The remains of Tintagel Castle stand on rugged cliffs high above the sea of a truly awesome and spectacular coastline. The castle is surrounded in mystery and little is actually known about its history but there is much speculation and legend. The most popular legend is that it was the birthplace of King Arthur.

A small settlement, possibly Roman was apparently established on the headland sometime in the third or fourth century. Tintagel is thought to have been the stronghold of a Celtic King during the fifth and sixth century. In 1233, Earl Richard of Cornwall acquired Tintagel and built the castle of the remains we see today. Steep stone steps, stout walls and rugged windswept cliff edges surround the breathtaking site of the castle. Some believe that it was built on the site of an earlier castle constructed around 1141.

Coastal erosion has caused Tintagel to be split with part on the mainland and the other part on an island connected by a narrow neck of land between two inlets of the sea. For hundreds of years access of the castle was through a narrow entrance that was easily defended. The erosion has required the access to the castle now by a narrow bridge and steep steps.

Hearty souls who take the half-mile trek from the village of Tintagel to climb the steep steps of the cliffs of Tintagel Castle will be rewarded with views of a lifetime.