Tintagel Castle is steeped in history and mythology. With links to the legendary King Arthur and The Knights Of The Round Table. Take a step back in time and take in this breathtaking landscape and scenery. Check out our guide to Tintagel Castle and what you can get see, do and expect. Use the table of content below to jump right to the content you need.
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If you're heading to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, England but are not sure how to get there. We've added some directions for you to get here by car, bus and by foot and bike.
You can drive to Tintagel Castle, and there is a paid parking lot nearby. The postcode for the car park is PL34 0DA.
There are several bus routes that run to Tintagel, including the 95 and 95A from Wadebridge and the 219 from Boscastle. There are also seasonal bus routes that run from other parts of Cornwall, such as Newquay and Padstow. The bus stop is a short walk from the castle.
The nearest train station to Tintagel is Bodmin Parkway, which is about 25 miles away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Tintagel. There is also a smaller train station at nearby Camelford, which is about six miles away.
Tintagel's is located on the South West Coast Path which runs along the Cornish coast. Which is a popular long-distance 630-mile walking and cycling route.
Is it free to go to Tintagel Castle? No, it is not free to visit Tintagel Castle. The site is managed by English Heritage, a charity that cares for over 400 historic properties in England, and admission fees help to support the ongoing conservation and management of the castle.
Tintagel Castle varies depending on the time of year and whether you book in advance online or purchase tickets at the site. There is a charge for Tintagel Castle which is £14.80 for 1 adult. With advance booking, you can save 10%! There are concessions available for kids, students, seniors, and families. Check the English Heritage website for up-to-date pricing and opening times.
In summer months which are April to October, the Castle and grounds are open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last entry one hour before closing.
Then in the winter months of November to March, the Castle and grounds are open from 10 am to 4 pm. The last entry is at 3 pm, one hour before it closes.
The parking fee varies depending on the time of year and whether you book in advance online or pay on the day. There are a lot of car parks to choose from with varying charges. From knowledge the car parks closer to the Castle cost more. It's worth noting that the car park has a limited number of spaces, and during peak times, it can fill up quickly.
Tintagel has several car parks where you can park your car. Here are a few options:
Please note that parking availability and rates may vary depending on the season, and some car parks may have time limits or restrictions. It's always a good idea to check the signage and regulations before parking.
Tintagel Castle itself does not have toilets but there are toilets opposite the Tintagel Castle The Beach Cafe. There are public toilets available in Tintagel. Here are a few locations where you can find them:
Please note that availability and fees for public toilets may vary depending on the season, and some toilets may have limited hours of operation. It's always a good idea to check for signage or ask locals for information on the closest public toilets.
If you love hiking or walking then you'll want to check out the Tintagel Circular Walk. It's a scenic walk that takes you through the countryside and along the coastline around Tintagel. Here is a brief description of the walk for you:
The Tintagel Circular Walk is approximately 6.5 miles long and can take between 2 to 3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and any stops you make along the way.
A breathtakingly beautiful trail takes you on a journey through the stunning landscapes and fascinating history of Tintagel. This circular route is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors, offering awe-inspiring views of the rugged coastline, charming villages, and historic sites such as Tintagel Castle.
The Tintagel Circular Walk is a moderately challenging walk and may not be fully accessible for everyone. Here are a few factors to consider:
It starts at the Tintagel Visitor Centre where you'll head north towards Tintagel Castle.
The Tintagel Circular Walk is approximately 7.3 miles long (shown in the map below) and an average of 3 hours 31 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and any stops you make along the way. Check out AllTrails to find shorter and alternative walks that suit you.
Yes, Tintagel has been featured in many films and TV programmes. We've compiled a list of films and shows that have featured this historical village and area:
Tintagel Castle is a huge part of the legendary history spaning over centuries. Famed with King Arthur and the Knights Of The Round Table. The castle and surrounding areas have breath views. Here's a very brief history on Tintagel Castle.
It's believed the castle ruins date back to the 13th century. It's also believed that some parts of the castle may be older. Tintagel Castle was built by Richard the 1st Earl of Cornwall. The castle ruins sit on an older site, with evidence showing it dates back to the early medieval period.
Excavations in more recent years have revealed evidence of a complex of buildings. This includes a large hall and a courtyard, suggesting that it was an important centre of trade and political power in its time.
Yes, Tintagel Castle is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in mythology, legendary tales, history, and architecture. I loved coming here as a kid and learning more about King Arthur and the legends that surround the castle and village. What kid doesn't love stories of knights, castles and swords? But as an adult, it's a fascinating and dramatic site. Tintagel Castle's located on the rugged coastline of Cornwall, with stunning views. Make sure you take your camera!
Explore the castle ruins, including the remains of a great hall, a chapel, and other buildings. Learn more about its history and legends through the exhibits and displays in the visitor centre. The new footbridge is also a unique and thrilling experience to take in.
Down at Tintagel Castle, there are toilets a café and a gift shop. The castle's great for all ages and a fun day out for all.
Tintagel Castle is famous for being the reputed birthplace of King Arthur, the legendary British monarch. It is on a rocky headland looking over the sea, with incredible views. Its long and fascinating history dates back to Roman times. It's also associated with Arthurian legends making it one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in England.
This is very much a matter of debate among historians. According to legend, Tintagel was the birthplace of King Arthur, and the castle ruins on the clifftops above Merlin's Cave were believed to have been his stronghold.
There's little evidence to support that King Arthur actually lived in Tintagel Castle. The castle ruins date from the 12th century, long after the time of King Arthur, and the site was likely a trading post rather than a fortress.
Yes, if you're interested in history and the legend of King Arthur, then Tintagel Castle is well worth the price of admission. The castle ruins are set in the stunning Cornish coast, and they offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there over a thousand years ago.
With fantastic views of the surrounding area and rugged coastline and Cornish countryside it beauty is enough to draw you in. The visitor center features exhibits on the history and legends of Tintagel, and there are guided tours available for those who want to learn more.
The coastal path that runs along the cliffs above Tintagel Castle is also accessible without paying admission. From the path you get stunning views of the coastline and castle ruins. Just walking the coastal is breathtaking as it is. It's a great place to take a walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Also if you have a drone and fly it safely and in accordance with the current laws, you can get some epic shots.
While there is an admission fee to enter Tintagel Castle, there are a few ways to see the castle for free or at a reduced cost:
While it may not be possible to see the castle for free with all options, there's plenty of ways to enjoy the scenery and history of the area without paying the admission fee.
No, National Trust members cannot visit Tintagel Castle for free. Tintagel Castle is managed by English Heritage, which is a separate organisation from the National Trust, and therefore, admission fees are not covered by National Trust membership.
However, English Heritage does have its own membership program, and members of English Heritage can visit Tintagel Castle for free, as well as over 400 other historic properties and sites managed by the organisation throughout England.
The new Tintagel Castle bridge is a marvel of modern engineering and a stunning addition to the already impressive castle ruins. The bridge was completed in 2019 and spans 190 feet between the mainland and the headland. This creates a dramatic entrance to the castle and offers incredible views.
The bridge is a sleek, steel-and-glass design a real engineering feat. Whether crossing the bridge or admiring it from a distance, the new Tintagel Castle bridge is a must-see for anyone visiting Cornwall.
The new bridge at Tintagel Castle was built using a combination of traditional and modern construction techniques. The project was led by English Heritage, who commissioned Ney & Partners, a Belgian engineering firm, to design the bridge.
The bridge was constructed in two parts. First, the engineers dug deep foundations into the headland and installed steel supports to anchor the bridge to the cliff face. Then, they used traditional construction methods to create a concrete deck, which was clad in local Cornish slate to blend in with the natural surroundings.
The main span of the bridge, which measures 69 metres (226 feet), was built off-site and transported to Tintagel by helicopter. Then hoisted into place using cranes, with the whole process taking just four hours to complete.
The Gallos Statue, created by the artist Rubin Eynon, stands on the cliffs near the entrance to the castle. It depicts King Arthur and was unveiled in 2016. The statue is made of bronze and has become a popular attraction for visitors to Tintagel.
You can find a statue of King Arthur on the cliffs above Tintagel Castle. Commissioned in 2016 by English Heritage. It's eight feet tall and depicts King Arthur holding his sword Excalibur. Created by the sculptor Rubin Eynon and is made of bronze.
Gallos Sculpture is a statue created by the artist Rubin Eynon. It depicts King Arthur and stands on the cliffs near the entrance to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, UK. The bronze statue was completed in 2016. The statue is inspired by the legend of King Arthur the ruler of the Kingdom of Camelot. The name "Gallos" means "power" or "might" in Cornish, and it is fitting for a sculpture of such a legendary figure.
Yes, the statue is located on the southern end of the castle island, and admission to the castle is required to access it. Since the castle is the main attraction of the village.
A lot if not all of Tintagel village is geared towards King Arthur, you'll see this from the pubs to resturants and gift shops in between. It's all about King Arthur here. There are a few other things you can do in Tintagel whilst your visiting.
If you're a fan of the legend of King Arthur, then a visit to King Arthur's Great Halls in Tintagel, Cornwall is a must. This unique attraction was built in the 1930s to bring the legend of King Arthur to life, and it has been a popular tourist destination ever since.
The Great Halls feature 72 amazing stained glass windows that tell stories of the legend of King Arthur. The windows are beautifully detailed and feature characters from the tales, such as King Arthur himself, Queen Guinevere, Sir Lancelot, and Merlin.
Visitors can also see a replica of King Arthur's round table, which is said to have been where he and his Knights of the Round Table met to discuss important matters.
In addition to the Great Halls, there is also a short film about the legend of King Arthur that visitors can watch. The film is narrated by actor Robert Powell, who is known for his portrayal of King Arthur in the BBC miniseries "Merlin."
After visiting the Great Halls, be sure to check out the gift shop, where you can find a variety of King Arthur-themed souvenirs, such as books, toys, and clothing.
King Arthur's Great Halls is a popular wedding venue, so it is important to check the website in advance to see if the attraction is open to visitors on the day you plan to visit.
The Old Tintagel Post Office is a quirky museum set inside a 600-year-old slate medieval property in Tintagel, Cornwall. It has served many purposes over the centuries, including farmhouse, post office, and now museum.
Visitors can explore the five rooms of the museum, including old bedrooms, a kitchen, and a parlor. The rooms are furnished with period furniture and artefacts, giving visitors a glimpse into life in Tintagel centuries ago.
The museum also has a pretty garden out the back, where visitors can relax and enjoy the views of the village.
The Old Tintagel Post Office is a great place to learn about the history of Tintagel and see how people lived in the village centuries ago. It is also a great place to simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of this charming Cornish village.
Haunted?
Some people say that the Old Tintagel Post Office is haunted. There have been reports of strange noises, lights moving around on their own, and even ghostly apparitions. Whether or not the museum is truly haunted is up to you to decide.
Whilst you're visiting Tintagel Castle we've compiled some of our favourite local place for you to visit nearby. Here are some suggestions:
Tintagel is a small village in Cornwall, but it has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions on where to stay in Tintagel:
If you're heading to Tintagel and looking to stay in the area we've compiled a list of local campsites in Tintagel and the surrounding areas. We've added website links and Google Maps locations for you.
Can you park your motorhome or camper van overnight at Tintagel? Yes you can your motorhome or camper van overnight. Here are some of the spots that allow you to do this:
Whether you're heading to Tintagel for a day trip, overnight stay or holiday. The village offers a range of amenities for you.
Tintagel has both historic and modern pubs offering visitors warm hospitality, delicious food and drinks, and the charming ambience of a traditional Cornish pub.
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