Tintagel Castle

About Tintagel Castle

Picture a rugged cliff on Cornwall’s wild north coast, waves crashing below, and a castle ruin steeped in mystery. Tintagel Castle is synonymous with King Arthur, the once and future king, whose story ignites imaginations. Legend whispers he was conceived here, born of magic and destiny, in a tale spun by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century. Merlin’s sorcery disguised Uther Pendragon to woo Igraine, and from that stormy night, Arthur—hero of Camelot, wielder of Excalibur—was born. Wander the headland, cross the new footbridge, and you’ll feel the pull of his myth, etched in the bronze of Gallos, a statue gazing over the Atlantic, and Merlin’s Cave below, where waves echo ancient secrets.

But Arthur’s story is the culmination of Tintagel’s deeper past. Long before the medieval castle rose in the 1230s, built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall to bask in Arthur’s glow, this was a thriving hub. From the 5th to 7th centuries, Celtic rulers of Dumnonia held sway here, trading tin for wine and oil from the Mediterranean—potsherds tell of feasts with far-flung flavors. Roman relics hint at earlier visitors, perhaps eyeing Cornwall’s riches. Tintagel was a stronghold, maybe even a royal seat, its cliffs a natural fortress. The myth of Arthur grew from these roots, a folk memory of power and prestige, polished by poets into the legend we cherish.

Today, Tintagel’s ruins—half on the mainland, half on a jagged isle—blend history and romance. Scramble the steps, touch the weathered stones, and let the views steal your breath. It’s not just Arthur’s birthplace; it’s where Cornwall’s spirit thrives, from ancient traders to chivalric dreams. Come see why this castle still whispers, “Once upon a time…”