Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle
4.5
About
Immerse yourself in history, myth and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this dramatic castle and coastline has fired the imaginations of writers, artists, and even the brother of a king. Now it's your turn to be inspired. Book online now to get the best price and get ready for a legendary, great-value family day out at one of Cornwall’s must-see attractions. Don’t miss: - Journey across the spectacular award-winning footbridge - Meet Gallos, the larger-than-life bronze sculpture of an ancient king - Explore Merlin’s Cave and paddle in rock pools on the beach - Take in dramatic coastal views and look out for wildlife on the clifftops
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- W.A.C.Bridport, United Kingdom45 contributionsAwesome!!We last came 4 years ago when the Castle was shut as they were building the bridge. We vowed We would come back and cross that bridge, and today we did!! What a fantastic place, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The very steep walk down to the castle played havoc with my knees, but it's worth it. It was a very, very windy day when we visited, which makes the walk across the bridge a bit lairy (they were thinking of closing it as we left, due to the weather) but oh my! the views. The Cornish coast is stunning, and the castle is fascinating. It's slightly rough terrain so decent shoes are a good idea, but a well-marked and maintained path makes it a bit easier. Definitely worth the walk up to the King. I just wish I was a couple of decades younger so I could come here again and again!!Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2023
- 436MimiLondon, United Kingdom131 contributionsAwesome to beholdIncredible place to visit. We had a lovely experience, made even better by glorious weather. This is definitely not a place for anyone who has trouble walking or needs accessible routes. The hills are super steep and the pathways/ steps are completely uneven. The trek down to Merlin’s cave is very hazardous for anyone not sturdy on their feet. If you do manage to do it, it is awesome and a fantastic sight to behold. Excellent photo opportunities and a lovely cafe as a reward for all the walking involved.Thank you so much for your review! We're glad you enjoyed your visit and that the weather was on your side.Written 12 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 April 2023
- mcareswellWarrington, United Kingdom76 contributionsTintagel do it.Really enjoyed our two hours walking around the castle site and enjoying the sun, fresh air and incredible views. And of course, the history of the castle is fascinating. The staff were all friendly and even my teenage daughter was amazed by how much she enjoyed it.Glad the sun was out during your visit and that your daughter found the site interesting! Thanks so much for leaving us a review and we hope you come back again soon :)Written 12 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 7 April 2023
- tassieNigelMelbourne, Australia48 contributionsStunning views and wouldn't have missed itQuite expensive, but enjoyed every moment. If I had to find fault it'd be with the lack of signage once you've crossed the bridge. The museum felt a bit dated to be honest. It felt like to me, too much is made of the 1200s plus castle and what happened after and not enough about 400 AD and the huge tin trading that occurred with the Romans and the Mediterranean traders.Thanks very much for the feedback and for the review! Glad you enjoyed your visit :)Written 12 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 8 April 2023
- PandyPandoraHarpenden, United Kingdom913 contributionsTintagel Castle - CornwallTintagel Castle is managed by English Heritage and it is advisable to book timed tickets online in advance. The closest car park is The Castle Car Park on Atlantic Road (in the Wootons Inn). I think it was cash only at the time of our visit (£3.50 for two hours, £5 for all day). There are plenty of other car parks around the town if this is full. The entrance to the site is at the top of Castle Road and you then need to allow 20-30 minutes to walk down the road to the entrance to the footbridge where your timed ticket slot begins. At the bottom of Castle Road, near the footbridge to the island, is a nice cafe (Beach Cafe), gift shop, interesting exhibition of the site and toilets. The buildings are refurbished from the mining industry. There are also great views looking up at the footbridge and island and of the coast. Double check on the English Heritage website on the day of your visit as the footbridge and island may be closed due to the weather as happened to us. If this is the case, you will still be able to walk down to the cafe, shop and toilets and get the views. We saw that there is a Land Rover service to take you back up the (very steep) Castle Road. This is not managed by English Heritage and there is a small fee. It's worth every penny! The isolated church you can see near the coast from the top of Castle Road is St Materiana's Church. Top tip from the English Heritage lady that you can drive to the church. There is a free National Trust car park there. The church itself is interesting but the highlight are the spectacular views of Tintagel island and the coast. You can even see the Gallos statue on the island. Amazing.Thanks so much for such a detailed review! We're glad you enjoyed your visit :)Written 12 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 11 April 2023
- NichaUk1,233 contributionsMust see place to visitWe are English Hertitage members, but if we had been paying I felt £47 for a family ticket expensive. Nearest parking is in the village and you walk down. The path branches to the left to climb up and go over the footbridge. Note there are toilets but these are at the bottom of the hill. This is a very exposed headland so be prepared. The scenery is amazing and loads of history. You take a different route down that'll take you to the bottom of the hill where there's a cafe and toilets. Part way down this path you can drop down to the beach and see the caves (not English Heritage), be warned the steps have fallen away right at the bottom and people were just clambering everywhere, not waiting for others to go past. It was a little dangerous to be honest, as any fall would be onto stone or concrete. The walk back up is for sure up hill. There is an option to pay for a land-rover to take you up at extra cost.Thanks very much for the feedback and for your review. We're glad you enjoyed your visit!Written 12 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 April 2023
- Kirsty H194 contributionsSkip the castle!A lovely full day out with teenagers, with plenty to explore. £47 is very expensive for the additional opportunities, as you can have a lovely walk, views and visit Merlin’s cave and beach for free so probably wouldn’t bother paying the extra cost; we did and did enjoy the day but wouldn’t have enjoyed it much less skipping the castle. Great day out if you are a national heritage member though. The Tintagel town is also really quirky and fun, lots of witchcraft and fun shops and we really enjoyed visiting, which is why I scored the attraction as high as I did.Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 April 2023
- L GLondon, United Kingdom275 contributionsLovely Cornish Castle VisitVisited Tintagel Castle with a friend in March and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit, and were lucky that the weather was on our side. All of the staff were helpful, attentive and welcoming. Lovely little cafe over looking the sea where we enjoyed a hot chocolate complete with cream, marshmallows and a flake, a sausage roll and pasty. Lots of condiments offered, napkins and spoons to get the marshmallows out! Loads of information about the castle and it history dotted around everywhere, little museum with a shop. The toilets and cafe are wheel chair friendly and there are shuttle Landrover Defenders to take visitors up and down the hill if they are struggling.Thanks so much for reviewing, we'll definitely pass this onto the staff and we're so glad you enjoyed your visit :) Hope to see you again soon!Written 19 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 April 2023
- HibiscusRedWorthing, United Kingdom13 contributionsKind gentlemenThank you very to the kind & lovely gentlemen who showed such concern when I was trying to get over my sudden fear of heights near the bridge. He gave me a bottle of water & kept asking me how I was. Such kindness deserve highlighting. You are a credit to your job as one of the Tintagel Castle assistants.Thank you for your kind words, we'll definitely be passing this on! We hope you enjoyed your visit and see you again soon :)Written 19 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 15 April 2023
- RoseSan Francisco, California3 contributionsAncient BeautyTintagel Castle is a must when you visit Tintagel. You are suddenly transported back in time to medieval England. If you are a sensitive soul, you can feel certain energies left behind by those who came before. Beneath the castle is Merlin's Cave, and if you go during low tide, you can climb down to view the natural crystals that shape the magical cave.Thanks so much for your review, we're so pleased you enjoyed your visit!Written 19 June 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2022Written 17 April 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
4,951 reviews
Excellent
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444
Poor
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132
FarAway14901298485
3 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Visited Tintagel Castle and cafe today with our dog. Great, interesting place to visit with great views. The volunteer on the way up to the Castle was friendly and super informative and the cafe staff lovely. Our dog was made very welcome all the way around and as he is old with arthritis got a ride back to the top of the hill in the landrover. We had a lovely day
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
138Paul138
Canterbury, UK978 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Some general points first. We visited in March. The main car park is a short walk from the entrance. It’s not expensive to park. Give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours.
Book tickets online if you can.
The path to the entrance is steep downhill followed by an uphill path. Wear sensible footwear as there are plenty of stone steps and gravel paths. The cafe and toilets are at the bottom of the steep area where the castle ruins are located. For a small fee there is a landrover shuttle bus for those that would rather not walk. Disabled access is not possible. Dogs are welcome.
Once up amongst the ruins the views, (weather permitting) are fabulous. Information boards provide an idea of what the ruins used to be. The statue of King Arthur is beautifully located. There are markers which direct you in a circular route. Crossing the bridge high above the water is fun. Overall it is an excellent attraction with very friendly and helpful staff. Well worth the money.
Book tickets online if you can.
The path to the entrance is steep downhill followed by an uphill path. Wear sensible footwear as there are plenty of stone steps and gravel paths. The cafe and toilets are at the bottom of the steep area where the castle ruins are located. For a small fee there is a landrover shuttle bus for those that would rather not walk. Disabled access is not possible. Dogs are welcome.
Once up amongst the ruins the views, (weather permitting) are fabulous. Information boards provide an idea of what the ruins used to be. The statue of King Arthur is beautifully located. There are markers which direct you in a circular route. Crossing the bridge high above the water is fun. Overall it is an excellent attraction with very friendly and helpful staff. Well worth the money.
Written 17 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John354
Hereford, UK112 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The Castle was a great experience and you felt as if you were part of History. Unfortunately to take part in History involved a lot of steps up. I am not a healthy specimen but it was well worth the climb. It is all well signposted to clarify where you were, you could imagine it all those hundreds of years. If you enjoy it take a side trip to The Church on the hill, even though it is not part of the castle. The scones on the beach side café are great and you get a great view of Merlin’s Cave from there.
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CsC
Blaine, WA547 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
What amazing walk we had here. The views are breathtaking but it's a bit of work getting down once you go all the way up! The stairs have handrails but they are quite steep and can be a bit slippery. Be sure and hold on!
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jilly T
Cardiff, UK100 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
We visited the castle today, we went early for the 10 o'clock opening, the weather was good, not too many people there, it was very interesting, plenty of information boards and a few benches to rest up. An amazing place when you look at the history there, you need sensible shoes etc as there's a lot of steps and paths but it's worth it, there's a cafe and loo at the end of the path , take your time on the island, it's worth the trek.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicetulips
Watford, UK91 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Unfortunately was wet and cold and windy on the day we went. I enjoyed Range Rover drive back to top of hill more. Coffee was nice and hot and toilet available
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giles W
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • Couples
We were away for my partner’s birthday, staying in a wooden lodge with a hot tub, absolutely lush, just 5min drive / 20min walk from Tintagel castle, the castle was an experience not to be mist, the weather was rather blowy and damp, but that made it even more of an experience, knowing we were walking were knights had once walked, were Merlin had lived, it was all very good, some of the steps are steep, I would recommend walking boots, we took the easy way back up the hill from the castle by ladrover only a few pounds each, and well worth it, the village it’s self is lovey and definitely, lovey coffee shops and gift shops, we would recommend going there, and defiantly taking a trip to Boscastle while you are there.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel G
40 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Loved it. It felt like we’d been dropped into the film set on one of the lord of the rings films. I recommend physically abled people only as there’s a fair amount of climbing and clambering, if you want the full experience.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emma b
4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Brilliant, loved all the information. Some steps are slippery, but overall walk was fine. The jeep back up the hill was welcomed.
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graham S
Royal Tunbridge Wells, UK100 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Blowing a Hoolie, pouring down with rain. Didn't go too near the edges but it was very interesting despite the fact that there isn't a great deal to see still standing. Still got a sense of the place though.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there somewhere I can leave my pedal cycle secure?
Jessica
Chesterfield, UK129 contributions
Depends if you mean at the top before you go down toward the castle then yes, there are various places you can lock your bike to. If you mean down near the castle and cafe then there is limited places.
can nt members enter the castle free
mcareswell
Warrington, UK76 contributions
No. You have to be an EH member.
25screenwipes
Blackpool, UK57 contributions
What is it like for people of limited mobility?
Karen Miller
13 contributions
I do not recommend i am fully able and i struggled
25screenwipes
Blackpool, UK57 contributions
What is it like for people of limited mobility?
Smiffys Dad
Liskeard, UK51 contributions
National trust member Tintagel castle
Starsky22
Poole, UK55 contributions
Tintagel Castle is English Heritage and not a dual site with National Trust.
ililili
Shoham, Israel332 contributions
Hi. Is there a Land Rover service during December? Do I understand correctly that the hardest part is claiming up to the village after going all the way down the stairs? TNX
mark burke
Selby, UK123 contributions
There are 3 County class landrovers in use depending on the attendance levels and they drive you down to the beach side cafe stopping at the steps leading to the castle ruins, you can cross the bridge as many times as you like as its 80yds from the entrance gate, there is no time limit to this attraction but it is very uneven, not pushchair friendly, the last 100yds back to the carpark is a 1:3 hill, there's no steps just a steep hill, enjoy
Lisa
Southampton, UK2 contributions
We are travelling to Tintagel as a group of 8 adults, 1 x 18mth year old and two babies under 4 mths old. Would this be a suitable place for us to visit? Which parts could we access?
Paddy M
London, UK82 contributions
Not pushchair friendly but definitely worth a visit with youngsters in slings
How long should I allow to visit the Castle and see all there is to see?
Meme R
Kenilworth, UK265 contributions
Depends on weather and how much walking you want to do. To see main bits at leisurely pace at least 2 to 3 hours. If you want to paddle in cove or eat in cafe a little longer.
I have just returned at we were there 3 and half hours (but did stop to take lot pictures due to stunning views) We didn't do it all but main areas and don't think we missed out by not doing it all
And had a quick pit stop at Cafe.
Have fantastic time
Ali B
Launceston, UK31 contributions
Can you go over and back on the bridge?
Clare H
14 contributions
No over on bridge and off down the steps. However, if you can't do the steps for a reason talk to the guides as they were letting some people come off by going back over the bridge to meet their specific need. Plus a few got past without them seeing.
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Claim your listingTINTAGEL CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Tintagel Castle
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Tintagel Castle:
- 5-Day Devon and Cornwall Small-Group Tour from London (From €1,095.64)
- 2-Day Tour of King Arthur's Cornwall in Tintagel, Boscastle and Dartmoor from Glastonbury (From €294.22)
- North Cornwall guided tour (From €248.58)
- Castles, Canals and Witches in Cornwall England (From €479.15)
- The Legend of King Arthur (From €660.49)
- Hotels near Tintagel Castle:
- (0.23 km) Camelot Castle Hotel
- (0.32 km) Trevenna Lodge
- (0.49 km) Bosayne Guest House
- (0.82 km) Lewis's Bed and Breakfast
- (0.31 km) Lan-Y-Mor
- Restaurants near Tintagel Castle:
- (0.10 km) Tintagel Castle Beach Cafe
- (0.22 km) Irina's Restaurant at Camelot Castle
- (0.23 km) Afternoon Tea At Camelot Castle
- (0.50 km) King Arthur's Cafe
- (0.23 km) The Explorers Tea Room
- Attractions near Tintagel Castle:
- (0.01 km) Gallos King Arthur
- (0.01 km) Royal Albert Park
- (0.12 km) Merlin's Cave
- (0.24 km) Camelot Castle Hotel Bar
- (0.48 km) St. Materiana's Church