Cornwall with Kids: Tintagel Castle Review, English Heritage

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Welcome to my review of Tintagel Castle in Northern Cornwall – it’s a mesmerising place, perched dramatically on the rugged cliffs overlooking the coast, and we had a lovely visit with the kids. Tintagel is the place where the myths of King Arthur and Camelot mingle with real medieval history. If you’re visiting Cornwall with the kids for a UK staycation then you’ll definitely want Tintagel Castle on your to do list – and I’ve included some extra information in my review to help with this unique English Heritage day out too. So, here’s everything that you need to know about the history of Tintagel Castle, King Arthur’s legend, entry costs (including how to visit for free), photos, and the practical info that you’ll want for a family visit.

Visit: June 2021 (Updated July 2025)

Where is Tintagel Castle located?

Tintagel Castle is perched dramatically on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, right above the crashing waves and wild cliffs. It’s tucked in the little village of Tintagel, just off the A39, making it easy to reach by car – steeped in myth and linked to the legend of King Arthur, the castle ruins stretch across both the mainland and a rocky island which are connected by a footbridge.

What’s Tintagel Castle like?

On our family holiday to Cornwall, Tintagel Castle was the first place that we visited. The views online looked stunning and it didn’t disappoint in real life either! Tintagel isn’t much of a castle, as it’s just the remains left now, but it’s a magical place to explore. If you’re after stunning views across the Cornish coast, and a quirky day out, then it’s definitely worth a visit. After you’ve walked down hill to the entrance, the first thing that you’ll see is this amazing bridge which takes you to the island. Once you’re across, you can wander the site through the ruins which legend says was the birthplace of King Arthur.

The location itself is breath-taking. On a clear day, you can see for miles along the coastline – it’s one of those places that you can happily just sit for ages looking out to sea quietly. As a family we’re suckers for a good view, and Tintagel is just beautiful in all directions!

The history of Tintagel Castle

When was Tintagel Castle built?

In May 1233, the newly created Earl of Cornwall, Richard, (who was the brother of Henry III) bought the ‘Island of Tyntagel’ – it’s presumed that ‘Richard’s castle’ was then built by the earl himself. Exploring the ruins of the castle, which date back to the 13th century, you can see the remains of walls, towers, and courtyards – giving you a sense of the castle’s former grandeur, while informative signposts help to bring its history to life.

The Legend of King Arthur – did he live in Tintagel Castle?

One of the highlights of visiting Tintagel Castle is undoubtedly the legendary association with King Arthur. Whether you’re a believer in the Arthurian legends or not, there’s something magical about standing in a place that has inspired the stories of knights, wizards and quests! The castle’s connection to these myths adds an extra layer of intrigue to the experience, and it’s a great way to capture the kids’ interest. At the top you can get your standard tourist snap with the King Arthur sculpture – we’d been learning all about it when we visited so the kids enjoyed this bit. As home-educators, I love any chance they get to learn through their experiences – reading about the history of the castle as we walked around the island was certainly more engaging than a textbook!

Visitor and Practical Information

What should I know before I visit Tintagel Castle with kids?

As well as my review, I thought I’d add some practical information that you should know before you visit Tintagel Castle with kids – it’s worth noting that (as with everywhere in popular Cornwall!) it can be quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. The narrow pathways and steep stairs can become crowded, which may detract from the relaxing atmosphere that you’re hoping to find. It might also lead to delays and difficulty getting around the site – so if you can visit out of season or at a less popular time of day then I’d definitely recommend doing so.

On top of this, the terrain could be challenging for young children, or those with mobility issues, as there are lots of steps and uneven surfaces to navigate. The pathway is quite cobbled, with some big drops, so this outing is definitely better suited to families with slightly older children – perhaps 6 years old plus. (I wouldn’t recommend it with a toddler!) The nature of the cliffs and the many steps mean it may not suit elderly visitors who are unsteady on their feet either. And, certainly keep a close watch on the kids.

It can also be windy at the top, it is the UK coastline after all, so layers are handy. But, you couldn’t pick a more beautiful spot to sit and relax with a picnic. You also need to be aware that the site closes in bad weather / high winds – so pick your visiting day wisely. Once you head back down the steps, you can wander to the small beach area and the kids can even have a paddle in the water if the weather allows! There’s a cafe there too if you want to head for a coffee after roaming the island. Dogs are welcome but they’ll need to be kept on a lead to keep them safe.

Where should I park to visit Tintagel Castle?

There are pay and display carparks in the village of Tintagel, so if you’re driving it’s just a short walk from there to the castle. Tintagel is a lovely little village so you’ll probably want to have a wander anyway! We had breakfast in a nearby pub, enjoyed delicious Cornish ice creams from the high street after our visit to the castle, and had a look in the shops. So many of the buildings are named after King Arthur, and the whole place has a real holiday atmosphere. The village and the castle are definitely worth a visit – we had a lovely day out. Don’t forget to head to the magical St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall too, which is less than a 15 minute drive away from Tintagel Castle.

How much does it cost to visit Tintagel Castle?

Entry cost and family money saving tips:

To book a family ticket for Tintagel Castle online is £54 (accurate July 2025) – the price has increased quite a lot this year. However, with an English Heritage membership you can visit all of their sites at no extra cost – so that might be a good money saver if you like to explore. It’s definitely the best way to get good value for money. There are lots of child-friendly English Heritage attractions too – check out my article: The 10 best English Heritage sites to visit with kids for more info. A family membership is around £10 each month, so you only need to use it a few times to make it worthwhile. They often run discounts too – there’s 25% off at the mo – so keep your eyes peeled! Check out the English Heritage website for more info, as well as up-to-date prices and opening times.

Can you visit Tintagel Castle for free?

If you already have an English Heritage membership then yes you can absolutely visit for free – Tintagel Castle is included – hurray! We were also fortunate to have visited for free too, even without a membership. As home educators, English Heritage allow free entry to their sites for home-educating families, just as they do for school visits. If you’re home-educating, you can email them to start an account which you’re then able to book educational visits through – just be sure to give a few weeks notice as they’ll need time to approve the visit and send you an entry permit.

Can you see Tintagel Castle without paying?

Yes, you can get a good look at Tintagel Castle without paying, which is great news if you’re exploring Cornwall on a budget. While access to the actual ruins across the footbridge requires a ticket, there are coastal paths and viewing spots nearby that offer stunning views for free. The South West Coast Path runs right past the site, and from there you can see the castle perched on the cliffs, take in the sea views and even spot Merlin’s Cave from the beach below at low tide. It’s a fab way to soak up the legend and scenery without spending a penny – just bring sturdy shoes and a picnic!

Where are the best places to stay near Tintagel Castle with kids?

You’re spoilt for choice on where to stay as Cornwall is definitely home to some of the best UK holiday parks to visit with kids! I’ve been looking for great kids’ activities, beach locations, swimming pools, waterslides and even luxury extras like hot tubs – as well as some quieter locations for a more relaxed holiday too. For lots of ideas, check out my article: Family holidays in Cornwall – the 15 best places to stay with kids! And, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Cornwall that’s near to Tintagel Castle, here are some excellent options for a holiday park getaway with the kids:

Parkdean Resorts: Newquay Holiday Park – with three outdoor heated pools, a 200ft waterslide and a splash play zone for toddlers and younger children – this one is a great option just 45 minutes from Tintagel Castle.

Away Resorts: Retallack Resort – a fantastic family-friendly holiday park with it’s own inflatable obstacle course on the lake as well as hot tub holiday options – 40 minutes drive from Tintagel Castle.
Park Holidays UK: Hengar Manor Holiday Park – set within a 35-acre country estate this lovely site is a hidden gem for family-friendly hot tub holidays in Cornwall – just 25 minutes drive from Tintagel Castle.
Away Resorts: Bude Holiday Resort – a brilliant kid-friendly park with a fantastic outdoor heated pool that includes a splash zone for the little ones – 40 minutes away from Tintagel Castle.
Haven: Perran Sands Holiday Park – a popular Haven holiday park with direct access to one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches, swimming pools and waterslides – this one is an hour’s drive from Tintagel Castle.

Is Tintagel Castle worth visiting?

I hope that my review has been helpful – if you’re heading to Cornwall for a family holiday then Tintagel Castle is definitely worth visiting if you have slightly older kids. The views are incredible! Make sure you check out my other articles too – to help you plan an awesome Cornish adventure – The 10 best things to do in Cornwall with kids is a great place to start with ideas for all sorts of fabulous family-friendly days out. And, if you haven’t decided where to stay yet my article: Family holidays in Cornwall – the 15 best places to stay with kids should give you some great options. Have a lovely time! 😊