Pictures of Tintagel

About Tintagel

Legendry seat of King Arthur, graced with spectacular cliff scenery and the ruins of a castle built for the Earl of Cornwall in 1145, and of a Celtic Monastery.

King Arthur's Hall is an impressive visitor attraction, here stained glass windows tell his fascinating story and paths lead down to Merlin's cave. Another place that seems almost to be a sheer flight of fancy with its topsy turvey roof is the Old Post Office, this was once a 14th-century Manor House that is owned and opened to the public by the National trust.

Tintagel has lured visitors to its shores since the 19th-century when Tennyson first published his Idylls of the King. This established forever the village's legendry links with King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

In the summer the village is a lively bustling place, thronged with visitors who have come as much for the scenery as for the legends. A well worn footpath leads from the village to what remains of Tintagel Castle, the earliest parts date from 1145, the castle was built by Henry III's brother Reginald, Duke of Cornwall. The castle was joined to the mainland in the 14th-century when it was in the ownership of Edward the Black Prince. Relentless waves have long since caused the demise of the bridge.

Almost three hundred steps take the very determined to the top of what is known as The Island, where the remains of a Celtic monastery have survived since the Dark Ages. This is an arduous climb, and quite dangerous when wet, but worth it for the sheer magnificence of the views of Tintagel's stunning coastline.

This is a coastline of great beauty, where there are cliffs carved by gale lashed seas of centuries, yet in stark contrast you can find lovely sandy coves, perfect for sunbathing or surfing and picturesque harbours, ideal for relaxing over a quiet drink while you enjoy colourful fishing boats returning at sunset.

Interesting & Historical Facts about Tintagel

Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, 1998. New excavations on the eastern side of the island uncovered high-status imported Mediterranean pottery of the 5th and 6th centuries, along with some fine glass believed to be from Malaga in Spain and dating back to the 6th or 7th century. Even more incredible was the discovery of an ancient 1,500 year old peice of slate, on which were two latin inscriptions, with the second one reading: "Artognou, father of a descendant of Coll, has had (this) made." Nobody knows who Artognou was, so that opens a new mystery for this enchanting and special ancient place.

Tintagel facts | Cornwall facts