FAQs about the history of Tintagel Castle

What did Tintagel Castle look like?

Over many thousands of years, the harsh Celtic Sea between Britanny and Ireland has battered the cliffs of north Cornwall, cutting bays into the land and leaving ‘headlands’ sticking out into the sea like fingers of rock. When Roman Britain was collapsing in about AD 400, a Cornish lord made one headland his fortress, which became known as Tintagel – ‘fort of the narrow rock’ in Cornish.

Archaeologists have shown that in the 400s and 500s, shipments of Mediterranean wine and plates were sometimes unloaded here, small houses were built and feasts were held.

In the 1100s the abandoned fortress became famous when Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote his medieval bestseller, History of the Kings of Britain. Readers particularly liked the story of King Arthur, who, Geoffrey said, was conceived at Tintagel in an unsettling episode of magic, deception and sexual assault, orchestrated by the magician Merlin. The site also was famous in the Middle Ages because French and Cornish stories told of a King Mark who lived here.

In the 1230s, King Henry III's brother, Richard of Cornwall, wanted some of the glory of the old princes like Mark and Arthur so he bought the land at Tintagel and built a new castle with strong walls, a great hall and a chapel. But over the next two or three centuries the ‘fort of the narrow rock’ gradually collapsed into the sea and the headland became an island. Today, mainland and island have been rejoined by the modern footbridge that opened in 2019, and where you can, once again, walk in the footsteps of King Mark and Earl Richard.

When was Tintagel Castle built?

The first ‘castle’ at Tintagel was built around AD 400, a fortress by the cliffs with a natural rock land-bridge leading to the ‘island’ of Tintagel. Small houses were built on both sides of this land-bridge in the 4th and 5th centuries and more houses and a chapel were added over the next five centuries.

In the 1230s Richard, Earl of Cornwall, built a medieval castle here with larger buildings including a great hall and a longer chapel. Today most of the visible remains of Tintagel Castle are of Richard of Cornwall’s 13th-century castle but the low ruins of some of the older stone buildings survive, excavated and preserved by archaeologists.

How old is Tintagel Castle?

Most of the remains you can see at Tintagel Castle today are around 800 years old. They date back to the 13th century when the site was transformed into a castle for Richard, Earl of Cornwall – King Henry III’s brother. However, there has been a presence on the site since the 5th century when it became an important stronghold of the rulers of Cornwall: the stone foundations for some of these earlier buildings survive.

What is Tintagel Castle famous for?

Tintagel Castle is renowned for its legendary association with King Arthur, who, according to the early stories, was conceived here and perhaps born here as well. Other Cornish and French stories tell of King Mark and Queen Isolde who had a royal court here.

Archaeological evidence shows that between the 5th and 7th centuries AD, the site served as an important stronghold and trading centre. Archaeology, history and legend all suggest that Tintagel was the fortress of Cornwall’s rulers. These enduring stories later inspired Richard of Cornwall to construct his own castle on the site in the 1230s.

FAQs about visiting Tintagel Castle

Where is Tintagel Castle?

Tintagel Castle is in the village of Tintagel on Cornwall’s north coast, between Padstow and Bude. The Castle is situated on Castle Road, Tintagel, PL34 0HE. You will find pay and display car parks in Tintagel Village, 600 metres away from the site.

Is Tintagel Castle National Trust?

No, Tintagel Castle is not National Trust. It is managed by English Heritage. With an English Heritage membership you can enter for free and can visit as often as they like. Become a member today.

Is Tintagel Castle dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome at Tintagel Castle, but as the site includes many steps and steep cliff edges, please always keep them on a lead. Water is available for dogs at the café on request too.

What time does Tintagel castle open?

• From 29 March 2025 – 30 September 2025, Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10am till 6pm daily, with last entry an hour before closing at 5pm.
• From 1 October 2025 – 25 October 2025, Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10am till 5pm
• From 26 October 2025 – 2 November 2025, Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10am till 4pm
• From 3 November 2025 – 30 November 2025, Tintagel Castle is open Wednesday through to Sunday from 10am till 4pm
• From 1 December 2025 – 23 December 2025, Tintagel Castle is open Friday through to Sunday from 10am till 4pm. It is closed from 24 December – 26 December 2025.
• From 27 December 2025 – 1 January 2026, Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10am till 4pm
• From 2 January 2026 – 13 February 2026, Tintagel Castle is open Friday through to Sunday from 10am till 4pm
• From 14 February 2026 – 22 February 2026, Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10am till 4pm
• From 23 February 2026 – 27 March 2026, Tintagel Castle is open Wednesday through to Sunday from 10am till 4pm

Where can you park at Tintagel Castle?

You will find pay and display car parks in Tintagel Village, 600 metres away from the site. Please allow plenty of time to park and walk to Tintagel Castle. Car parks in Tintagel include one on Atlantic Road and two on Fore Street. These carparks are not managed by English Heritage. Find out more on how to get to Tintagel Castle.

Are there toilets at Tintagel Castle?

There are toilets available next to the Visitor Centre and the shop at Tintagel Castle. These include a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities. There are no toilets on the island after crossing over the bridge. Find out more about the facilities at Tintagel Castle.

Do you have to pay to visit Tintagel Castle?

If you would like to visit the Castle, Bridge, and island you need to purchase a ticket. Entry is free for English Heritage members, who can visit as often as they like. You can visit our shop, café, exhibition, and Merlin’s cave without a paid ticket.

How long do you need at Tintagel Castle?

There is lots to do at Tintagel Castle, so we recommend putting aside at least a couple of hours to properly explore the site. Highlights include the cliff top remains of the medieval castle, spectacular views of the coast, the beach and the life-sized kingly figure Gallos. We also have a scenic beach café and the castle gift shop too. There are various hiking trails you can do which take a little longer with stunning coastal views.

How long is the walk to Tintagel Castle?

We recommend giving yourself at least 15 minutes to walk from the main Tintagel village car parks to the entrance to the footbridge. It may take more time for those with limited mobility. Due to unforeseen circumstances, A limited shuttle service is available, currently operating on exit only. Loading from the shop and café area, it drops passengers at the base of the pedestrian path. Please note that visitors will still need to walk the final 100 metres up a steep incline.

How many steps are there at Tintagel Castle?

We do ask our visitors to follow a one-way route around the site, which means leaving via 140 steep steps. Visitors can avoid these steps by crossing back across the bridge for step free access. If visitors venture out towards the Gallos statue there are more steps to contend with on the incline and decline from the top level of the island. However, it is possible to visit the castle and bridge without meeting these. Find out more about accessibility at Tintagel Castle.

How much does it cost to visit Tintagel Castle?

Entry cost to Tintagel Castle varies from season to season. English Heritage members get free entry. Find out more about when Tintagel Castle is open.

How accessible is Tintagel Castle?

Tintagel Castle is set on a rugged coastal landscape, which means there are steep slopes, sheer drops, and uneven surfaces that may be challenging for some visitors. Find out more about accessibility at Tintagel Castle.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, A limited shuttle service is available, currently operating on exit only. Loading from the shop and café area, it drops passengers at the base of the pedestrian path. Please note that visitors will still need to walk the final 100 metres up a steep incline. Find out more about accessibility at Tintagel Castle.