Whether you’re calling it home for a number of days or simply passing through, Tintagel is the perfect hub for seeing some of Cornwall’s best sights. Set high on the rugged North Cornwall coast, the picturesque village is steeped in myths and mystery, and has inspired artists and writers throughout history who have associated it with the legend of King Arthur.
No doubt, just on your first visit, you’ll quickly understand how Tintagel can make imaginations run wild, at the sight of the castle ruins, dark Devonian cliffs, sea caves and beaches that disappear at high tide. This magical setting is surrounded by incredible things to do near Tintagel, Cornwall, no matter whether you’re a lover of culture, history, hiking or cycling…
Tintagel Castle
Go on a legendary adventure at Tintagel Castle, a piece of Cornish history with links to the stories of King Arthur. Cross the spectacular new bridge to take in unforgettable views of the coastline and explore the history-rich headland. Walk among the castle ruins that still cling to the cliffs, find early-medieval remains and meet Gallos - the life-size bronze statue of an ancient king who keeps watch over the wild seas below. Soak up the natural beauty of the headland and look out for wildlife. You can often see seals playing in the water and the rugged cliffs teem with birds sheltering from the winds.
Cornwall Coast Path
If you enjoy walking, you must take a day to explore some of Cornwall’s 300 mile South West Coast Path. Offering a sheer variety of gentle stretches to more dramatic headlands, this walk near Tintagel will take introduce you to all that is great about Cornwall from steep coastal valleys to sheltered estuaries, busy harbours, intimate coves, moorlands and sandy beaches. Described as “walking at its most diverse, most spectacular and most delicious,” the South West Coast Path is the only hike in the UK to make it into the highly respected guide book and one of 12 hikes identified across the globe.
Merlin’s Cave
Located just beneath Tintagel Castle, Merlin’s Cave in Tintagel is said to be the very place where the wizard of the same name used to live. Measuring to 30-foot-long, the sea cave was formed by marine erosion and stretches all the way beneath the craggy head of land on which Tintagel Castle stands, allowing you to enter from one side and exit out the other. It is, without doubt, an impressive cave in its own right.
Glebe Cliff
A sight also accessible on the South West Coast Path, Glebe Cliff affords you with magnificent views over a spectacular section of coastline. The site has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its botanical and geological features, as well as a Special Area of Conservation. Some flowers here are nationally scarce, such as hairy birds-foot trefoil, wild chives, and autumn squill. The area is also thought to be the site of a royal cemetery that served the dynasty of Tintagel headland.
