Tintagel Castle in Cornwall – review, guide and top tips for your visit to the King Arthur attraction
We take our children and dog to explore the historical Tintagel Castle in north Cornwall
What is Tintagel Castle?
The ruins of a 13th century Cornish castle with links to the stories of King Arthur and Merlin the magician.
Where is Tintagel Castle?
This English heritage site is in north Cornwall (south-west England), set high on the coast next to the village of Tintagel with stunning views over the Atlantic.
It lies half on the mainland, half on a peninsula in the sea, known as Tintagel Island.
What did we think?
This was a memorable trip, the link to the myth of King Arthur captured the imagination of my son. He also enjoyed reading all the historical information dotted around.
But it is the stunning views from these clifftop ruins that will stay with me (along with the memory of all the steps)!
We all thought our picnic spot was our best ever – we found a little private bit away from the path with the most incredible views over the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Best picnic spot
Our children’s verdict: amazing.
Highlights
The history
Tintagel is thought to have been where Cornish kings lived between the 5th and 7th century.
Then the 12th-century writer Geoffrey of Monmouth named it in his History of the Kings of Britain as the place where King Arthur was conceived.
These legends are said to have inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build the castle here in the 1230s.
Tintagel Castle Bridge
This stunning footbridge, finished in August 2019, links the two halves of the castle for the first time in over 500 years since an original crossing was lost.
We cross the bridge
Before this, visitors had to climb steps and queue for a small bridge at the base of the cliff.
If you fear heights look away now – the bridge travels over a 58-metre drop.
Tintagel Castle bridge
Gallos
This bronze statue of an ancient king stands high on the cliff – popular with photographers, not so much with our dog who didn’t know what to make of it!
Gallos
The beach and Merlin’s Cave
Below the castle is a secluded beach known as Tintagel Haven with rocks and a waterfall.
Best of all, it is where you can explore Merlin’s Cave .
This large cave in the cliffs under the castle is said to have been home to Merlin, the wizard of Arthurian legend. (See our top tips for information about access to the beach).
Tintagel Castle top tips
Mobility and fear of height
This site is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues or a big fear of heights – there are steep paths and sheer drops.
When we went, a one-way system was in place due to Coronavirus restrictions and the route included a LOT of steep steps.
The path from the village to the castle and back is steep – so make use of the Land Rover service if you need to, particularly on the way back up. There is a small charge for people and dogs.
Beach
Check the tide times and visit when the tide is out. That way you can get to the beach and go into Merlin’s Cave.
The beach is accessed via steep steps and when we went, we also had to clamber over rocks.
Weather
Try to visit on a fine day – the ruins are all outdoors and the area is exposed.
The castle sometimes closes due to bad weather or high winds, so check before you travel, via the website, Facebook or by calling 01870 770328.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome – we took ours – but they need to be kept on leads due to the steps, cliff edges and nesting birds. Water is available for dogs at the cafe.
Tintagel Castle information
Food: There is a cafe at the bottom of the hill (Castle Road) near to the beach. You can also take picnics.
Opening hours: From 10am to 4, 5 or 6pm, depending on the time of year.
Cost: English Heritage members are free. Adults are £15.70 (off-peak £14.50. Children are from £9.40 (£8.70 off-peak). Concessions are £14.10 (£13.10 off-peak)
A family of two adults and up to three children costs £40.80 (£37.70 off-peak) and a family of one adult and up to three children is £25.10 (£23.20 off-peak).
Best for: Children who can cope with the hilly site.
Time needed: We spent three hours here including the beach.
Toilets: At the bottom of Castle Road near to the beach are toilets. And there are others in the village.
Other facilities: A small shop and an exhibition exploring the stories linking Tintagel to King Arthur which includes a 3D model of the site showing how it has changed over the centuries.
Parking: There are pay and display car parks in Tintagel Village, 600 metres away from the site.
Access and restrictions: This site is set on a steep hill and there are uneven surfaces, drops and slopes. A Land Rover service is available along the road – Castle Road – down to the cafe and exhibition and back,. There is a charge and there may be queues. It doesn’t run during winter.
Address: Tintagel Castle, Bossiney Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE.
Telephone: 01870 770328.
Website: Tintagel Castle
How to book tickets
Advance booking is essential for all visitors, including English Heritage Members who can visit for free. Tickets are timed but once there you can stay as long as you want.
More Cornwall content
Can’t get enough of Cornwall? Don’t miss our other stories, including reviews of The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Lappa Valley.
Find out all about the amazing cottage we stayed in at The Valley in Cornwall.
And read about our whole holiday here: We take our children and new dog on a family holiday to Cornwall – find out how we get on.
*Our trip was supported by www.visitcornwall.com – the number one website for visitors to Cornwall, helping visitors find everything they need for a great time in Cornwall.