History and legends collide in a beautiful vista at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. Set on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking turquoise waters, you’ll find a ruined fortress built on the rumored birthplace of King Arthur.
Cornwall is one of those places that’s so beautiful in pictures that you’re not sure it can impress in real life. From my first trip to the Cornish coast, I realized the opposite was actually true. Photos can’t do this place justice. Of all the gorgeous spots I visited on that trip, Tintagel Castle made the biggest impact.
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Know Before You Go
Closest airport: Newquay (NQY)
Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.
Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST).
Plugging in electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. If you are visiting from outside the UK, you will likely need a universal travel adaptor.
Car rentals: Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. Find the best rates and check availability with Discover Cars.
Driving in the UK is not for the faint of heart, and I recommend checking out my guide to driving in the UK before you set out!
Tintagel Castle in Cornwall
While it now lies in ruins, there is enough left of Tintagel Castle’s medieval fortress to stir your imagination. The castle ruins you can see today were built in the 13th century (around 1230) by the Earl of Cornwall. It’s thought that he chose the location in part because of ties to the mythical King Arthur.
Tintagel Castle is located in North Cornwall on the western edge of the United Kingdom, facing out toward the Celtic Sea. In addition to the ruins, I recommend taking in the views from the modern bridge crossing into the site and heading down to the beach for a look at Merlin’s Cave.
5 Reasons to Visit Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle was on my UK bucket list, and it should be on yours too. It isn’t as easy to reach as other popular spots, but once you make your way there I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it is worth it. Here are my top five reasons to add Tintagel Castle to your UK itinerary.
1. The Dramatic Location
The castle sits on Cornwall’s wild coast. It offers a similar aesthetic to famous Irish cliff views. The headland under Tintagel Castle is rocky and looms over stunning ocean views. You may even spot seals playing in the water below.
2. Arthurian Legends
Was King Arthur of the Round Table conceived here? Did he live near this castle? We’ll never know for sure, but the potential link was enough to inspire the Earl of Cornwall to build Tintagel Castle in this place.
The legend continues to inspire today – don’t miss the Gallos sculpture that mixes a bronze image of King Arthur with the sea, stone and sky around it. Whether or not Arthur lived here, the myths make the place feel magical.
3. The Spectacular Footbridge
The bridge that crosses a natural chasm between the mainland and the headland Tintagel Castle calls home was built in 2019. While modern in design, it actually follows the path of a naturally occurring land bridge that was used in medieval times. Enjoy incredible views as you cross in the same way the castle’s inhabitants once did.
4. The Ancient Door
One of the most photographed parts of Tintagel Castle is the arched doorway that leads out to steps down toward the beach. When standing inside the castle ruins looking through the door, you can see the crashing surf below.
5. Merlin’s Cave
You couldn’t visit King Arthur’s castle and not look for signs of his famous wizard advisor. Time your visit to low tide and you can explore the sea cave below Tintagel Castle. Legend has it that this cave was Merlin’s home.
How to Get to Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
Tintagel Castle is not well connected to public transportation, so you’re better off choosing to drive yourself or join a tour. The closest train station is a little more than 15 miles away.
Visit Tintagel by Car
From London, driving to Tintagel takes around 5 hours. Closer cities connected with airports include Newquay (1 hour), Exeter (1.5 hours) and Bristol (2.5 hours).
Driving in Cornwall can be tricky as the roads are often narrow. Stick to the “A” roads as much as possible – those named with “A” followed by a number.
Cornwall is where I learned that my GPS had a much higher belief in my driving skills than I did. Opt for full-coverage insurance on your rental car to avoid nasty surprise costs from accidental damage.
I recommend and use Discover Cars for finding the best rates and convenient pick up points for rental cars in the UK.
Once in Tintagel Village, you will find several car parks charging a small fee. Follow the signs on foot from there to reach the castle. Note that none of the car parks are directly adjacent to Tintagel Castle. You will have at least a 15 minute walk, although it is pleasant.
Cornwall Road Trip From London, Including Tintagel Castle
Set off from London to visit Tintagel Castle and other Cornish highlights. Here’s a 5-day Cornwall road trip itinerary to help you plan:
Day 1: London to Cornwall
- Pick up a rental car and drive towards Cornwall.
- Visit Stonehenge on the way or just keep your eyes peeled to spot it from the road.
- Stop at Teals to experience one of my favorite UK farm shops.
- If you didn’t stop for Stonehenge, consider a quick visit to Exeter to explore its cathedral and historic streets.
- Overnight in Falmouth or St Ives.
Day 2: St Ives & Land’s End
- Explore St Ives, famous for its beaches and art scene.
- Drive to Land’s End, the westernmost point of England.
- Visit Minack Theatre, an open-air cliffside theater.
- Overnight in Penzance or St Ives.
Day 3: Penzance, St Michael’s Mount & The Lizard Peninsula
- Visit St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island you can only reach by boat at high tide. The island is topped with a castle.
- Explore Penzance or nearby Mousehole, a charming fishing village.
- Drive along The Lizard Peninsula and visit Kynance Cove.
- Overnight in Falmouth.
Day 4: Tintagel Castle & St. Nectan’s Glen
- Drive north to visit Tintagel Castle and walk part of the South West Coast Path.
- Visit St. Nectan’s Glen.
- Overnight in Tintagel, Port Isaac or Padstow.
Day 5: Return to London
- Begin the drive back to London.
- Option to stop in Bath to see the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
Pair this road trip with 2-5 days in London for a balanced trip that includes UK city and coastal highlights.
Visit Tintagel by Tour
It is possible to see Tintagel Castle and several other Cornish highlights by booking a small group tour. This takes away the stress of driving yourself and provides a knowledgeable guide along the way.
Five Day Small Group Tour
If you’re starting in London, join this five-day small group tour through Cornwall and Devon. They’ll take care of your transportation with a knowledgeable guide and set up stays in reputable B&Bs along the way.
In addition to visiting Tintagel, you’ll have a chance to see several Cornwall gems like St. Michael’s Mount and the Minack Theatre.
“I really appreciated the smaller group and the care and attention Jack, our tour guide, paid to all of us. We visited all of the sites listed and some extra ones we were not expecting. The Minack Theatre, Port Isaac, Dartmoor and Boscastle were among my favourite places. This trip was all that I hoped it would be and more.”
Ruth L from Australia (see more reviews)
Four Day Small Group Tour
A similar four-day tour starts from Bristol. This one is also a small group tour with an expert guide and lodging set up for you along the way. See Tintagel Castle and more, including Stonehenge and Durdle Door along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
“Kate was really good. She did an excellent job and was always cheerful and smiling. She provided lots of information and stories about the places we visited, and was very concerned for everyone’s comfort and safety. A great driver. The places chosen were varied and interesting. Length of time at each was suitable too. We appreciated how Kate pointed out places we could investigate or cafes/restaurants we could use at each stop and she provided different activities at some stops depending on fitness levels. I couldn’t believe how much we managed to cover in 4 days and found the departure from Bristol was excellent for getting us into the area quickly.”
Linda from New Zealand (see more reviews)
Tintagel Castle Visitor Information
The castle is run by English Heritage. Admission prices vary by season, but you can expect to pay between £17 and £25 for an adult ticket at the entrance. Discounts are available for booking ahead online and for family groups.
Note that the iconic bridge at Tintagel is included in the castle entrance fee. It is possible to visit some of the surrounding countryside and beaches without a ticket, but the castle ruins and bridge are only accessible to ticket holders.
Tintagel castle is open all year, but only on Fridays and weekends during winter. The castle usually opens at 10:00 AM and closes between 4:00 – 6:00 PM, depending on season.
When to Visit Tintagel Castle
The best time to visit Tintagel Castle is on a clear day with few crowds. That may seem as mythical as King Arthur himself, but you can improve your chances by visiting in the spring or early fall. Summer offers the warmest days for exploring, but also increases the number of visitors sharing the space.
What Else To Do Near Tintagel Castle
Here are some ideas to round out your day in Tintagel or add some nearby exploring.
Tintagel Village
There’s more to see in the village near Tintagel Castle. For more history, stop by the Tintagel Old Post Office. This medieval stone building with its wavy roof is run by the National Trust. We didn’t go inside on our visit, but enjoyed seeing the building exterior as we walked through town.
Speaking of town, take a stroll and visit some of the local businesses here. I recommend ducking (literally) into St. Nectan’s Pottery. This small pottery offers traditionally made and unique pieces. I brought home a vase from here that holds my spring daffodils perfectly.
For a family (and pet) friendly lunch, we loved Ye Olde Malthouse Inn. It was a little damp out by the time we visited, and we greatly enjoyed the cozy interior and delicious food to chase away the chill.
South West Coast Path
Even if you aren’t ready for a whole walking holiday, you can see some gorgeous coastal views along the South West Coast Path. The path runs conveniently past Tintagel Castle, so it is possible to park in Tintagel Village and set out on a hike from here.
St. Nectan’s Glen
Just a couple of miles away from Tintagel Castle, you can visit another mystical site at St. Nectan’s Glen. This one is more devoted to the faeries – a theme encouraged by the glen’s caretakers. It’s also been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to some of the rare plants found along the river.
Take a walk through the peaceful forest and pause beside one of the glen’s three waterfalls. You may also spot an unusual tree on your walk. This area has long been associated with pagan traditions and many visitors before you have left coins hammered into a fallen tree. The coins are offerings to the spirits in the hope of obtaining good luck or fulfilling a wish.
Where to Stay Near Tintagel Castle
Extend your time in this magical area with one of these local stays.
Ocean View Hotel: Camelot Castle Hotel
You’ll find the Camelot Castle Hotel on a hill overlooking Tintagel Castle and the ocean cliffs. Several rooms include four-poster beds and sea views, while adjacent luxury apartments make room for families or groups. There is a restaurant on-site plating full English breakfast each morning.
“This place is amazing! A little slice of heaven….when you wake up every morning to views like this what more do you want?!
The staff on reception were very helpful and went above and beyond to make our stay special. Thank you.”
Anna from United States of America (see more reviews)
Cozy Village B&B: King Arthurs Arms
The King Arthurs Arms is a family run inn located in the heart of Tintagel Village. While offering all of the charm you’d expect from an old pub inn, the rooms are updated and some can accommodate families. Enjoy a Cornish ale before turning in and wake up to a delicious breakfast before you set out to explore.
“Everyone was very friendly and the room in perfect condition and no noise at all! Food was delicious too. We enjoyed our stay there very much”
Ramona from Switzerland (see more reviews)
FAQs About Visiting Tintagel Castle, Cornwall
How does Tintagel Castle compare to other castles in England?
Tintagel Castle is primarily in ruins. You should not expect a well preserved castle similar to Windsor Castle near London. However, if you enjoy the legends as much as I did, then I know you’ll love the location and ocean cliff views too.
Is Tintagel Castle accessible for wheelchairs?
Tintagel Castle is not fully accessible for wheelchairs. A lot of the site is rugged and the one-way tour path involves going down 140 steep steps. The English Heritage workers can offer some assistance, such as returning across the step-free bridge instead of following the regular path. Reach out to them at +44 01840 770328 if you’d like to discuss options.
How long do you need to visit Tintagel Castle?
Expect to spend 2-3 hours exploring the Tintagel Castle ruins. I’d also recommend saving an hour or so to wander the village shops or enjoy a meal in Ye Olde Malthouse.
Did King Arthur live in Tintagel Castle?
King Arthur did not live in the castle you can see today. There are legends associating King Arthur with this location, and those legends likely inspired the original building of Tintagel Castle. Whether a real King Arthur lived here or not, it’s easy to feel the magic of this place.
Visit Tintagel Castle, Cornwall for Dramatic Views and Legends
Whether you believe King Arthur lived in this location or not, Tintagel Castle is a magical place for your Britain bucket list. Fans of history and legend alike will enjoy learning what it was like to live in the castle that once stood atop these cliffs while admiring the ocean crashing below.