Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Tintagel, Cornwall

Seat of a Celtic kingdom in the Dark Ages, Tintagel serves as a remarkable intersection of history and legend.

A wild, rocky peninsula has been identified as the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur for centuries, with Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the Poet Laureate, adding further credence to these assertions through his “Idylls of the King.”

One can appreciate how Tintagel ignites the imagination upon observing the castle ruins, dark Devonian cliffs, sea caves, and beaches that vanish at high tide, alongside abandoned slate quarries and gorges with contorted walls.

The entire coastline is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with both the National Trust and English Heritage safeguarding its historical remnants and breathtaking natural scenery.

1. Tintagel Castle

Since the Medieval period, this rugged headland, sharply dropping down to the Atlantic, has been intricately linked to the legend of King Arthur.

Another potential resident was the Celtic King Mark, the father of Isolde, also a figure associated with Medieval romance.

Even when considering the established facts, Tintagel Castle remains a site of true marvel.

It was the stronghold of the kings of Dumnonia during the early Medieval era, with remnants of dwellings from this period still visible.

This location may have served as a significant trading settlement, as Roman-era pottery from Africa and Asia Minor, as well as glass blown in Malaga around the 500s or 600s, have been unearthed on the headland.

The existing castle ruins, featuring a great hall, are remnants of a stronghold built for Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, in the 13th century.

English Heritage manages the site, including a newly constructed cantilevered crossing over the isthmus from the mainland and numerous information boards.

2. South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path has garnered an outstanding reputation, partly due to areas like Tintagel.

This National Trail spans 630 miles, connecting Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, and is frequently regarded as one of the premier walks globally.

Within a few miles, Tintagel offers the strenuous climbs, enigmatic history, and uplifting natural landscapes that are characteristic of the trail.

Human activity has influenced the terrain here, particularly through slate quarries that were in operation from the 1400s to the 1900s, resulting in isolated columns of rock.

On a warm, sunny day, the shimmering water below takes on a green hue due to the high copper content in the Devonian rocks.

A network of three signposted circular walks in Tintagel, maintained by the South West Coast Path, provides awe-inspiring views, prehistoric monuments, and grasslands adorned with wildflowers, such as sea campion and sea pink during spring and summer.

3. St Nectan’s Glen

An enchanting site, St Nectan’s Glen is a rocky, wooded valley stretching about a mile, sculpted by the Trevillet River.

This location is both a Site of Special Scientific Interest, notable for its rare bryophytes and mosses, and a type of pilgrimage site trusted by the New Age community.

Particularly stunning is St Nectan’s Nieve, where a waterfall crashes through a hole in the Late Devonian slate, plunging 18 meters into a basin lined with moss and ferns.

This site is privately owned, requiring a nominal entrance fee of £5.95 as of 2019. Above the waterfall stands a structure purported to be the cell of Saint Nectan, although more likely it is an 18th-century summerhouse that hosts a tea garden in summer.

Additionally, one may admire the waterfall from above via a woodland walkway that opened in 2016.

4. King Arthur’s Great Halls

The social entity known as the Order of the Fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table, established by businessman Frederick Thomas Glasscock, constructed an impressive headquarters on Fore Street in the early 1930s.

This organization was created to foster Christian and Arthurian ideals of courtliness.

King Arthur’s Great Halls has been a Masonic Lodge since 1952, serving as a home to four Masonic bodies while also functioning as an attraction due to its extensive collection of Arthurian art.

Notably, 72 Arts and Crafts windows created by stained glass artist Veronica Whall depict the Arthurian legend and feature the coats of arms of the Knights of the Round Table.

The Great Hall embodies authority with its banners and wagon roof, showcasing armor, ceremonial swords, a throne, and, of course, a round table.

5. The Old Post Office

The title “Old Post Office” belies the grandeur of this Medieval yeoman farmhouse managed by the National Trust.

In the 19th century, it was briefly utilized as a letter-receiving station, though it was originally constructed in the 14th century and represented one of the National Trust’s initial acquisitions in 1903. Built from local slate, the structure has undergone adaptations through the centuries, originating from a traditional Cornish longhouse, and is adorned with exquisite oak furniture, some dating back to the 1500s.

As Tintagel began to attract tourists in the 19th century, a group of artists took stewardship of the Old Post Office to safeguard its preservation.

From the exterior, the building presents an endearing, quirky appearance due to its wavy roof, while open fires provide a cozy atmosphere during chilly days.

The post office counter has been preserved, enhanced by black and white photographs, antique documents, scales, and an inkwell.

6. Merlin’s Cave

Dominating Tintagel Island is a substantial sea cave, 100 meters long, piercing through the slate and volcanic rocks.

Alfred Tennyson intricately incorporated this cave into Arthurian mythology in Idylls of the King, describing waves bearing the infant King Arthur to the shore and into Merlin’s embrace.

Merlin’s Cave can be accessed from the beach via a steep staircase, which might pose challenges for younger adventurers; it is flooded at high tide but accessible during low water.

In 2016, English Heritage unveiled a carving of Merlin’s visage in the cliff at the cave’s entrance.

7. Trebarwith Strand

The journey to this remarkable 800-meter beach is half the enjoyment, leading you through a lush valley in the village of Treknow.

As with all beaches near Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand features imposing cliffs and significant tidal variations.

At high tide, the beach nearly disappears, prompting visitors to lay towels on slate shelves; however, during low tide, the sand extends up to 800 meters.

Nestled within the valley is the cozy Strand Cafe, complete with picnic benches outdoors for enjoying the scenic views.

Trebarwith Strand is well-known as a challenging surf destination, with formidable left and right-hand waves.

8. Rocky Valley

This small gorge carved by the Trevillet River en route to the Atlantic is replete with intrigue and drama.

Rocky Valley is another National Trust site, holding significant scientific value due to its 161 species of moss.

The South West Coast Path traverses the stream via a wooden footbridge, enabling visitors to admire the gnarled cliff faces, which rise more than 20 meters in height.

A mile-long National Trust footpath runs through the valley, beginning at Trevillet Mill and leading to the river mouth, bordered by peculiar slate terraces.

At high tide, visitors can safely observe the waves crashing against the rocks.

9. St Materiana’s Church

Perched on the cliff-top south of Tintagel is an exceptionally ancient church featuring Norman and potentially Saxon elements.

The original St Materiana’s Church is believed to have been established as early as the 500s.

The current structure, however, was constructed around the 11th and 12th centuries, while the tower is slightly younger, dating to the 14th century.

In 1889, an inscribed Roman milestone referencing Emperor Licinius (263-325) was discovered in the churchyard and is now displayed in the south transept.

The round arches at the north and south entrances to the nave are representative of Norman-Romanesque design, while a notable Norman font, crudely carved from elvan stone, features a snake motif on each corner.

Three of the windows in the nave include Norman stained glass, the largest depicting St George.

Finally, the intricate Gothic rood screen, crafted with detailed tracery, was constructed in the 15th century between the nave and chancel.

10. Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum

RAF Davidstow Moor was established in 1942 and served as a base for night fighters, air rescue planes, anti-submarine patrols, and target tugs for the duration of the war.

The airfield was decommissioned in 1954, yet remnants of the old control tower and outbuildings remain.

The Cornwall at War Museum occupies four of these 1940s structures and added a large new hangar in 2016. The collection has been sourced from this airfield as well as other wartime installations across Cornwall.

Among the notable artifacts are impressive pieces of military hardware, including a V-1 flying bomb, a Fairey Gannet, a Hawker Hunter F.6, and the cockpit of a DH Vampire T.11. Visitors may also explore a narrow-gauge supply railway from World War I, the interior of a World War II air raid shelter, and a display detailing the various roles animals like horses and pigeons played during the World Wars.

11. Glebe Cliff

Along the South West Coast Path, Glebe Cliff presents an exhilarating experience as one ascends south from Tintagel Castle.

A car park is located near the cliff-top, enabling visitors to follow a brief 0.2-mile loop that offers stunning views of the castle and St Materiana’s Church.

If you traverse this path in autumn, chances are you will see house martins nesting in the cliffs, preparing to migrate south.

Peregrine falcons and merlins are often on the lookout for these birds and are typically nearby.

12. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

For those eager to delve into Tintagel’s folklore, a visit to this museum in nearby Boscastle is essential, as it possesses the world’s largest collection of artifacts and regalia associated with witchcraft.

The museum is highly regarded within the UK’s occult community and was founded by folk magician Cecil Williamson to showcase the myriad fascinating items amassed throughout his career.

Visitors can explore collections related to modern paganism, Wicca, the witch trials of the Early Modern period, freemasonry, alchemy, and ceremonial magic.

Cunning Folk, also known as faith healers, have long been integral to English rural life; the museum replicates the interior of a 19th-century faith healer’s cottage, complete with herb containers and divination tools from that era.

13. Bossiney Haven

At low tide, adventurous bathers flock to this secluded golden sandy beach at Bossiney Haven.

The journey down involves navigating steep steps along the dark Devonian cliffs, with an essential awareness of tide schedules, as there is no beach available at high water.

Thus, Bossiney Haven may not be ideal for children, particularly given the absence of lifeguards.

However, on a warm sunny day, the cove transforms into a slice of paradise, with sunlight rendering the clear waters a delightful shade of light turquoise.

During low tide, it is also possible to stroll to the more vibrant Benoath Cove, a known spot for proficient surfers.

14. Tintagel Toy Museum

Those with a penchant for quirky local museums will find delight in this charming attraction on Fore Street.

The Tintagel Toy Museum maximizes its display space with an array of miniature cars, along with teddy bears, dolls, wind-up toys, action figures, board games, and memorabilia from beloved childhood favorites of the 50s and 60s, such as The Lone Ranger, Noddy, and the Batman TV show.

The collection spans from 1920-1980, allowing many adults a chance to reminisce.

The Tintagel Toy Museum also functions as a collectors’ shop, offering die-cast model cars from brands like Corgi and Matchbox.

15. Condolden

A less prominent site within the farmland a few miles west of Tintagel, Condolden is a hill topped with a Bronze Age barrow.

Despite its close proximity to the coast, Condolden rises to an elevation of 308 meters.

Interestingly, the barrow, measuring three meters in height and 26 meters in diameter, is approximately 5,000 years old and has never undergone excavation.

In connection with Tintagel’s Arthurian tales, Condolden is believed to be the burial site of either Isolde or Cador, a legendary Duke of Cornwall and guardian of Guinevere during her youth.