Tintagel

Tintagel is a small coastal village famous for 'KIng Arthur's Castle' which sits atop a rugged cliff setting overlooking the sea and the small sandy beach.  Indeed, it is this stunning and unique setting which attracts people to  Tintagel. Upon arrival in Tintagel you will find two main car parks, close to each other, with plenty of parking space (Sept 2006 £1 per day to park). This pretty tourist  village consists mainly of one long street with gift shops and quality eating places- with shop and restaurant names tending to revolve around the King Arthur legend (King Arthurs Arms, Merlins Cafe, Celtic legend shop, Merlins Crystal, etc). Proceed to the end of the street where you will see 'King Arthur's Book Shop'. This is the starting place of the picturesque 15 minutes footpath walk through the valley down to the beach and 'King Arthur's Castle'. There is also a landrover service (£1.20 one way, 60p per dog-2006). Half way down there is a secondary  footpath leading to the old church. Usually there is an ice crealm van half way down. When you reach the beach stop at the cafe for a break where there is outside seating overlooking beach and sea. Then pop into the Visitors Centre (toilets are next door). If the tide is out there is a good sandy beach and a small  cave in the rock face (visible in photos) which I think links to beach the other side that visitors often explore. You can now proceed up the cliff path, via a tiny linking bridge (just visible in photo), to the ruins of the castle on the cliff top. These ruins date back to roman times.  You can now return the same way you came or continue along the coastal footpath. Before you leave Tintagel visit the  'Old Post Office', a medieaval building which you can pay a small fee to enter.
 

'King Arthur's Bookshop'	The walk down	Stop for a rest

Nearing the end	Path up to castle	The sea side cafe

The Visitors Centre	Stop and admire the view	The castle ruins

	The Cornishman Inn	The medieaval 'Old Post Office'