English Heritage

During the 5th to 7th centuries, Tintagel was a mighty island fortress — a place where Cornish rulers once walked and legends began to grow. Stories of its past glory echoed through the ages, and by the 12th century Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote that this was the place where King Arthur was conceived.

The castle's atmospheric ruins stand partly on the mainland and partly on the island. In medieval times the two halves were connected by a bridge. Today, you can cross our own footbridge to explore the Great Hall and beyond. Don't miss the iconic sculpture of Gallos — a life-sized artwork of an ancient king.

When the tide’s out, you can enjoy the small sandy beach and explore the atmospheric Merlin’s Cave. Keep an eye out for seals bobbing in the water. When everyone’s ready for a bite to eat, the Beach Café is the perfect spot to refuel and enjoy the sea view.

Tintagel Castle sits high on the North Cornwall clifftops. If you’d like more details about getting around the site, our access page has plenty of helpful information for visitors with different access needs.