Top 10 things to do in Tintagel, Cornwall
Tintagel, perched on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, is a place steeped in history and legend. Wizards, kings and castle ruins combine with beach, caves and rock pools to make a magical day out at any time of year.
Add in stunning walks, wildlife and unparalleled natural beauty and you have a day out unlike any other in Cornwall. Here are the top 10 things to do in this most quirky, quaint and quintessential of Cornish villages.
1. Visit Tintagel Castle
The home of legendary kings, beautiful queens and a powerful wizard, this craggy headland is one of Cornwall’s most iconic sites. Supposed birthplace of King Arthur, the Tintagel Castle ruins and surrounding coast are steeped in stories.
Kids will enjoy playing knights or smugglers in the ruins, and exploring rock pools down on the beach. Check out the imposing King Arthur statue on the clifftop, called Gallos – Cornish for power. Daredevils will love the walk across Tintagel’s symbolic bridge – the 40mm gap at its centre marks the transition between past and present.
2. Go in Merlin’s Cave
Beneath the majestic Tintagel Castle lies Merlin’s Cave, a subterranean marvel that traverses the island from east to west. According to legend, it was within these mystical confines that King Arthur found refuge, washed ashore by the waves and rescued by the legendary Merlin.
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Accessed exclusively during low tide, this enchanting cave can be reached via a pathway just before the castle entrance, making it not only a captivating destination but also freely accessible for all who wish to explore its secrets.
3. Explore Smith’s Cliff
Bordering Tintagel Castle, the rugged cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic are known by the rather un-Cornish name of Smith’s Cliff. The National Trust will care for this as a space for wildlife to flourish, for heritage to be conserved and for people to access and enjoy forever. The trust says its work there will benefit maritime plants such as rock sea lavender and golden samphire, insects including the small copper butterfly and the black-headed mining bee as well as birds such as the linnet, skylark and fulmar.
It’s already a beautiful spot. At different times of year you have different wildflowers coming through – bell heather, the purples of betony, the yellows of kidney vetch. Smith’s Cliff is rich in history with eight known archaeological sites and occupation by humans likely to date back to the Mesolithic age.
4. Taste some traditional handmade sweets
In keeping with Tintagel’s rather olde worlde feel, Tintagel Artisan Confections is a proper old-fashioned sweet shop. The family-run business makes its own boiled sweets using lovingly restored vintage equipment, keeping the tradition of small-scale sweet production alive. Some of the sweet rollers even date back to 1870. The kitchen only uses British sugar, natural colours and flavourings and real fruit oils. Perfect as a treat for the kids on a rainy day.
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5. Reflect in a sacred place: St Nectan’s Glen, Tintagel
People often bypass this sacred spot, drawn by the legend of King Arthur and Merlin to the towering cliffs and crashing waves at nearby Tintagel Castle. In contrast, St Nectan’s Glen is peaceful, unassuming and soulful. Myth and legend swirl around this beauty spot and it is said that the flowing waters have healing properties and are watched over by fairies.
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Wander along a woodland trail to reach the enchanting 60 ft waterfall, light a candle in a hermitage with a 1,500-year-old history and have a cuppa in the Tree of Life cafe. It’s a place to slow down, reflect and relax. Whatever your spiritual leanings, it is a tranquil, calm and peaceful place, with beautiful walks – the perfect place to rejuvenate your soul.
6. Marvel at Tintagel Old Post Office
Despite its name, Tintagel Old Post Office was first built more than 600 years ago as a farmhouse during the medieval period. Slowly modified over the centuries, it became more fashionable than functional. The house has served many purposes over time, but it has always been a home. Its final use was as the letter-receiving office for the village during the 1870s.
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7. Discover the famous stained glass at King Arthur’s Great Halls
Constructed in the 1930s, King Arthur’s Great Halls on Fore Street in Tintagel stands as a captivating tribute to the legendary world of King Arthur. The iconic structure, renowned for its appearances in various films and television programs, houses a remarkable round table and granite thrones. Adorned by 72 exquisite stained glass windows, crafted by a disciple of William Morris, these windows vividly depict the enthralling tales of the Arthurian legend.
Immerse yourself in the legend of King Arthur through a spellbinding laser show, accompanied by music and narrated by the esteemed actor Robert Powell. The exhibition features captivating paintings of King Arthur and his Knights by the talented artist William Hatherell.
8. Journey through the Vale of Avalon
Part of King Arthur’s Cornwall Discovery Trail, the Vale of Avalon at Slaughterbridge near the medieval market town of Camelford is dedicated to telling the story behind the stories of King Arthur in Cornwall, alongside Cornish history and legends.
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As well as being the earliest identified site of Camlann – the site of King Arthur’s legendary last battle at Camlann – the vale offers King Arthur’s grave, a 13th-century longhouse and a sixth-century inscribed stone. There’s an interactive, indoor exhibition or you can unwind in Lady Falmouth’s secret garden after some scones with jam and Cornish clotted cream in the tea rooms.
9. Trebarwith Strand Beach
Embark on an exhilarating seaside adventure at Trebarwith Strand, a golden-sandy haven adored by families during the vibrant summer months and embraced by winter dog walkers. Uncover the magic of eerie caves and enticing rock pools, perfect for shrimping. However, be sure to check the tide schedule, as the beach transforms dramatically when the sea comes in.
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Venture just around the corner from the main beach to discover the hidden charm of Port William, a cove boasting the remnants of a historic harbor once bustling with slate exports. Marvel at the industrial legacy etched into the Strand – a gully-like pathway carved into the rocks ages ago, a testament to the beach’s rich history where farmers once extracted sand and seaweed.
10. Enjoy a pint at the King Arthur’s Arms
Nestled in the heart of Tintagel, the King Arthur’s Arms is a classic pub. With a cosy ambiance, it features a crackling fire that warms up chilly winter days, complemented by a restaurant showcasing delectable dishes crafted from locally sourced produce. Following an invigorating stroll along the coastal path, this establishment is a great place to unwind, savouring a pint of Cornwall’s finest – the renowned St Austell Tribute.
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Tintagel is a destination that combines natural beauty, history and legend. Whether you’re interested in the Arthurian myths, coastal walks or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, Tintagel has something for everyone. Browse our self-catering cottages near Tintagel.
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