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Tintagel Castle (Cornish: Dintagel) is a medieval fortification located on the peninsula of Tintagel Island adjacent to the village of Tintagel (Trevena), North Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The site was possibly occupied in the Romano-British period, as an array of artefacts dating from this period have been found on the peninsula, but as yet no Roman-era structure has been proven to have existed there. It was settled during the early medieval period, when it was probably one of the seasonal residences of the regional king of Dumnonia. A castle was built on the site by Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall in the 13th century, during the High Middle Ages. It later fell into disrepair and ruin.
Archaeological investigation into the site began in the 19th century as it became a tourist attraction, with visitors coming to see the ruins of Richard's castle. In the 1930s, excavations revealed significant traces of a much earlier high status settlement, which had trading links with the Mediterranean world during the Late Roman period. Two digs in 2016 and 2017 at Tintagel Castle uncovered the outlines of a palace from the 5th or early 6th century (the early medieval period), with evidence of writing and of articles brought in from Spain and from the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. The Cornwall Archaeological Unit has a five-year project at this site, with a final report expected in 2021. The items found in the digs have spurred interest before this final report, with two television programmes initially aired in 2018 or 2019, one in the UK by the BBC and another in the US by PBS.
Amazing location for a castle: romantic and windswept. Walk down to beach and cave under castle well worth attempting at low tide. There is an option to ride down the hill and back up again to the castle entrance in summer, but the whole place is very steep and lots of steps make this a serious climb not for the faint hearted. Worth spending time sitting on the cliff top overlooking the castle with sandwiches! Can be very windy as its exposed. Lovely walks along coast path with old quarry workings, stone stacks, interesting geology. Park for about 4 hours if walking further, allow a good 1.5 hours for castle. Quirky shops with crystals, magic wands, etc in High Street. Expensive entrance and signs basic; English Heritage need to put more info on the signs and not expect everyone to buy expensive guide book.
Rosie MackJan 29, 2018
Beautiful castle with a lot of history! Be warned.. There are 120 (steep) steps to the top...but so worth it! History re King Arthur and a metal statue at the top of the hill. Views are stunning. If you have membership to the English heritage, entry is free. Else you'll looking to pay between £10-£15 (depending on season). Staff pleasant and helpful. It is worth going for the workout, views and history!
Ami PhullMar 12, 2018
Lovely place to visit. Please note there's a lot of steps to get through to the top, and then back down and up again to see the other bit of the castle :) views are absolutely amazing though and well worth the climb. To get to the castle itself, there's also quite a bit of a walk, easy on the way in as it's downhill, more challenging to go back up :) you can get a jeep to get you to the ticket office and back though if you don't fancy walking! There's also a lovely cafe with the biggest scones I've ever seen, and really yummy clotted cream :)
Maggie StrzeleckaFeb 25, 2018
Really interesting historical place and definitely worth to visit. However, not much of the castle is left there and price was quite high for seeing the maps and drawings in the middle of castle leftovers.. but overall, amazing place to go. You can land to the beach and go into Merlin's cave what feels really magical. However, I am glad we went without dog because steps are narrow and steep.
Monika SvaikauskaiteMar 14, 2018
One of the highlights of our holiday, and in such a stunning location. We camped nearby so walked over but there is parking. Definitely worth every penny. We spent the whole afternoon here. You can totally immerse yourself in the history and legend of King Arthur. It's so beautiful from the castle ruins looking out over the Cornish coastline. An amazing place to live in it's day I'm sure; let your imagination run wild...my mum is afraid of heights but with hands on the rails and stopping frequently (very handy for my photo taking) she made it to the top and was very happy she did. It is extremely high but so worth the butterflies in your tummy for the views. Sit over at the hotel with an ale later for spectacular sunsets too.
Sadie AramendiaJan 21, 2018
This is a must see and absolutely loved this place. It is rugged and cold and exposed and makes you wonder why on earth they would live in such a place but they did. The overall set up is great and you can spend hours wandering around and exploring the beautiful scenery and history. Like Stonehenge this is an English Heritage site and if a member it is included in your membership. There are step hills and many steps but the effort is worth it with the views that you’ll see. Also make sure you do go and see the knight, it is a marvelous statue and quite the stunning piece of art. Also if you can’t bring yourself to walk up the hill after you are done then there is a land rover that will take you back up for a small fee. There is parking right next to the Cornish bakery but it does fill up quick and you’ll need coins to pay for the parking.
Simon MamouneyApr 21, 2018
Astonishing views. Wonderful experience. Had a walk around the ruins and the surrounding area. Lovely place to spend a sunny day, though it was cloudy when I went. Two small beaches at the side. And walking trails on the top that take you around the coast line, just be careful with the edge!
Ana GLApr 8, 2018
Absolutely stunning views, as can be found in much of the surrounding area. Lots of interesting information to read - there isn't a great deal of the castle left, so you have to use your imagination a bit! The only issue we had is that it is not a great place to take small children, the main reason being that most of the site is at the top of sheer cliff faces, or at least very steep drops, with nothing stopping you walking right over the edge. Barriers everywhere would certainly spoil the appearance of the place, so you just need to be prepared to hold onto any little ones you have for most of the time you are there. Also there are a lot of steep steps, some of which didn't feel very safe, so certainly not somewhere to take pushchairs/wheelchairs. We did really enjoy though.
Alex CoatesApr 11, 2018
Love this place! It has a lot of steps, so be prepared to climb a lot. Fascinating to walk around the various ruins; the info boards have some example of what it may have looked like fully built too. Stepped in history too, so a must visit for fans of the Arthurian legend. Merlin's cave below the castle isn't always open, depending on weather/tode, but also worth going down to.
Joe ChidzikApr 11, 2018
Had a great visit, not busy on a weekday morning. The steps were fine for dogs, though small ones would probably need to be carried. It is open on the top, so they must be kept on leads. Cafe, toilets and water for dogs available. The views were amazing. There are rocks you could sit on if you wanted to have a drink/food. The walk back from the castle is steep, but fine as long as you are ok walking in general. If not there is a Land rover service for a cost.
Claire SJun 12, 2018
Love this place. It's still as awesome as it was when we visited seven years ago. The surroundings are breathtaking and you can just sit there and enjoy the magnificent 360 degree view while taking in all the history. There are A LOT of steps and a lot of cliff edges, so be extra careful with small children. Dogs are allowed and there's even a (payable) land rover taxi service from the main street to the castle.
Maja GeevesMay 30, 2018
Amazing views all around the castle, on a stormy or sunny day! The stairs are very steep at multiple points with a very small area to put your feet. When it's busy you need to wait for people to walk past which can take a bit of time. But overall a wonderful experience, it is very VERY high at certain points with no railings so if you have a nervous disposition to heights stay nearer the middle where there is support! There is a jeep which takes your from the beginning all the way to the entrance. But there is a charge for this service, both ways.
Sat BatMay 16, 2018
So a heads up: it’s £10 for scenic views - as there is NO castle! (Just in case anyone reads into this incorrectly like me haha) There are castle ruins (a few rocks really) and we went expecting to see much bigger castle ruins that what did exist. Especially after £10 and a massive climb. However... no regrets as they were truly breathtaking views!
Kate OakleyJun 12, 2018
Beautiful day out exploring the source of the legend of King Arthur. There are several generations of ruins here and they do a good job of explaining how the castle evolved. Be sure to explore further afield on top of the mountain (the one on the right) as there are some amazing art sculptures to be found. It's quite a steep climb so be prepared and if you have walking sticks, those would be useful. I recommend you time your visit to arrive at low tide if possible, as you can then explore Merlin's Cave as well.
James PardoeJul 4, 2018
Brilliant day trip. This castle and it's history are fascinating. The setting is very dramatic - you need to have a reasonable level of fitness to tackle this one - there is a land rover which will get you to and from the town at a small cost, but there's nothing to help with the steep steps up to the castle itself! Once you're up there you can have a rest and appreciate the beautiful views of the coast - not to be missed.
Suzi MartinJul 18, 2018
Incredible views, definitely worth the (tough) climb. Put on some good shoes. On a hot summer day its too hot to comfortably visit the site as there's not much shade. So a cloudy (but dry) day would be perfect.
Kenneth HenderickJul 15, 2018
I absolutely loved my visit to Tintagel & the castle. It is not a walk for the faint hearted, there are a lot of steps to get to the top, but if you're able the views from the top are stunning and well worth the effort. When you come back down there is a lovely cafe, gift shop & toilets. If you can't manage the uphill walk out then you can get a landrover ride back up to the village for just £2 each.
diana OwenJul 6, 2018
Amazing location for a castle: romantic and windswept. Walk down to beach and cave under castle well worth attempting at low tide. There is an option to ride down the hill and back up again to the castle entrance in summer, but the whole place is very steep and lots of steps make this a serious climb not for the faint hearted. Worth spending time sitting on the cliff top overlooking the castle with sandwiches! Can be very windy as its exposed. Lovely walks along coast path with old quarry workings, stone stacks, interesting geology. Park for about 4 hours if walking further, allow a good 1.5 hours for castle. Quirky shops with crystals, magic wands, etc in High Street. Expensive entrance and signs basic; English Heritage need to put more info on the signs and not expect everyone to buy expensive guide book.
Rosie MackJan 29, 2018
Beautiful castle with a lot of history! Be warned.. There are 120 (steep) steps to the top...but so worth it! History re King Arthur and a metal statue at the top of the hill. Views are stunning. If you have membership to the English heritage, entry is free. Else you'll looking to pay between £10-£15 (depending on season). Staff pleasant and helpful. It is worth going for the workout, views and history!
Ami PhullMar 12, 2018
Lovely place to visit. Please note there's a lot of steps to get through to the top, and then back down and up again to see the other bit of the castle :) views are absolutely amazing though and well worth the climb. To get to the castle itself, there's also quite a bit of a walk, easy on the way in as it's downhill, more challenging to go back up :) you can get a jeep to get you to the ticket office and back though if you don't fancy walking! There's also a lovely cafe with the biggest scones I've ever seen, and really yummy clotted cream :)
Maggie StrzeleckaFeb 25, 2018
Really interesting historical place and definitely worth to visit. However, not much of the castle is left there and price was quite high for seeing the maps and drawings in the middle of castle leftovers.. but overall, amazing place to go. You can land to the beach and go into Merlin's cave what feels really magical. However, I am glad we went without dog because steps are narrow and steep.
Monika SvaikauskaiteMar 14, 2018
One of the highlights of our holiday, and in such a stunning location. We camped nearby so walked over but there is parking. Definitely worth every penny. We spent the whole afternoon here. You can totally immerse yourself in the history and legend of King Arthur. It's so beautiful from the castle ruins looking out over the Cornish coastline. An amazing place to live in it's day I'm sure; let your imagination run wild...my mum is afraid of heights but with hands on the rails and stopping frequently (very handy for my photo taking) she made it to the top and was very happy she did. It is extremely high but so worth the butterflies in your tummy for the views. Sit over at the hotel with an ale later for spectacular sunsets too.
Sadie AramendiaJan 21, 2018
This is a must see and absolutely loved this place. It is rugged and cold and exposed and makes you wonder why on earth they would live in such a place but they did. The overall set up is great and you can spend hours wandering around and exploring the beautiful scenery and history. Like Stonehenge this is an English Heritage site and if a member it is included in your membership. There are step hills and many steps but the effort is worth it with the views that you’ll see. Also make sure you do go and see the knight, it is a marvelous statue and quite the stunning piece of art. Also if you can’t bring yourself to walk up the hill after you are done then there is a land rover that will take you back up for a small fee. There is parking right next to the Cornish bakery but it does fill up quick and you’ll need coins to pay for the parking.
Simon MamouneyApr 21, 2018
Astonishing views. Wonderful experience. Had a walk around the ruins and the surrounding area. Lovely place to spend a sunny day, though it was cloudy when I went. Two small beaches at the side. And walking trails on the top that take you around the coast line, just be careful with the edge!
Ana GLApr 8, 2018
Absolutely stunning views, as can be found in much of the surrounding area. Lots of interesting information to read - there isn't a great deal of the castle left, so you have to use your imagination a bit! The only issue we had is that it is not a great place to take small children, the main reason being that most of the site is at the top of sheer cliff faces, or at least very steep drops, with nothing stopping you walking right over the edge. Barriers everywhere would certainly spoil the appearance of the place, so you just need to be prepared to hold onto any little ones you have for most of the time you are there. Also there are a lot of steep steps, some of which didn't feel very safe, so certainly not somewhere to take pushchairs/wheelchairs. We did really enjoy though.
Alex CoatesApr 11, 2018
Love this place! It has a lot of steps, so be prepared to climb a lot. Fascinating to walk around the various ruins; the info boards have some example of what it may have looked like fully built too. Stepped in history too, so a must visit for fans of the Arthurian legend. Merlin's cave below the castle isn't always open, depending on weather/tode, but also worth going down to.
Joe ChidzikApr 11, 2018
Had a great visit, not busy on a weekday morning. The steps were fine for dogs, though small ones would probably need to be carried. It is open on the top, so they must be kept on leads. Cafe, toilets and water for dogs available. The views were amazing. There are rocks you could sit on if you wanted to have a drink/food. The walk back from the castle is steep, but fine as long as you are ok walking in general. If not there is a Land rover service for a cost.
Claire SJun 12, 2018
Love this place. It's still as awesome as it was when we visited seven years ago. The surroundings are breathtaking and you can just sit there and enjoy the magnificent 360 degree view while taking in all the history. There are A LOT of steps and a lot of cliff edges, so be extra careful with small children. Dogs are allowed and there's even a (payable) land rover taxi service from the main street to the castle.
Maja GeevesMay 30, 2018
Amazing views all around the castle, on a stormy or sunny day! The stairs are very steep at multiple points with a very small area to put your feet. When it's busy you need to wait for people to walk past which can take a bit of time. But overall a wonderful experience, it is very VERY high at certain points with no railings so if you have a nervous disposition to heights stay nearer the middle where there is support! There is a jeep which takes your from the beginning all the way to the entrance. But there is a charge for this service, both ways.
Sat BatMay 16, 2018
So a heads up: it’s £10 for scenic views - as there is NO castle! (Just in case anyone reads into this incorrectly like me haha) There are castle ruins (a few rocks really) and we went expecting to see much bigger castle ruins that what did exist. Especially after £10 and a massive climb. However... no regrets as they were truly breathtaking views!
Kate OakleyJun 12, 2018
Beautiful day out exploring the source of the legend of King Arthur. There are several generations of ruins here and they do a good job of explaining how the castle evolved. Be sure to explore further afield on top of the mountain (the one on the right) as there are some amazing art sculptures to be found. It's quite a steep climb so be prepared and if you have walking sticks, those would be useful. I recommend you time your visit to arrive at low tide if possible, as you can then explore Merlin's Cave as well.
James PardoeJul 4, 2018
Brilliant day trip. This castle and it's history are fascinating. The setting is very dramatic - you need to have a reasonable level of fitness to tackle this one - there is a land rover which will get you to and from the town at a small cost, but there's nothing to help with the steep steps up to the castle itself! Once you're up there you can have a rest and appreciate the beautiful views of the coast - not to be missed.
Suzi MartinJul 18, 2018
Incredible views, definitely worth the (tough) climb. Put on some good shoes. On a hot summer day its too hot to comfortably visit the site as there's not much shade. So a cloudy (but dry) day would be perfect.
Kenneth HenderickJul 15, 2018
I absolutely loved my visit to Tintagel & the castle. It is not a walk for the faint hearted, there are a lot of steps to get to the top, but if you're able the views from the top are stunning and well worth the effort. When you come back down there is a lovely cafe, gift shop & toilets. If you can't manage the uphill walk out then you can get a landrover ride back up to the village for just £2 each.
diana OwenJul 6, 2018
Amazing location for a castle: romantic and windswept. Walk down to beach and cave under castle well worth attempting at low tide. There is an option to ride down the hill and back up again to the castle entrance in summer, but the whole place is very steep and lots of steps make this a serious climb not for the faint hearted. Worth spending time sitting on the cliff top overlooking the castle with sandwiches! Can be very windy as its exposed. Lovely walks along coast path with old quarry workings, stone stacks, interesting geology. Park for about 4 hours if walking further, allow a good 1.5 hours for castle. Quirky shops with crystals, magic wands, etc in High Street. Expensive entrance and signs basic; English Heritage need to put more info on the signs and not expect everyone to buy expensive guide book.
Rosie MackJan 29, 2018
Beautiful castle with a lot of history! Be warned.. There are 120 (steep) steps to the top...but so worth it! History re King Arthur and a metal statue at the top of the hill. Views are stunning. If you have membership to the English heritage, entry is free. Else you'll looking to pay between £10-£15 (depending on season). Staff pleasant and helpful. It is worth going for the workout, views and history!
Ami PhullMar 12, 2018
Lovely place to visit. Please note there's a lot of steps to get through to the top, and then back down and up again to see the other bit of the castle :) views are absolutely amazing though and well worth the climb. To get to the castle itself, there's also quite a bit of a walk, easy on the way in as it's downhill, more challenging to go back up :) you can get a jeep to get you to the ticket office and back though if you don't fancy walking! There's also a lovely cafe with the biggest scones I've ever seen, and really yummy clotted cream :)
Maggie StrzeleckaFeb 25, 2018
Really interesting historical place and definitely worth to visit. However, not much of the castle is left there and price was quite high for seeing the maps and drawings in the middle of castle leftovers.. but overall, amazing place to go. You can land to the beach and go into Merlin's cave what feels really magical. However, I am glad we went without dog because steps are narrow and steep.
Monika SvaikauskaiteMar 14, 2018
One of the highlights of our holiday, and in such a stunning location. We camped nearby so walked over but there is parking. Definitely worth every penny. We spent the whole afternoon here. You can totally immerse yourself in the history and legend of King Arthur. It's so beautiful from the castle ruins looking out over the Cornish coastline. An amazing place to live in it's day I'm sure; let your imagination run wild...my mum is afraid of heights but with hands on the rails and stopping frequently (very handy for my photo taking) she made it to the top and was very happy she did. It is extremely high but so worth the butterflies in your tummy for the views. Sit over at the hotel with an ale later for spectacular sunsets too.
Sadie AramendiaJan 21, 2018
This is a must see and absolutely loved this place. It is rugged and cold and exposed and makes you wonder why on earth they would live in such a place but they did. The overall set up is great and you can spend hours wandering around and exploring the beautiful scenery and history. Like Stonehenge this is an English Heritage site and if a member it is included in your membership. There are step hills and many steps but the effort is worth it with the views that you’ll see. Also make sure you do go and see the knight, it is a marvelous statue and quite the stunning piece of art. Also if you can’t bring yourself to walk up the hill after you are done then there is a land rover that will take you back up for a small fee. There is parking right next to the Cornish bakery but it does fill up quick and you’ll need coins to pay for the parking.
Simon MamouneyApr 21, 2018
Astonishing views. Wonderful experience. Had a walk around the ruins and the surrounding area. Lovely place to spend a sunny day, though it was cloudy when I went. Two small beaches at the side. And walking trails on the top that take you around the coast line, just be careful with the edge!
Ana GLApr 8, 2018
Absolutely stunning views, as can be found in much of the surrounding area. Lots of interesting information to read - there isn't a great deal of the castle left, so you have to use your imagination a bit! The only issue we had is that it is not a great place to take small children, the main reason being that most of the site is at the top of sheer cliff faces, or at least very steep drops, with nothing stopping you walking right over the edge. Barriers everywhere would certainly spoil the appearance of the place, so you just need to be prepared to hold onto any little ones you have for most of the time you are there. Also there are a lot of steep steps, some of which didn't feel very safe, so certainly not somewhere to take pushchairs/wheelchairs. We did really enjoy though.
Alex CoatesApr 11, 2018
Love this place! It has a lot of steps, so be prepared to climb a lot. Fascinating to walk around the various ruins; the info boards have some example of what it may have looked like fully built too. Stepped in history too, so a must visit for fans of the Arthurian legend. Merlin's cave below the castle isn't always open, depending on weather/tode, but also worth going down to.
Joe ChidzikApr 11, 2018
Had a great visit, not busy on a weekday morning. The steps were fine for dogs, though small ones would probably need to be carried. It is open on the top, so they must be kept on leads. Cafe, toilets and water for dogs available. The views were amazing. There are rocks you could sit on if you wanted to have a drink/food. The walk back from the castle is steep, but fine as long as you are ok walking in general. If not there is a Land rover service for a cost.
Claire SJun 12, 2018
Love this place. It's still as awesome as it was when we visited seven years ago. The surroundings are breathtaking and you can just sit there and enjoy the magnificent 360 degree view while taking in all the history. There are A LOT of steps and a lot of cliff edges, so be extra careful with small children. Dogs are allowed and there's even a (payable) land rover taxi service from the main street to the castle.
Maja GeevesMay 30, 2018
Amazing views all around the castle, on a stormy or sunny day! The stairs are very steep at multiple points with a very small area to put your feet. When it's busy you need to wait for people to walk past which can take a bit of time. But overall a wonderful experience, it is very VERY high at certain points with no railings so if you have a nervous disposition to heights stay nearer the middle where there is support! There is a jeep which takes your from the beginning all the way to the entrance. But there is a charge for this service, both ways.
Sat BatMay 16, 2018
So a heads up: it’s £10 for scenic views - as there is NO castle! (Just in case anyone reads into this incorrectly like me haha) There are castle ruins (a few rocks really) and we went expecting to see much bigger castle ruins that what did exist. Especially after £10 and a massive climb. However... no regrets as they were truly breathtaking views!
Kate OakleyJun 12, 2018
Beautiful day out exploring the source of the legend of King Arthur. There are several generations of ruins here and they do a good job of explaining how the castle evolved. Be sure to explore further afield on top of the mountain (the one on the right) as there are some amazing art sculptures to be found. It's quite a steep climb so be prepared and if you have walking sticks, those would be useful. I recommend you time your visit to arrive at low tide if possible, as you can then explore Merlin's Cave as well.
James PardoeJul 4, 2018
Brilliant day trip. This castle and it's history are fascinating. The setting is very dramatic - you need to have a reasonable level of fitness to tackle this one - there is a land rover which will get you to and from the town at a small cost, but there's nothing to help with the steep steps up to the castle itself! Once you're up there you can have a rest and appreciate the beautiful views of the coast - not to be missed.
Suzi MartinJul 18, 2018
Incredible views, definitely worth the (tough) climb. Put on some good shoes. On a hot summer day its too hot to comfortably visit the site as there's not much shade. So a cloudy (but dry) day would be perfect.
Kenneth HenderickJul 15, 2018
I absolutely loved my visit to Tintagel & the castle. It is not a walk for the faint hearted, there are a lot of steps to get to the top, but if you're able the views from the top are stunning and well worth the effort. When you come back down there is a lovely cafe, gift shop & toilets. If you can't manage the uphill walk out then you can get a landrover ride back up to the village for just £2 each.
diana OwenJul 6, 2018
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.