready to explore. Visitors can approach from several ways - by car via the A38 over the Tamar Bridge, by passenger ferry from Stonehouse in Plymouth to Cremyll or by boarding the chain ferry in Plymouth to Torpoint.

During the warmer summer months you can also board the "Western Maid" from the Mayflower Steps on the Barbican in Plymouth across the Sound landing on Cawsand Beach.

Exploring the Rame Peninsula you'll soon discover the villages of Millbrook, Kingsand, Cawsand, St Johns and Crafthole. The Coastal Path actually starts at Cremyll and leads you through the beautiful 800-acre Mount Edgcumbe Park.

The historical fishing villages of Kingsand and Cawsand make for the ideal base to start from. Untouched and preserved in time, here you will find narrow streets with typical quaint old cottages, friendly pubs and shops to browse.

It's easy to see why many artists favour the area when you see these beautifully kept villages, which have previously won the accolade of 'Best Kept Village' If you are travelling by car, you'll find parking here is plentiful and some accommodation also available. Cawsand Bay has been used as a safe harbour for centuries, offering the ideal place to drop anchor and shelter. It's also popular for windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, camping and caravanning.

Continue along the South West Coast Path following the edge of the sea and the cliffs past Penlee Point and Rame Head with its 11th century monks' chapel and stunning views to the glorious sandy beaches of Whitsand Bay. These beautiful sandy stretches of beach are popular for sea angling with bass, wrasse, pollock and mackerel all readily caught from off the rocks. Look to the sky and you can often see buzzards circling overhead, peregrines swooping past the cliffs and cormorants fishing. A truly spectacular coastal Golf course can also be found at Whitsand Bay together with an equally special hotel. The golf course hugs the edge of coastal land offering golfers spectacular far-reaching views. The beautiful Victorian Whitsand Bay Hotel is considered another hidden gem. Perfectly positioned right by the edge of the ocean close to the village of Crafthole and looking directly out over the bay, here you can rest in the friendly bar and enjoy the award-winning food from the hotels bistro or restaurant menus. Family run, rfriendly and a real favourite with all the locals, a visit or stay here is a truly unforgettable experience. What's more, after a good nights rest you still have much more to explore with Looe and Polperro to discover just a few miles further up the shore.