What is the Tintagel Castle Visitor Centre?
The Tintagel Castle Visitor Centre is the gateway to one of Cornwall’s most iconic and legendary historical sites – Tintagel Castle. While the visitor centre itself has been closed, English Heritage, the organization that manages the castle, provides a wealth of information and resources to help visitors plan and make the most of their visit to this enchanting location.
What are the Opening Hours and Access to Tintagel Castle?
Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, with the last entry one hour before closing. However, it’s important to note that the Tintagel Visitor Centre managed by the Parish Council has been closed. Visitors can still obtain information and plan their visit using the resources provided by English Heritage.
What Facilities are Available at Tintagel Castle?
Despite the closure of the dedicated visitor centre, Tintagel Castle still offers a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience:
Exhibition
Visitors can explore an exhibition on the history and legends of Tintagel Castle, although it’s unclear if this is housed within a dedicated exhibition space or integrated into the castle site.
Cafe
The Beach Cafe at Tintagel Castle offers locally-sourced food and drinks, with stunning sea views to enjoy.
Shop
A shop is available on-site, allowing visitors to purchase souvenirs and mementos of their visit.
Toilets
On-site toilets are located near the shop and cafe, with additional public toilets available in the nearby Tintagel village.
Land Rover Service
A Land Rover service (not managed by English Heritage) is available to transport visitors down to the cafe and exhibition area, though this incurs an additional charge and may have queues during busy times.
How to Plan Your Visit to Tintagel Castle?
Planning your visit to Tintagel Castle is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some key considerations:
Directions
Tintagel Castle is situated on Cornwall’s north coast, between the towns of Padstow and Bude. Visitors can plan their journey by car, bicycle, or public transport using the interactive map on the English Heritage website.
Parking
Pay and display car parks are available in Tintagel Village, approximately 600 metres away from the castle site. Visitors should allow plenty of time to park and walk to the castle.
Timed Ticket Access
Timed ticket access is required to cross the bridge to the island where the castle is located. Once on the island, visitors can explore the site at their leisure.
Weather and Safety
Visitors are advised to check the website or contact the site before visiting if bad weather is forecasted, as the castle may close due to high winds or other adverse conditions. Sturdy shoes and appropriate gear are recommended due to the uneven and bumpy paths on the site.
Accessibility
The site has uneven and challenging terrain, so visitors with special access needs should refer to the Access page on the English Heritage website for more information.
Additional Tips for Visiting Tintagel Castle
Tide Times
If planning to visit the beach, it’s important to check tide times, as access to Merlin’s Cave and the beach is best at low tide.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Tintagel Castle but must be kept on leads due to the presence of steps, cliff edges, and nesting birds.
Contact Information
- Address: Castle Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
- Phone: 01840 770328
- Email: tintagel.castle@english-heritage.org.uk