Lostwithiel is a small historic market town in Cornwall, set where the valley narrows at the head of the River Fowey. Its compact centre retains a medieval feel, with a picturesque old bridge and narrow streets that hint at its long history as a stannary town important to the medieval tin trade.
The town sits beneath the dramatic ruins of Restormel Castle and has long associations with the Duchy of Cornwall. Today the local economy leans on tourism, small independent shops, galleries and riverside cafes, while good rail links on the Cornish Main Line and numerous walking routes make it a popular base for exploring south‑east Cornwall.