Tintagel Castle
Tintagel, United Kingdom
Castle ruins linked to the legend of King Arthur, reached by a footbridge across a sea gorge.
Tintagel Castle stands on a rocky peninsula on Cornwall’s north coast, right beside the village of Tintagel. The site was an important place from about AD 450 to 650, probably a seat of the rulers of Dumnonia; finds of Mediterranean pottery point to far-reaching trade links. The connection with King Arthur goes back to Geoffrey of Monmouth, who around 1138 placed Arthur’s conception at Tintagel. The castle itself was probably built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, who acquired the island in 1233. English Heritage looks after the site.
Since August 2019 a footbridge of steel, slate and oak has linked the mainland and the island; it spans the gorge, which is about 58 m wide, at a height of 57 m above the sea. The car parks are in the village, about 600 m away, and English Heritage advises allowing at least half an hour to reach the bridge. Entry is by timed ticket (as of October 2026), and booking ahead is recommended. Merlin’s Cave on the beach can only be reached at low tide.
- Nearest town
- Tintagel, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 50.6680, -4.7590
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- South Penquite FarmCampsite15 km from Tintagel CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Tristram Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover15 km from Tintagel CastleMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Dennis CoveCampsite20 km from Tintagel CastleTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Chelsfield Farm Holiday ParkCampsite23 km from Tintagel CastleElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Treyarnon Bay HolidaysMotorhome stopover24 km from Tintagel CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Trayarnon Bay Youth HostelCampsite24 km from Tintagel CastleTentsShowersToilets
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Tintagel Castle?
Tintagel Castle is in Tintagel, United Kingdom, at GPS 50.6680, -4.7590. It is about 19 km from Padstow.
Can you camp near Tintagel Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ocean Cove, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 73 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Tintagel Castle?
Tintagel Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Cornwall’s Atlantic coast.
What is there to see near Tintagel Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eden Project (34 km), Clovelly (44 km), Postbridge clapper bridge (60 km) and Pendennis Castle (61 km).
When is the best time to visit Tintagel Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)