Lostwithiel is a small town on the river Fowey. A Stannary town (responsible for the administration and collection of taxes on tin mining), Lostwithiel has a long history dating back to the 12th Century. Nearby Restormel Castle was built in 1100 and the tower of St Bartholomew's church in the town dates from the thirteenth century. Other historic buildings and landmarks include The Duchy Palace and Debtor's prison, both in private ownership, and the Tudor bridge across the river.

Today, Lostwithiel consists of antiques shops, pubs, small restaurants and local stores. It has excellent transport links, being on the A390 and on the Paddington to Penzance mainline rail service. This makes it a good base from which to explore pretty much all of Cornwall. Nearby attractions include Restormel Castle, the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Lanhydroc House and Fowey. Situated in a woodland valley, Lostwithiel is also a good spot for walking.

Our Panorama shows some of the festivities enjoyed during the Lostwithiel Festival. This one-day event takes place in May as part of the week-long Daphne du Maurier Festival that takes place in and around Fowey.