Perched dramatically on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Tintagel Castle is a place where history and myth are woven together as tightly as the cliffs and waves that surround it. Few sites in Britain stir the imagination quite like this medieval ruin, long associated with the legend of King Arthur. Today, Tintagel Castle draws visitors from around the world, not only for its romantic ties to the past but also for the breathtaking beauty of its coastal setting.

A Site Steeped in Legend

Tintagel’s fame rests heavily on its connection to Arthurian legend. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s 12th-century Historia Regum Britanniae, it was here that King Arthur was conceived, when Uther Pendragon, aided by Merlin’s magic, disguised himself to reach Igraine, wife of the Duke of Cornwall. Whether fact or fiction, the story secured Tintagel’s place in the realm of myth, shaping its allure for centuries.

A Medieval Stronghold

Beyond the legend lies tangible history. The castle itself was built in the 1230s by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, brother to King Henry III. Inspired by the Arthurian tales popular at the time, Richard chose the site as a symbolic gesture rather than a practical fortress—its cliffside location was awe-inspiring, but not ideal for defence. Over time, the castle fell into decline, but its association with Arthur ensured it was never forgotten.



Echoes of Earlier Settlements

Archaeological excavations at Tintagel have revealed that the site was significant long before Richard’s castle. In the early medieval period, it was a trading hub, with evidence of luxury goods such as Spanish wine and Mediterranean oil amphorae reaching its shores. This suggests Tintagel was once a seat of Cornish kings, connected by sea routes that linked Cornwall with the wider world.

A Breathtaking Setting

Even without the weight of legend and history, Tintagel Castle would captivate any visitor. The ruins straddle a jagged headland, with sheer cliffs dropping to the Atlantic below. Waves crash against the rocks, seabirds wheel overhead, and wildflowers cling to the cliff edges. The castle is reached via a dramatic footbridge, linking the mainland to Tintagel Island—an experience that adds to the sense of stepping into another world.

Tintagel Today

Now under the care of English Heritage, Tintagel Castle welcomes thousands of visitors each year. The site has been carefully conserved, with paths and interpretation boards guiding visitors through its history. The new bridge, opened in 2019, recreates the historic crossing and provides sweeping views of the coastline. The village of Tintagel itself thrives on its Arthurian associations, with shops, cafés, and galleries celebrating the legend.



More Than Myth

What makes Tintagel remarkable is the way it blends layers of story—legendary, historical, and natural. It is at once a symbol of medieval romanticism, a genuine archaeological treasure, and a place of raw, coastal beauty. Whether you come seeking King Arthur, Cornish history, or simply a bracing walk along the cliffs, Tintagel offers all three in abundance.

A Place to Imagine

Standing among the ruins, with the sea roaring below and the wind in your hair, it is easy to understand why Tintagel has held such a grip on the imagination. It invites you to look not just at crumbling walls, but beyond them—to the legends, the people, and the power of the landscape itself. Tintagel Castle is more than stone and story: it is a reminder of how myth and history entwine to shape the way we see our past.