Tintagel is a village on the north coast of Cornwall, famous for the ruins of its castle perched on a headland battered by the Atlantic and for the legend that places the conception of King Arthur here. Among sheer cliffs, caves and heather-covered fields, it is one of the most romantic places in England.
Legend and history
In the 12th century the chronicler Geoffrey of Monmouth told how at Tintagel King Uther Pendragon, transformed by the wizard Merlin into the likeness of the Duke of Cornwall, lay with the Duchess Igraine, who conceived Arthur. Inspired by these stories, in the 13th century Richard, Earl of Cornwall and brother of King Henry III, had a castle built here, more for its symbolic value than for military reasons. But the headland was inhabited much earlier: excavations have revealed the remains of an important 5th-7th century settlement, where fragments of amphorae and tableware from the Mediterranean have been found, evidence of trade with the Byzantine world. For the history of the Arthurian legends see in the footsteps of Arthur.
Visiting
The site, run by English Heritage, is reached on foot from the village by walking down towards the sea. Since 2019 an elegant footbridge has linked the mainland to the island, the headland where the main ruins stand, restoring the crossing that collapsed centuries ago. On the island you can see the castle walls, the remains of early medieval houses and the bronze statue Gallos, a ghostly figure of a warrior king gazing out to sea. At the foot of the headland, at low tide, you can enter Merlin's Cave, which passes right through the rock. Expect many steps and some climbs.
The village and surroundings
In the village, full of Arthurian-themed shops, the Old Post Office is worth a visit, a 14th-century stone manor house with a wavy roof, run by the National Trust. A few kilometres away are the little harbour of Boscastle, in a narrow valley, with its Museum of Witchcraft, and the waterfall of St Nectan's Glen. The coast path between Tintagel and Boscastle is one of the finest in Cornwall.
Practical information
Tintagel has no railway station: it is reached by car or bus, for example from Bodmin Parkway or Wadebridge. Booking castle tickets in advance is advisable in summer.
See also St Ives, Glastonbury and in the footsteps of Arthur.