Liskeard is an ideal base from which to explore. Situated at the head of the Looe Valley, it has long been an important market centre and was one of the four original Stannary towns. The mining industry played an important part in the town’s growth and in 1828 a canal link enabled ore and stone to be carried down to Looe. The railway which replaced it has become today’s single track branch line along scenic wooded riverbanks, the Looe Valley Line.

Liskeard remains a picturesque and lively market town, full of interesting buildings: a Victorian Guildhall and clock tower; the Stuart House where Charles I stayed in 1644; and the second largest church in Cornwall. Market days are still held every Monday and Thursday and the town now has an excellent leisure centre, Lux Park.