Tintagel Castle

Schools

With a history stretching as far back as the Romans, and the ruins of a medieval castle to explore, Tintagel Castle is an ideal destination for inspirational learning.

"Enjoyed the fantastic scenery and the stories and I’m sure that most will return again and again!"

KS2 Teacher
Wadebridge, Cornwall

Information about your visit

Our number one priority remains the health, safety and security of all of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe and make sure you and your group have an enjoyable visit.

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’re continuing to limit visitor numbers at some sites and in some indoor spaces. Please book as soon as possible to secure your preferred trip date and times.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit and make sure you download our COVID risk assessments; download a free copy of managing education visits during the pandemic and if you're participating in a Discovery Visit download our managing Discovery Visits during the pandemic risk assessment
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • You’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our terms and conditions for full details.
  • Although is it not a requirement, any teachers, parents, or students aged 16 years can check in via the NHS Test and Trace app, using the NHS QR code posters displayed at the site entrance. Please factor this into your travel/arrival time. For more information about how we are handling your personal data for NHS Test and Trace please visit this page.
  • Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you and your group to do the same where possible.

At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to keep you and your group safe at all times, but for certain sessions we’re still working on this – please check the Discovery Visit section and Facilities section on this page below for further information.

Curriculum links

  • KS1-3 History: Local History Study
  • KS1 History: How people's lives have shaped this nation and how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world.
  • KS2 History: How several aspects of national history are reflected in the locality, a study of history or a site dating from a period beyond 1066 significant in the locality.
  • KS3 History: Development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509, ideas, political power, industry and empire in Britain 1745-1901.

Free Self-led Visits

Standing half on the mainland and half on a jagged headland projecting into the Atlantic, Tintagel Castle is one of the most spectacular historic sites in Britain. Its association with King Arthur also makes it one of the most famous, although the history of the site stretches back centuries before the first tales of Arthur. Use our downlaodable Hazard Information sheet below, to help you plan your trip. 

Enquire now

Plan Your Visit

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip.

We also offer free planning visits for group leaders once you have made a booking. Our Education Booking Team are on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

 

  • Facilities
    • TINTAGEL CASTLE: The footbridge is open for you to cross onto Tintagel Island, and the island walk is open. There is a one-way route on and off the island with visitors leaving via 140 steep steps. The beach & Merlin's Cave are open (depending on tide times). Please be aware that narrow paths and stairways require careful negotiation to maintain social distancing. We recommend giving yourself at least 30 minutes to walk from the village car parks to the footbridge entrance.
    • PARKING: There is no parking or vehicular access on to the site. Car and coach parking is available in Tintagel village – charges apply.
    • EDUCATION ROOM: There is indoor space available for bag storage only.
    • TOILETS: There is a long hill walk if students want to access toilets before their entrance to the castle. There are public toilets in the village.
    • LUNCH: You are welcome to bring a picnic; there are plenty of grassed areas around the site. The cafe will be open for refreshments.
    • SHOP: The shop sells a range of English Heritage gifts and souvenirs. Please bring your students in supervised small groups.
  • Learning Resources

    A Teachers' Kit is a free educational tool packed with everything you need to give your group a deep insight into the place you are visiting. Featuring historical information, suggestions for activities, and high-quailty images, this resource is a comprehensive toolkit for group leaders of various subjects and key stages. Kits also include key site information, facilities, plans and hazard information.  

     

    Edited and translated versions of our Teachers' Kits are available to support you and your group if you are visiting from another country.

     

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