Tintagel Castle, (Cornwall)

The legendary birthplace of King Arthur, 13th Century Tintagel Castle overlooks the wild Cornish coast.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
14th century buildings
No smoking
Gift shop
Information provided
Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Food and Drinks

Tea Room

Introduction

Tintagel Castle, dating from the 13th Century, is the legendary birthplace of King Arthur with impressive views over the the wild Cornish coast. Explore the castle with its Dark Age connections and discover the myths surrounding the castle. A cafe is available on the beach.

History to the present day

With its spectacular location on Cornwall’s dramatic and windswept Atlantic coastline, Tintagel is a place of magic and myth where the legend of King Arthur was born. This historic spot is rich in flora and fauna and provides a breeding ground for sea birds, lizards and butterflies. Tintagel Castle is Cornwall’s most iconic site. A strong hold of the Earls of Cornwall, the castle was built in the 13th century. Now in ruins, it still has the power to inspire.

Food and Drinks

Extensively refurbished, the 'Beach Cafe' serves a delicious selection of snacks and light meals sourced from fine local Cornish produce.

Other facilities

Parking: All parking in the village. A Land Rover service (April - Sept) can take visually impaired and ambulant disabled people to the exhibition and shop. No need to book, except for large groups - please contact the site in advance.

Visually Impaired Visitors: Due to the hazardous nature if the site, it is recommended that blind and partially sighted visitors have assistance.

Access to the castle is via at least 100 steep steps. Surfaces in the castle include grass, gravel, cobbles and flagstones. Many of the surfaces are uneven and include changes of level. The island element of the site is a natural Cornish headland which includes several cliffs. Parts of the castle can be viewed from Glebe Cliff; the National Trust has set aside an area beside the church for this purpose.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, , United Kingdom

Road Access: On Tintagel Head, 600 metres (660 yards) along uneven track from Tintagel; no vehicles except Land Rover service, extra charge.

Bus Access: Western Greyhound 594/5 from Bude, 584/594 from Wadebridge (with connections on 555 at Wadebridge to Bodmin Parkway railway station).

Parking is located in the village, 600 metres away. Please note there is a steep climb up steps to reach the castle. Access to the castle is difficult for disabled visitors (via over 100 steep steps). No disabled paking on site. (Land Rover service to castle Apr-Oct, extra charge). Parking (600 metres in the village).

Opening Times: 2011/12

1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm daily.
1 -31 Oct 10am-5pm daily.
1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm Sat & Sun.
24-25 Dec and 1 Jan Closed

Beach Café Apr – Oct 10am to 1/2 hour before castle closes daily.
Beach Café Nov – Mar 11am to 3:30pm Sat, & Sun.

Price: 2011/12

Adult: £5.50

Children: £3.30 (5-15 years)

Concession: £5.00

Family: £14.30 (2 adults + 3 children)

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library