No British legend is more magical than the one concerning King Arthur. This almost mythical figure, who is said to have led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the fifth and sixth centuries, may or may not have existed but, whether you believe or not, his legend is forever etched into the British consciousness. It’s certainly etched into Tintagel Castle in Cornwall.
Although later writings added the Knights of the Round Table and the Holy Grail, the bulk of the Arthurian legends come from Geoffrey of Monmouth’s imaginative 12th century book, ‘Historia Regum Britanniae’. In this tome, the magician Merlin, Arthur’s wife Guinevere, his father Uther Pendragon and his sword Excalibur are introduced, as well as the place he was conceived in, with the aid of Merlin. This is said to have happened in a castle. In Cornwall.
The site of Tintagel Castle in Cornwall (on the north Cornish coast, to be exact) has been inhabited since the late Roman period, with a community flourishing here between the fifth and seventh centuries. At that time, the site, which is now within walking distance from the centre of Tintagel village, was an important stronghold and may have been home to some of Cornwall’s rulers.
Later, in the 1230s, the wealthy Richard, Earl of Cornwall built the castle we see the remnants of today on the site probably because of the Arthurian legends rather than for any military advantage. Later still, it fell into disrepair but now the ruins stand as both a place of historical importance and a place dedicated to all those Arthurian stories.
A spectacular bridge which reunited both parts of the castle in 2019 greets visitors who want to take in the stunning coastline vistas and then the ruins themselves can be explored, as well as some medieval remains and a bronze statue of another ancient king. Then there’s the magical Merlin’s Cave next to Tintagel Beach below and the King Arthur exhibition in the castle’s visitor centre before you finish off this mythical tour with a bite from the Beach Café and a wander into the village to check out the Great Halls. This attraction has something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, you’re a keen photographer with an eye for a sea view or you’re someone who just loves a little bit of myth and magic.