Launceston Castle

We set off late morning for Launceston, the nearest big town to the wildlife centre which is the base for tomorrow's photography course.

If Harper Lee's Maycomb was "a tired old town" then Launceston appeared absolutely exhausted at 4pm on a Saturday afternoon.

Our hotel sits at the bottom of the Castle here which we wandered round after we had dropped our case off. Built over 900 years ago by the half brother of William the Conqueror when he was made Duke of Cornwall, the original motte and Bailey castle enjoyed various makeovers until the 17th century when it fell in to disrepair.

It made for an interesting if brief visit, then we wandered round the deserted town in search of prospective restaurants. Our hotel actually seems to be the liveliest and most popular venue in town but they said they were fully booked so we're saving that for tomorrow. When we were having a drink inthe bar at 7 prior to going out, they had a table of 8 one of 4 and one of two eating. The rest of the tables were empty

Instead we ate in a small, friendly tapas bar who said they couldn't fit us in until 8. When we arrived, there was a table of 5 just leaving and one other table already waiting to be served. This seemed to constitute being rushed off your feet but the food was tasty.