Spotlight: Tintagel Castle

Due to its coastal location, almost entirely surrounded by water, buildings at Tintagel required regular rebuilding as erosion ate away at the available land. In the 1400s, the narrow strip of land connecting the two halves of Tintagel Castle collapsed.

One hundred years ago, the Office of Works (a predecessor of English Heritage) maintained the castle ruins. In 2019, English Heritage began work on a bridge, linking the two halves of Tintagel for the first time in 500 years. This new bridge is the work of Ney & Partners Civil Engineers and William Matthews Associates. The partnership won a 2015 competition to find the perfect bridge. Paved with Cornish slate and steel cast by a local fabrication company, the bridge comprises two cantilevers. These two halves do not touch – a 40mm gap symbolises the site’s history.

Old steps still wind their way down the cliff towards the sea and back up the face of the island. The new bridge allowed greater accessibility to the site and simulates the former land crossing.

The first must-see at Tintagel Castle is the castle itself. Although the buildings are now ruins, walking amongst the footprints of the 13th-century gatehouse, former Great Hall and ruined chapel are a literal step back in time.

Gallos

Once you have explored the ruins and braved the cantilever bridge to the island, look out for Gallos. With a name from the Cornish word for power, Gallos is an 8ft bronze statue standing proud on the Tintagel headland. Welsh public artist Rubin Eynon installed the figure in 2016.

Don’t be fooled by the crown atop this hooded spectre at a site with such strong ties to Arthurian legend. This man is not King Arthur but an embodiment of the myths and leaders who have shaped Tintagel over the centuries.

 

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Tintagel Haven & Merlin’s Cave

If you are heading back to the mainland at low tide, take the old cliff steps down to the beach below.

Tintagel Haven is a hidden gem along the Cornish coastline, a sheltered pocket of soft sand and clear azure water. Tintagel Haven is also the way to access Merlin’s Cave. The cave passes right through the Tintagel peninsula for approximately 109 yds/100 m. It gained its connection to the famous wizard from Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in 1859 in Idylls of the King.

Look out for Sleeping Merlin, a controversial, life-size face in the rock. Local artist Peter Graham designed this carving of a man’s face.

There are also still signs of the silver and lead mine, King Arthur Mine, which was active in the Haven during the mid-1800s. Watch out: the sea quickly covers the beach and cave at high tide, so always take care when visiting.

Breathtaking Views

However you explore Tintagel, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views. Whether you enjoy bright blue skies or steer through the fog above churning seas, the history of this site offers a powerful location. The bridge, in particular, offers panoramic views of the area. Still, there is scarcely a spot at Tintagel Castle that does not provide spectacular sights. Look out for a sighting of the sea creatures and birds who make their homes, at least for part of the year, around Tintagel.

Look to the east of the castle to catch a glimpse of Camelot. Built in the late 1800s, Camelot Castle Hotel is a large manor house hotel sitting atop the cliff, overlooking the castle. The hotel was bought by the Mappin family and artist Ted Stourton at the end of the last century.

Tintagel Village

Don’t forget to stop in the village of Tintagel as you pass through. Previously known as Trevena, Arthurian legend’s rise in popularity in the Victorian period saw the village change its name to Tintagel to embrace the castle’s tourist appeal. Today, the village makes a pleasant stop for lunch. Enjoy 1930s wedding venue King Arthur’s Great Halls, the Old Post Office with its crooked roof, and the medieval St Materiana’s Church.

St Materiana’s Church was first built as a church in the 6th century. The existing building is a later 11th or 12th century church. St Materiana’s is unusual as it is one of only a few churches dedicated to the saint.

In the heart of Tintagel, the Old Post Office is a medieval farmhouse that served as a Victorian letter-receiving office. The building has a charming wonky roof. Originally straight, the roof warped under the weight of its slate, held up on trusses built to support a lighter thatched roof.