Villas in Launceston
Launceston suits couples after a small castle town on Cornwall's border with Devon, midway between the north and south coasts. Homes are small, sleeping four at most, and most have a garden. They are in the countryside around the town rather than in it, so a car is essential.
- Villas
- 8
- From, per week
- £911
About Launceston
Launceston is a hill town of about 8,400 people in its built-up area, a mile west of the River Tamar, which forms almost all of the Cornwall and Devon border. Streets climb steeply from the River Kensey to the Norman motte-and-bailey castle built around 1070. Cornwall's county town until 1838, it keeps part of its wall, including the two-arched South Gate, and St Mary Magdalene, built between 1511 and 1524 with ornate carving in granite. The centre is easy on foot, and the White Horse has live music on Fridays. The A30 dual carriageway bypasses the town. Our homes sit in the countryside around Launceston, most with a garden and a few with a fireplace.
Is Launceston right for you?
- Best for
- Couples touring Cornwall and Devon from one central base
- Not for you if
- You are more than four people or want the sea outside the window.
Near Launceston
Launceston Steam Railway
Narrow-gauge heritage line running about 2.5 miles west from the town to Newmills during the summer months.
Lifton
Devon village a couple of miles east of Launceston, just across the border, where the Tinhay Mill restaurant is a good reason to cross.
Bude
North coast town; Launceston lies roughly midway between Bude and Saltash on the south coast.
Getting to Launceston
Newquay Airport is about 45 minutes away by car and Exeter Airport just under an hour; public transport from either takes well over three hours. The A30 runs past the town, and the drive from Exeter is about 45 minutes. With homes out in the countryside, you need a car.
Villas in Launceston
3-star property
4-star property
4-star property
4-star property
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4-star property
Cornwall Old Stone Cottage
Launceston, South-West, England
4
2
0
FireplaceParkingTerrace+5 more
Launceston villa holidays: questions answered
Is Launceston in Cornwall or Devon?
Cornwall. The town lies about a mile west of the River Tamar, which forms almost all of the border with Devon, and Lifton, a couple of miles east, is already in Devon.
What should you see in Launceston?
Start with the castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey built around 1070 above the town. Then walk down to St Mary Magdalene, whose granite carvings were first meant for a mansion at Trecarrel, and out through the South Gate.
How far is Launceston from Newquay Airport?
About 38 miles, which is around 45 minutes by car. Exeter Airport is a little further, roughly 46 miles and just under an hour's drive.
Are the homes around Launceston good for families?
Small families only. Every home sleeps four at most, usually in two bedrooms, and most have a garden. Bigger groups should look at larger houses elsewhere in the South West.
Nearby towns to Launceston
Written by the TrustedVillas team. Last reviewed October 2026.
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