Tintagel Castle
Legendary clifftop castle, birthplace of King Arthur, with dramatic coastal views and a striking new footbridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Tintagel Castle
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Legendary clifftop castle, birthplace of King Arthur, with dramatic coastal views and a striking new footbridge.
"Seriously, what is this place? This is heaven. 
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is steep and uneven; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Footbridge
Connecting mainland to island
A modern marvel offering breathtaking views and a dramatic entrance to the castle ruins.
Gallos Statue
On the mainland side
An imposing sculpture of King Arthur, a striking symbol of the castle's legendary status.
Merlin's Cave
Beneath the castle
Explore this sea cave at low tide, steeped in Arthurian myth and accessible via a unique passage.
The Beach
At the base of the castle
Discover treasures and explore the coastline when the tide recedes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Cliffs: Be Prepared for the Climb
Book Ahead & Time Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is steep and uneven; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Consider the Shuttle
A small fee for a shuttle cab can save you the strenuous walk back up the hill. :bus:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Essential for accessing Merlin's Cave and exploring the beach below.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain is steep and uneven; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Consider the Shuttle
A small fee for a shuttle cab can save you the strenuous walk back up the hill. :bus:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Essential for accessing Merlin's Cave and exploring the beach below.
📸 Capture the Views
Late morning offers the best light for dramatic coastal photography. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking coastal scenery and the dramatic new footbridge, calling it a 'heavenly' experience. The historical significance and the legend of King Arthur add to the enchantment. While the steep paths require effort, the stunning views and well-maintained site make it a highly recommended visit for history buffs and nature lovers alike. +1
"Really worth a visit, especially on a perfect day, like today! Stunning views. The new bridge is quite remarkable, and very well stabilised. Very busy but it was nice to see so many overseas visitors. The English Heritage run café there is great, with large pasties in evidence and good coffee and cakes.
Tasteful gift shop including an informative exhibition, and with public loos for a wash and brush up. Also an electric shuttle bus to take us elderly tourists back up the very steep hill to Tintagel. Ice cream from a mobile van was very welcome too. Allow 2 plus hours to take it all in. Late morning is best light for photography."
Nigel Hutchings
"What a view! To visit the ruins of Tintagel Castle the surrounding cliffs alone are worth it.
From the castle itself are just a few remains.
When the tide is low you can explore the few caves down at the beach, including Merlin’s cave.
The walk over the bridge is stunning
The fees are quite high with 20 Pounds but the historical site has to be kept. So we didn’t mind too much."
Mireille Krell
"Parked in the big car park opposite the old post office. Good rates to stay.
Booked tickets on line for Castle had a set entry time.
Path to Castle is steep going down and steps going up to the entrance point.
Once past this point walkway is marked , wear sturdy footwear, views are amazing, allow your imagination to drift back in time to how the castle looked, how hard it must have been to live there. Plus the amazing statue to see.
Cafe and gift shop lies in the valley below, steps going down steep at times. View of bridge and sea is great from here. Cafe is well stocked.
Electric mini bus can take you most of the way back up the valley for £2 donation per adult and 50p for dog.
Loved our visit, staff helpful and friendly."
Martin Wakefield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tintagel Castle is located on the North Cornwall coast. If driving, there are car parks nearby, though they can fill up quickly. Public transport options include buses that run to Tintagel village. From the village, it's a walk to the castle entrance.
Yes, there are car parks available near Tintagel village. These can get busy, especially during peak season, so arriving early is advised.
Yes, it's a scenic walk from Tintagel village to the castle entrance. The path can be steep in places, so factor this into your journey.
Yes, an electric shuttle bus service operates from the village to the castle entrance, which is particularly helpful for those with mobility issues or who wish to avoid the steep walk.
From London, you can take a train to Bodmin Parkway or Newquay, then connect to a bus service heading towards Tintagel. Driving is also an option, taking approximately 5-6 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tintagel Castle is managed by English Heritage. Members get free entry. For non-members, ticket prices vary, and booking online in advance is recommended.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during busy periods, to secure your entry and avoid potential queues.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
The site has steep paths and uneven terrain. While the new footbridge is accessible, some areas may be challenging. The shuttle bus service can assist with the climb back up.
Access to the castle grounds and the new footbridge requires a ticket. However, you can walk around the exterior and visit Merlin's Cave at low tide without a ticket.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the medieval ruins, the Gallos statue, Merlin's Cave, and enjoy stunning coastal views. The new footbridge is a major highlight.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the castle and its surroundings.
Yes, there is an English Heritage cafe on-site offering refreshments, including pasties, coffee, and cakes.
The Gallos statue is a striking sculpture of King Arthur located on the mainland side of Tintagel Castle, representing the legendary birthplace.
Yes, it's possible to swim through Merlin's Cave at low tide, offering a unique and adventurous experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Late morning is often recommended for the best light, offering dramatic coastal scenery and clear views of the castle ruins.
The new footbridge, the Gallos statue, Merlin's Cave (at low tide), and the dramatic cliffside views are all incredibly photogenic.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites like Tintagel Castle to protect the heritage and visitor experience. Check English Heritage guidelines for specifics.
Yes, the beach below the castle offers fantastic perspectives of the ruins and the dramatic coastline, especially when the tide is out.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the footbridge. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the ruins.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Exploring Merlin's Cave at low tide is like stepping into a real-life legend! Be prepared for the steep paths; consider using the shuttle bus for the return journey if little legs get tired.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic lunch to save on cafe costs.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Explore Merlin's Cave hand-in-hand at low tide for an intimate and adventurous experience.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the cliff paths, taking in the stunning scenery and the whispers of ancient tales. The on-site cafe offers a pleasant spot for a coffee or a cream tea with a view. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of King Arthur and Tintagel
Visitors often feel a sense of stepping back in time, imagining the knights and royalty who may have once walked these grounds. The Arthurian connection is a primary draw for many, adding a layer of magic to the already stunning natural beauty. The English Heritage manages the site, ensuring its preservation while making the history accessible to visitors. They provide informative exhibitions and well-maintained pathways. The Gallos statue serves as a powerful visual reminder of this enduring legend.
Exploring the castle allows you to immerse yourself in the stories of King Arthur, Uther Pendragon, and Merlin. The rugged coastline and the whispers of the sea seem to echo the ancient tales, making Tintagel a truly enchanting destination for history and mythology enthusiasts.
Navigating the Terrain: Paths and Accessibility
Comfortable, sturdy footwear is non-negotiable for a safe and enjoyable visit.
When the tide is out, the beach below the castle becomes accessible, offering a different perspective and a chance to explore the coastline.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Tintagel
For the best light, aim for a visit in the late morning, when the sun illuminates the coastline beautifully.
Remember to pack a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for details of the ruins. The ever-changing Cornish weather can also add drama to your shots, so be prepared for various conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit