Tintagel

For centuries Tintagel with its powerful atmosphere has been a place of inspiration for poets, composers and artists, including Turner and Tennyson. More recently Tintagel’s magnificent scenery has delighted the modern equivalents of the movie and television program makers from home and abroad.

The dramatic setting of Tintagel Castle, straddling the mainland and the island, seems to give credence to the myths and legends associated with it. Reputedly the ruins we see today were built on the site of an ancient fortress that would have been used by the ancient kings of Cornwall. We are convinced that our King Arthur was one of these kings.

Today’s remains date from 1236 and the Earl Richard , second son of King John. The castle was added to during the 14th century by Edward he Black Prince, who was the 1st Duke of Cornwall. By the 17th century the ruins that survived had became known as King Arthur’s Castle. The relentlessly pounding seas around our coastline has taken it’s toll on the landscape and much of the land that was around the castle has fallen away.

Today the care of the castle is the responsibility of English Heritage who have undertaken a great deal of work to make the site safely accessible, well maintained, educational and interesting. English Heritage have invested in an improved access road for both walkers and the land rover service.

At the base of the castle you will find toilet facilities, a shop and a free information video show. Down the steps into the cove and onto the beach you will find the famous Merlin’s cave.