In October 2015, we first visited Tintagel Castle when our children were still little. Back then, it felt like a magical adventure full of tiny legs climbing big cliff paths and wide eyes listening to the legend of King Arthur. This week, whilst on holiday in Bude, we decided to return – older kids, stronger legs, and a new perspective on this dramatic castle perched on the rugged Cornish coast.
We bought our tickets online the day before we visited, which saved us around £5 compared to buying on the day. As non-English Heritage members, we paid £49 for a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children). If you’re looking for value, family tickets really make a difference – and booking in advance is well worth it.
Plan Your Visit to Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is located on the clifftops of North Cornwall, with sheer drops, steep steps, and a breathtaking coastline. It’s one of the most famous historic sites in Britain, combining history and legend in a way that few places can. Believed by some to be the birthplace of King Arthur, it has inspired countless stories, including those by Geoffrey of Monmouth.
It’s easy to see why Richard, Earl of Cornwall, chose to build his cliff-top castle here in the 13th century. Long before that, from the 5th to 7th centuries, it was home to important Cornish rulers trading luxury goods across Europe.
Tip: Always check the tide times if you want to visit the beach below the castle and explore Merlin’s Cave. You’ll need to go at low tide to safely enjoy the rock pools and the magical Merlin’s Cave and paddle experience.
See and Do at Tintagel Castle
Our day started with the walk from the village to the castle entrance, where our timed ticket allowed us to enter the castle without queuing. From there, we crossed the award-winning footbridge, linking the mainland to the headland. If heights make you nervous, take heart – even Lillie, who usually isn’t keen on heights, enjoyed it – well, sort of, once she was back on solid land!
Once on the headland, we explored the remains of the medieval Great Hall, wandered through the settlement ruins, and took in stunning views of the wildlife on the clifftops and the views of the sea.
We made time to meet Gallos – the impressive bronze sculpture of an ancient king, inspired by the legend of Arthur. Standing here, with the wind in your hair and the Atlantic stretching endlessly before you, it’s easy to imagine the royal past of this site.
Exploring the Beach and Merlin’s Cave
After crossing the bridge again, we descended the steep steps down to the shore. The beach below the castle is perfect for a little exploring – the kids enjoyed spotting rock pools and we even ventured along the shore into Merlin’s Cave. At low tide, you can walk right through and see the sunlight glistening at the far end.
Food, Shopping, and the Exhibition
Once we’d climbed back up, we headed to the beach café for drinks and snacks (no trip to Cornwall is complete without traditional Cornish pasties). The shop was our next stop – not only did it have wonderful gifts, but also wine tasting! I especially enjoyed the ginger and strawberry flavours.
We then visited the Tintagel Exhibition, which really brings the history and legend to life with artefacts, models, and stories about the ancient king and cornish coast.
Walking Back to Tintagel Village
You can take the shuttle bus back most of the way to Tintagel village and the car park, but we decided to walk and get more steps in. Between the uneven surfaces, steep slopes, and the walk along the coastal path, we felt we’d earned a good rest by the time we reached the shops.
Tintagel Castle Reviews – Our Verdict
Our second visit to Tintagel Castle was every bit as magical as the first – just in a different way. With older children, we could enjoy longer walks, climb higher, and talk more about the history and legend of the site. It’s a perfect family day out that combines fresh air, exercise, and education.
If you’re planning your own day out at Tintagel Castle, here are my quick tips:
- Book in advance to save money and secure your timed ticket.
- Allow plenty of time – there’s far more to see than just the castle itself.
- Wear sturdy shoes – there are uneven surfaces and lots of steep steps.
- Check the tide times if you want to visit Merlin’s Cave.
- Carry a bottle of water with you – you’ll need it.
For more historical context before you go, you can explore the English Heritage official Tintagel Castle page or learn about Cornwall’s King Arthur legends.
Final Thought: Whether you’re visiting for the legend of King Arthur, the stunning views, or the remains of the medieval fortifications, Tintagel Castle provides an unforgettable day on the Cornish coast. We’ll sleep well tonight – and I’m already looking forward to our next visit!