Things To See and Do at Tintagel Castle
Visiting Tintagel Castle offers a whole host of tantalising, unforgettable experiences. Below we’ve given you some of our highlights: from crossing that iconic bridge, exploring medieval life, to spotting gorgeous local wildlife... Read on to find out what’s in store when you visit.
Take the medieval gateway to Tintagel
Begin your journey by climbing the step-free path up to the mainland courtyard – the medieval gateway to Tintagel castle.
Take in the dramatic cliff-top views, before you follow in the footsteps of Tintagel’s medieval inhabitants and cross the footbridge to the island. You will need a timed ticket to enter the castle, cross the bridge and explore the island. Book today and plan your visit at the best time for you.
From Dec 2024 - Apr 2025, Tintagel Bridge will be repainted for conservation purposes. Our painters will be using a special scaffold so the bridge can stay open for you to enjoy.
Explore the Island
Explore the remains of the 13th-century castle and imagine the feasting and merriment of Richard, Earl of Cornwall’s court. Discover the ruins of the Great Hall, the heart of Tintagel Castle, where Earl Richard’s guests were entertained and important business undertaken.
Our outdoor displays will guide you through the history of Tintagel castle and the role that legends have played in shaping the site. Soak up the natural beauty of this dramatic headland as you imagine life here centuries ago.
See Early Medieval Buildings
Discover the dramatically sited remains of Tintagel’s early medieval settlement. This is where Cornish rulers lived and traded with far-off shores, importing exotic goods and trading tin. You can see the deep defensive ditch which protected the settlement as you pass through the castle entrance.
Imagine what life was like at Tintagel as you walk through the footprints of houses built between the 5th and 7th centuries AD on this remote and beautiful headland. Recent excavations have given a fascinating insight into the people who lived at Tintagel at this time.
Lean into the legends
Tintagel was a stronghold for early medieval rulers. It may have been memories of this seat of Cornish kings that inspired Geoffrey of Monmouth to name it as the place where King Arthur was conceived. It was almost certainly this link to the literary hero that inspired Richard, Earl of Cornwall, to build his cliff-top castle here.
Today as you explore the atmospheric landscape, outdoor works of art bring to life these regal connections. You won’t want to miss the brooding figure on the island – Gallos (meaning 'power' in Cornish) – a life-sized bronze sculpture inspired by the legend of King Arthur and Tintagel's royal past.
Visit the island garden
Discover the remains of the medieval walled garden, which Earl Richard may have built in reference to the famous love story of Tristan and Iseult. Engraved stepping stones around the garden retell the tragic medieval tale.
As you explore the island, take a moment to look out for wildlife on the clifftops. The island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to plenty of flora, fauna and wildlife through the year. You can spot seals in the water, and the cliffs team with coastal birds enjoying shelter from the winds.
Head down to the Beach
Relax on the beach below the castle - one of Tintagel's best kept secrets! In winter you can blow away the cobwebs with a walk along the shore or stop and admire the waterfall cascading onto the sand from the cliffs above. In summer, children can build sandcastles or explore Merlin's Cave when the tide is out.
Please note that there is no lifeguard on the beach. You should check the tide times <link> when planning your visit. Due to constant natural movement by the sea and tides, the route involves clambering over rocks, so please take extra care – especially in wet conditions. It is not recommended for visitors with mobility concerns, or those with prams and young children.
Pause for a snack
With its bright and airy decor, the Beach Cafe at Tintagel Castle is the perfect place for a tasty snack. We have light lunches, delicious cakes and freshly-baked scones on offer, locally sourced where possible, including our traditional Cornish pasties, delicious sweet treats and local beers.
For those summer days, we have Cornish ice cream available to cool you down. You can also treat your four-legged friends to some dog ice cream at Tintagel Castle.
Thank you! Every cuppa or tasty treat you buy helps the charity look after England’s heritage.
You can find allergen and nutritional information here.
Stop by the exhibition & shop
Continue your exploration of the castle by visiting our exhibition, which looks Tintagel's rich and varied past.
See artefacts discovered at the site, on display for the first time, as well beautiful book sculptures which illustrate the castle's literary links. An innovative 3D model of the headland provides a fascinating demonstration of how Tintagel has developed through time.
In the castle shop, you’ll find a range of heritage gifts, including toy swords, books and tapestries, as well as a selection of Medieval and Arthurian souvenirs.