Lostwithiel Library

A proper working library in a small Cornish market town, Lostwithiel's collection sits in a building that feels genuinely lived-in rather than twee. You'll find local history books alongside the usual lending stock - useful if you're researching anything about the area or just after a quiet read while staying nearby at Eden Valley or one of the other holiday parks within a few miles.

The library serves the local community first and foremost, which means it's free to use and browse. Don't expect a fancy heritage experience or interactive displays. This is the sort of place where people actually borrow books, use the computers, and chat to the staff who know the area well. If you're staying in the region and want to escape a rainy afternoon - fairly common in Cornwall - it's worth knowing about.

Since it's close to Bodmin and sits within reach of several camping and glamping sites around Lostwithiel, it works well as a backup plan rather than a planned outing. Thirty minutes maximum, unless you're genuinely after something specific. Families with older children might appreciate the quiet space, but younger kids won't find much to entertain them. It's useful more than unmissable, honestly - the sort of spot you'd mention to someone planning a park holiday in the area as a wet-day option, not a highlight.