Tintagel was originally called Trevena meaning 'village on a mountain', which feels apt when you're standing on the ruins of Tintagel Castle gazing out over the dramatic headland. Not for the faint hearted, the cantilever footbridge which links the mainland with the headland has a drop of around 58-metres. Opened in 2019 by English Heritage, the 30 meter bridge was designed to expand and contract with the changing temperatures - there’s actually a 40 millimetre gap in the middle.
Paying homage to Tintagel's King Arthur connections, Gallos, Cornish for power, is an eight-foot-tall ghostly bronze sculpture by Rubin Eynon, which presides over the now ruinous site and is popular with visitors. It’s also worth popping into King Arthur’s Great Halls to learn about the legends and see the stunning stained-glass windows.
Close to Tintagel village is one of Cornwall’s best kept secrets. In an area of outstanding natural beauty, St Nectan’s Glen is a photographers dream. The sound of the flowing waters of the River Trevillet will accompany you on a walk through the ancient woodland - don’t miss the 60ft waterfall at the site. This is the place where allegedly, the Knights of the Round Table were blessed before their quest for the holy grail and it’s hard not to imagine there’s a fairy or two residing there.
Low tide reveals Tintagel Haven and Merlin’s Cave made famous by the poet Tennyson. The 100 metre cavern passes right through the peninsular. Finish your day with a trip to watch the sun go down on the heath by the Church of St Materiana.
Jo Sandercock's family has lived in the village for generations. He says Tintagel’s charm comes from its ‘wild cliffs’. ‘Walking on the coast here is amazing. The day walk from Crackington Haven to Tintagel or Tintagel to Port Isaac are some of the best on the whole of the coastal path. ‘The weather is incredible; there’s no noise and the sunsets are beautiful. If you are lucky, when the sun sets over the ocean you may see a green flash at the last second, people think it’s a myth, but it isn’t.’
WHERE TO STAY
For stunning views try Camelot Castle Hotel, set high on the cliffside, the location is hard to beat. Perfect in all seasons, sumptuous sofas beckon in the Golden Age Bar or soak up the sun with an al-fresco drink on the terrace. Accommodation ranges from impressive suites to guest rooms with four-poster beds. Fans of the Channel Four show Four in a Bed will recognise Ye Olde Malthouse Inn, owner Jo Sandercock appeared in series 18. The 14th century inn has nine attractively furnished guest rooms and is just a ten minute walk to Merlin's Cave beach. For something a little more remote, Badgers Rest is a charming shepherd's hut on the outskirts of Tintagel. The studio accommodation offers a peaceful location and comes with a wood-fired hot tub, it's bookable through Sykes Cottages.
FOOD & DRINK
The Tintagel Brewery Bar and Bistro opened in 2021 and last year was awarded its first AA Rosette. It enhances some of its dishes with ale, produced by Tintagel Brewery next door. Brewed using fresh water from the brewery's spring it's range of Cornish ales include the aptly named Sir Lancelot Pale Ale. Ye Old Malthhouse Inn offers ‘inventive Cornish food, cooked with a twist’. Try the crab and samphire linguine and creamy brown crab sauce. Pengenna Pasties have been producing Cornwall’s signature bake since 1985 and visitors can try a range including the traditional Cornish Pasty from its shop on Atlantic Road. For a homemade cream tea, head to King Arthur’s Cafe or Charlie’s Deli, where freshly baked scones are accompanied by Trewithen’s clotted cream. Vega has delicious vegan food. Treleavens Luxury Cornish Ice Cream has some mouth-watering flavours and you can take home handmade sweet treats from Tintagel Artisan Confections.
