Tintagel
The legend of King Arthur attracts visitors of all nationalities
to Tintagel and there are numerous places of interest in the surrounding
area. The shops of Tintagel can cope with all the needs of the holidaymaker.
There is a wide variety of accommodation, restaurants, character pubs
and quality retail outlets.
The historic buildings such as "The Old Post Office", St
Materianas Church, the ruined Castle, King Arthur's Hall of Chivalry and
the Chapel of Our Lady of Fontevrault, are worth more than just a day
visit. Complemented by the hamlets of Treknow, Tregatta and Trewarmett
and many other places to explore, Tintagel is an ideal base for holidaymakers
all year round. Many of the hotels, guest houses and self catering establishments
are open all year, so you will always find a friendly reception and comfortable
stay. The late Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, said, "This salty sea
coast parish is best seen out of season and on a stormy day." He was most
enthusiastic with regard to architecture and found plenty to enjoy, He
too, like many of the more discerning visitors, enjoyed the natural and
spectacular coves and rock formations, especially between Tregardock and
Boscastle, probably the world's finest coastline.
Arthur Mee's "Kings England" commences with "It is a bit
of the magic of England and seems to us as wonderful in truth as in imagination."
"Its rocks rise sheer from the sea, crowned with green carpets. Cornwall's
oldest church still holding services, looks down upon the Atlantic, sweeping
in below". "When the wind blows, that we may lean on it, and the
sea breaks on million year old granite walls, it will thrill an Englishman
as few things do".
That brief description slightly updated, is probably the
most accurate from any of our great authors and although that was written
over 50 years ago, the natural aspects of Tintagel have not changed one
bit.
We hope you enjoy this mere sample of King Arthur Country
and although words can conjure up imaginative thoughts, the sights and
sounds of Cornwall are everlasting memories.
Tintagel Castle
Parking in Tintagel village. Please note that there is a steep climb up steps to reach the castle.
Location - On Tintagel Head, ½mile along uneven track from Tintagel, no vehicles, Map Reference SX 048891
If you want to give your imagination a treat, take it to Tintagel Castle. Tristan and Isolt, King Mark, Uther Pendragon, Merlin the Magician and King Arthur were all here according to legend - and at Tintagel legends have greater potency than facts, for there are few historical certainties here - most remains a mystery.
When the conquering Normans reached the westernmost land of England they heard that the ancient seat of Cornwall's kings had stood atop this soaring headland, surrounded on three sides by the ceaseless surge of the Atlantic. So in propaganda terms it made sense for Earl Richard of Cornwall, younger brother of Henry III, to build a castle on the spot where his legendary predecessors had held court. There was no strategic reason for the choice, as there had been for the other Norman castles in Cornwall, Launceston and Restormel - and Earl Richard rarely stayed there.
Though Norman realpolitik put Tintagel on its windy headland, it is as a castle of the imagination that it holds us spellbound - a place of 'magic casements, opening on the foam of perilous seas, in faery lands forlorn.' Was it here that Tristan wooed Isolt? Where Merlin magicked Uther Pendragon into the bed of Igerna, wife of King Gorlois, to father Arthur? And when Arthur became king, did he place his foot in "Arthur's Footprint" as part of ancient inauguration rites? Look around you, as the sea-light dances and the salt-spray flies, and you can believe whatever you want to believe.
