Tintagel Castle, Cornwall – Historic Walk around Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall – Historic Walk around Tintagel Castle

Dramatic scenery, rich history, enduring legends. 
Tintagel is a name that resonates with myth, majesty, and the wild allure of 
the North Cornish coast. Join us as we take an incredible walk to the 
craggy headland described as one of Cornwall’s most iconic sites and learn 
more than just the story of King Arthur. We are just arriving in the village of 
Tintagel on the northern coast of Cornwall, sandwiched between Port Isaac and Boscastle, which 
we had already visited on the same day. If you watched previously, we took a charming morning 
walk amongst the higgledy-piggledy cottages of Port Isaac Harbour and the breathtaking coastal 
path nearby. Lunchtime saw us explore Boscastle with its dramatic natural S-shaped harbour 
and beautiful quayside. And this brings us to our afternoon and this bustling village, which 
we’ll take a walk through after our castle walk. Tintagel is most easily reached by car due 
to limited public transport and the absence of a train station. However, it is possible 
to arrive by bus. Take the number 11 from Bodmin Parkway, the nearest mainline station 
to Wadebridge, then change to the number 95, a journey totalling approximately 90 
minutes. Additional bus routes are available from Bude or Newquay. Consult 
the bus website for further options. Well, good afternoon and welcome to Tintagel. 
We’ve just parked up in King Arthur’s car park in the centre of the village. It’s about the closest 
we can get to the entrance to the attraction. And so, we’ll make our way in there now and get our 
tickets and get on down into Tintagel Castle. The village was once known as Trevena, a Cornish 
name meaning “village on a mountain”. It was only the headland that was known as Tintagel. In the 
19th century, for the convenience of the postal service and likely to leverage the fame of the 
castle, the village adopted the name Tintagel. Our walk from the car park to 
the castle entrance is just a few minutes and is the easiest part 
of our walk this afternoon. You can check the English Heritage website for 
opening times and current ticket prices. Whilst you can buy a ticket here at the top, one 
is not needed for this first part. We’ll show you the areas you can go for free first before the 
ticket is needed. It’s quite a steep downhill walk. Normally, there is a shuttle bus service to 
help those with mobility issues. But on our day, it was only working from the bottom to the 
halfway point due to some work going on. The walk is about 15 minutes down in total, 
which we’ve shortened for the sake of the video. At this point, the sign directs you 
to the castle, where you’ll need your ticket, or continue walking downhill, as we 
will, to the exhibition centre, cafe, toilets, viewpoint, and Merlin’s 
Cave, all of which are still free. Here is the shuttle bus that 
usually takes you back up to the top. It’s £1 a ride and tickets 
can be bought from the gift shop. A stream has been following our 
route down through the valley. It runs alongside the cafe towards the rocky 
beach at Tintagel Haven. Its final moments before dramatically spilling into the sea are 
best seen when looking down from the castle. Back in the 13th century, a mill was built 
to harness its power for grinding corn. The only toilets on the entire site can be 
found beside the gift shop as well as the exhibition centre, which showcases 
significant archaeological finds, including imported pottery and glass from the 
fifth and sixth centuries. It also features a dynamic 3D model of the headland that visually 
charts the site’s transformation over 1500 years. If you choose to go straight 
to the castle, don’t worry, you won’t miss this area, as it’s where 
you end up at the end of the castle tour. Nestled beneath the dramatic ruins, Tintagel Haven 
is a small yet historically significant cove. This sheltered beach is rich with 
natural and historical wonders. Its most famous feature, Merlin’s Cave, is a magnificent sea tunnel 
cutting through the headland. You can clamber down to the beach, but do so 
with caution and be mindful of the tide times, as there is no lifeguard here. At low 
tide, it is possible to peer into the cave. Once a thriving post-Roman and medieval port, 
Tintagel served as a bustling hub for trade, facilitating the exchange of goods 
between the Mediterranean and local regions. Archaeological discoveries reveal 
the import of exotic items such as olive oil, wines, and fine tableware, likely in exchange 
for Cornish tin. Even in the 19th century, Victorian slate quarrymen continued to 
utilise the area for commercial purposes. After the mid-7th century, there is little 
evidence of activity on the headland for over 500 years. And we’ll pick up the story again when 
we reach the bridge to cross over onto the island. Will walked back up the hill via a more 
direct, steep path to join the trail that guides you to the bridge crossing. I decided 
that we should also sample the shuttle bus. There’s Si, in the little buggy coming up the 
hill, cuz he didn’t want to walk up the steps. Video evidence of being lazy. There he is waving. Remember, we only walked down first to show you the free areas and use the loos before we started. 
You can get to see the Haven and Merlin’s cave right at the end of the tour anyway, should you 
visit. Having both walked the different paths, we reconnected at the ticket booth before 
the bridge. The ruins are divided between the mainland and the island. Historically, the 
two sections were linked by a bridge. Since 2019, an impressive new cantilever footbridge has 
reconnected them. Itself an engineering marvel. Currently, this incredible bridge is undergoing 
remedial work, including a new paint job as the salty sea air takes its toll. Therefore, we were 
unable to fully appreciate its design today. The enduring association with King Arthur was 
established in the 12th century, primarily through the writings of Jeffrey of Monmouth in his 
influential work, History of the Kings of Britain. It was Jeffrey who named Tintagel as the 
dramatic setting for King Arthur’s conception. This literary connection, rather than historical 
evidence from Arthur’s supposed time circa the 5th and 6th centuries, cemented Tintagel’s place in 
Arthurian lore. It’s plausible that the existing memories or folklore surrounding Tintagel as an 
ancient seat of Cornish kings inspired Jeffrey to choose this already evocative and significant 
location for his narrative. The stone ruins that visitors primarily see today are those of the medieval castle built in the 1230s by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother of King Henry III. Earl Richard, one of the wealthiest men in Europe at the time, likely constructed the castle because 
of the burgeoning Arthurian legends associated with Tintagel by Jeffrey of Monmouth. The site 
held little genuine military or strategic value in the 13th century. Its primary appeal was its 
legendary status. By building a castle at the very place linked to the conception of the heroic King 
Arthur, Richard was making a powerful statement, enhancing his own prestige and connecting himself 
to a potent symbol of kingship and chivalry. Once across the bridge, we encounter 
the medieval gateway and courtyards, the true historical entrance to 
Earl Richard’s 13th-century castle. This is what’s left of the great hall. Imagine 
the feasts and gatherings that happened right here. Interspersed with and often underlying these 
medieval structures are the more subtle footprints of an earlier high-status settlement dating from 
the 5th to 7th century. This was the stronghold of Dumnonian rulers, a thriving trading port. After Richard’s death in 1272, Tintagel Castle continued its legacy as the traditional residence of Cornish 
Kings. However, by the 14th century, the castle had begun to deteriorate. A 1337 survey by the 
Duchy of Cornwall noted its dilapidated state, describing it as a walled castle with two decayed 
chambers and a decayed stables for eight horses. The bake house was also reported as ruined, and 
only the chapel remained in use, where a chaplain conducted daily services. You have probably 
noticed the large building on the mainland. This hotel was commissioned in 1894 by Sir Robert 
Harvey and designed by architect Sylvanus Travail. Originally named King Arthur’s Castle Hotel, it 
opened in 1899 and quickly became a high society retreat attracting Victorian and Edwardian elites. In 1999, it was purchased by the Mappin family, who renamed it the Camelot Castle Hotel. They 
have since undertaken a major restoration, turning it into a unique hotel and a creative 
hub for an artist-in-residence program. The building has also been featured in films and 
television, including the 1979 film Dracula. Much of the level surface of the island 
is covered by lines of small rectangular huts. The remains of the very early 
settlement. Some are visible today, having been reconstructed after excavations 
in the 1930s, but many more became known after a fire swept through the headland 
during a very dry summer in 1983. In 1998, an inscribed stone was found 
near one of the dark-age buildings. The large letters may be Roman, indicating 
an even earlier inhabited era for the headland. The small letters date from the 
sixth century and are written in Latin. Dominating the clifftop on the island is Gallos, 
an 8 foot tall bronze sculpture by Rubin Eynon installed in 2016. Its name means power in 
Cornish. While popularly dubbed the King Arthur statue, English Heritage clarifies it’s inspired 
by the legend of King Arthur and Tintagel’s broader royal past rather than being a definitive 
representation of Arthur himself. The sculpture’s design allowed the landscape to be seen through 
the figure, giving it a ghostly appearance. We absolutely love the design of the sculpture. 
What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Here are the ruins of the chapel, which sits 
atop of a much older Dark Ages dwelling. Edward the “Black Prince”, the first Duke 
of Cornwall, paid a priest 50 shillings a year to celebrate mass and say prayers 
every day, even though he never visited, and the congregation was non-existent, 
and most of the buildings were in ruins. This man-made tunnel is a subject of 
historical debate regarding its original purpose. While some have speculated it 
was a secret passage, it’s more likely that it functioned as a food store due to its 
cool, dark environment, similar to a cellar. Excavations indicate this was the 
site of the medieval walled garden. The views across the island in land and out to sea 
are quite stunning from this high vantage point, which we have slowly weaved our way 
to. We’ll now head back towards the bridge and have a far more dramatic way 
to cross back over to the mainland using the older route that connected 
the island before the new bridge. Looking up at the bridge, it’s worth noting that 
the headland was once connected by a relatively level though narrow rocky path in the 13th 
century. However, erosion took its toll, leading to the creation of the chasm in the 
15th century after a significant collapse. In the Victorian era, interest in the 
legend of King Arthur was renewed as travel to places like Tintagel became more 
easily accessible. Artists and poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson visited the castle. 
Merlin’s cave, which we’ve now returned to, became famous for the scene in 
Tennyson’s Idylls of the King. Having navigated you around Tintagel Castle, let’s begin the long, slow climb back up 
to the village for a brief look around. Tintagel Village, though small, serves as 
a vibrant beginning or end to a visit to the castle. It possesses an “olde worlde 
feel” with many of its establishments, from cafes to gift shops, enthusiastically 
embracing the Arthurian theme. Tintagel Old Post Office is a uniquely charming 
14th-century yeoman’s farmhouse instantly recognisable by its distinctively wonky roof of 
Tudor origins. In the Victorian era, it served as a letter receiving office. A National Trust 
ticket or membership is required to look inside. Our walk around the village was brief and 
we did miss King Arthur’s Great Halls, renowned for its 72 stunning stained glass windows by Veronica Whall which depicted Arthur’s 
tales. Do check that out if you have time. Whilst I eat my ice cream, let’s have a look at 
where we’ll be next time in Cornwall. St. Ives is a radiant jewel nestled on the Cornish coast. 
It’s a place where the vibrant threads of art, the ever-present sea, and a deep-rooted 
history are intricately woven together, creating a destination that constantly captures 
hearts and accolades. Frequently named one of the UK’s best seaside towns. We’ll take 
a coastal train to arrive in the centre for an afternoon stroll, enjoying the narrow 
cobbled streets that wind through the town, the golden beaches and highlights of the rich 
cultural tapestry that await every visitor. Well, from our favourite spot here on the island 
at Tintagel Castle, thanks so much for watching today. Thanks for joining us. Been a fantastic 
trip, and do join us again on another video in our Cornish series. Subscribe and give us a 
like. It really does help, and we’d love to have you on board for the next video. So, 
take care. See you next time. Bye-bye now.

This time, we dive into the wild and wondrous world of Tintagel! Have you ever wondered about the dramatic clifftop ruins on Cornwall’s rugged coast, steeped in the legend of King Arthur? Join us as we explore the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of this incredible location. This video takes you on a journey to one of the most iconic and mythical places in all of England.

Tintagel, a name that echoes with tales of magic and majesty, is a place where history and legend collide. While many know it as the supposed birthplace of King Arthur, its true story is just as fascinating. The headland was once a thriving trading post in the 5th and 6th centuries, a high-status settlement for Dumnonian rulers who traded with the Mediterranean. Archaeological digs have unearthed exotic pottery and glassware, revealing a hidden history that predates the famous Arthurian legends.

Fast forward to the 13th century, and we see the medieval castle ruins that dominate the landscape today. Built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, the castle was less of a strategic fortress and more of a powerful statement. Inspired by Geoffrey of Monmouth’s “History of the Kings of Britain” which cemented Tintagel’s place in Arthurian lore, Richard built the castle to link himself to the powerful symbols of kingship and chivalry.

Today, the site is a magnificent blend of past and present. The incredible new cantilevered footbridge, an engineering marvel in its own right, connects the mainland to the island, offering a dramatic entry to the ruins. As you walk among the remains of the Great Hall and the smaller huts, you can almost hear the echoes of feasting rulers and ancient traders. And don’t forget the breathtaking views from the island, looking out across the sea to where Merlin’s Cave carves its way into the cliff face below.

Beyond the castle, you can explore the charming village, once known as Trevena. It’s now filled with shops and cafes all leaning into the Arthurian theme. Just a short walk away is the Tintagel Old Post Office, a unique 14th-century farmhouse with a “wonky roof” that’s a delight to see.

This location isn’t just a castle; it’s a journey through time, a place where you can feel the weight of history and the power of legend in every step.

If you love exploring historical and mythical places like this, make sure to like this video, subscribe to our channel for more adventures, and let us know in the comments if you’ve ever visited Tintagel or plan to! What’s your favourite part of the Arthurian legends?

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With thanks to www.google.com and Google Earth for the use of their images.
00:00 Tintagel Overview
00:34 Getting to Tintagel
02:17 Free areas of Tintagel Castle
04:38 Tintagel Haven
05:53 Merlin’s Cave & Port History
08:17 Tintagel Castle Bridge
09:48 King Arthur Legend
10:37 13th Century Castle
12:48 Camelot Castle Hotel
13:38 Island Walk
16:55 Gallos (King Arthur Statue)
17:47 Island Walk Continues..
20:35 Dramatic Gatehouse Walk
22:47 Brief Tintagel Village Walk
25:14 Next Time….

#tintagel #kingarthur #visitcornwall