Join
Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership. Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever.
Lawrence House
Beautiful Georgian town house
9 Castle Street, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 8BA
Important notice
Lawrence House is currently closed for repairs. Please check the Museum's website lawrencehousemuseum.org.uk for news on exhibitions in the pop-up museum, which can be found in the town centre's Merchant House.
Assistance dogs only
All dogs are welcome in the garden
Toilet
Accessible toilet on ground floor. Wheelchair access to building.
Accessible toilet
Level access/terrain
The galleries are located on the basement, ground and first floors. The ground floor is accessible from the main entrance on Castle Street with an access ramp available. The basement and first floor galleries are accessed via a central staircase (no lift available).
By road
There are several public car parks in the centre of Launceston within a reasonably short walk to the museum. We suggest allowing 2hrs for your visit. From the A30 in either direction follow the signs to the town centre along Western Road. The first car park is the Town Hall car park. From Tavistock/Plymouth on the A388, head for the town centre over Race Hill where you will come to long and short stay car parks. From Bude B3254 or Holsworthy A388 head for the town centre. At the top of the hill (with the Castle on your left) turn left to go through the town to find the Race Hill car parks or keep straight to find the Westgate Street car park.
Parking: All car parks are privately or council owned and charges apply to all visitors.
On foot
Upon exiting the Westgate Street car park turn left and walk downhill to the castle. Cross the road and go through the castle entrance. Walk across the Castle Green and through the gate on the other side. Keep walking and you will find the museum on your left. From the Walk House long stay car park walk uphill from the car park towards the Methodist Church. Turn right at the T junction and walk down the road (there is no pavement). Follow the road when it bears right at the Eagle House Hotel and the museum is on your left. From the Castle Street short stay car park walk downhill from the car park (there is no pavement). Follow the road when it bears right at the Eagle House Hotel and the museum on your left. From the long and short stay car parks in Race Hill walk downhill towards the town centre. Go through the Southgate Arch. Keep straight at the crossroad past the Little Bakehouse on your left. At St. Mary’s Church turn left and keep left (the pavement peters out). Follow the road when it bears right at the Eagle House Hotel and the museum is on your left.
By bus
Launceston is well served from the directions of Plymouth, Tavistock and North Cornwall. From the bus/coach park in Westgate Street, walk towards the town centre. At the corner of the Westgate Street car park bear left and walk downhill to the castle. Cross the road and go through the castle entrance. Walk across the Castle Green and through the gate on the other side. Keep walking and the museum is on your left.
By bicycle
Highlights
Museum
Large Georgian townhouse, currently used as a local museum and civic centre.
Things to see and do
Visiting Lawrence House
Situated in the centre of Launceston, Lawrence House is leased to the local town council and run by them as a museum.
About Lawrence House
Built in 1753, Lawrence House is leased to Launceston Town Council and used as a local museum and civic centre.
The museum is spread over three floors with exhibits that focus predominantly on local history including Launceston's intriguing association with Australia.
Find out about Philip Gidley King, who sailed on the HMS Sirius, a ship that accompanied the first fleet of convicts sent to Australia.
There's a toy room where children can play, as well as look, and a Victorian kitchen that features an original range and mangle.
Also on display is a collection of costumes that date from the eighteenth century right through to the 1960s.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Lawrence House.