Tintagel Castle

Our View

Overlooking the wild Cornish coast, Tintagel is one of the most spectacular spots in the country. Where to start? Well, as the birthplace of King Arthur, according to popular myth, don’t head straight to the ruins but watch the video in the visitor centre about searching for the legend before you start. It’s a long walk down to the ruins on the cliff top, and it’s well worth it. For those less mobile, a Land Rover does return trips. The castle is closed on exceptionally windy days. Recent excavations have revealed Dark Age connections between Spain and Cornwall, alongside the discovery of the ‘Arthnou’ stone suggesting that this was a royal place for the Dark Age rulers of Cornwall, so who knows – perhaps the legends have roots in history. The 13th-century ruined castle is a magical place to visit, with wooden doors studded with metal, overgrown cottage gardens and stone walls crumbling down the cliff. In the summer, history is brought to life with storytelling sessions, an archaeology week and a family trail. After visiting the castle, wander down to the beach and find Merlin’s Cave and a shorter tunnel that opens up in the meadow above the cliffs.