Tintagel Castle
The legendary birthplace of King Arthur. The medieval castle ruins on a headland are linked by a suspension footbridge built in 2019, and the sea views are breathtaking.
Tintagel Castle sits on a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic and is traditionally said to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The site includes an early settlement from the 5th to 7th centuries and the castle ruins built in the 13th century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. The footbridge completed in 2019 connects the mainland with the island section. A gap of about 4 centimetres in the middle symbolises the boundary between legend and history. On the island stands a bronze statue of King Arthur called 'Gallos', and below the cliff is Merlin's Cave. The site is managed by English Heritage. Timed tickets must be booked in advance. There are many steep steps. It is about 50 kilometres from Newquay.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (shorter hours in winter)