Why visit Tintagel?
King Arthur’s castle
The top attraction to visit on your Tintagel camping trip? The ruins of a fortress scattered across two hills overlooking the north Cornwall coast, joined by a 70-metre-long bridge. King Arthur spent his early years here – at least according to 12th-century anthropologist Geoffrey of Monmouth – so the English Heritage structure is linked to many a myth. Take on the two-hour, 3.3-mile route circling the castle and visit the cave down at Tintagel Haven bay too, said to be where Merlin carried baby Arthur to safety after the waves brought him to shore.
Coastal treks
Hunting for more hiking routes near your Tintagel campsite? Bound over to Boscastle, a picture-perfect fishing village to the north. You’ll skirt the cliffs enroute to the Willapark headland, where the path swoops down to Bossiney, before soaring up again. Next up it’s Rocky Valley, with its waterfalls and craggy Trevalga Cliff leading to Boscastle’s harbour with stunning scenery to soak up along the way. Once you’re in this superb seaside village, educate yourself on the oddities of the occult at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
Hidden bays and beaches
The nearest sandy spot to the village, aside from teeny Tintagel Haven, is Bossiney Cove, around half an hour on foot along the coastal path. Travel a touch further afield to Trebarwith Strand Beach a couple of miles to the south or pack your snorkel and mask for seaside submerges at Backways Cove when the weather’s calm (an hour’s walk). In the right season, you can catch sight of peregrine falcons plunging into the water from the surrounding cliffs. Tregardock Beach, a secluded spot with rockpools to dip in at low tide, is a 15-minute drive.
The top things to do in Tintagel
Once you’ve visited the castle and bridge, these are the best activities in Tintagel:
* Admire the stained-glass windows depicting long-ago legends at King Arthur's Great Halls
* See the sunset from Barras Nose, a mile along the cliffs from Tintagel
* Sip on locally made Cornish beers at Tintagel Brewery
* Indulge in a bit of childhood nostalgia at the Tintagel Toy Museum
* Tour the Tintagel Old Post Office, a 14th-century structure housing Victorian curiosities
Attractions near Tintagel
Spectacular strolls
Have a break from the beach during your Tintagel camping holiday with a woodland walk through Saint Nectan's Glen, a mile-long area skirting the Trevillet River’s two banks. The crowning glory here is St Nectan's Kieve, a 60-foot waterfall cuddled into a crag. As well as being fantastic fodder for your Instagram account, it’s considered one of the UK’s most spiritual spots. You’ll see offerings in the form of photos, crystals and ribbons near the falls, left by visitors who believe in the mystical properties of the place.
Fab fishing towns
Pop to Port Isaac – a 20-minute drive from your Tintagel campsite – to see the real-life spot where top TV drama Doc Martin was filmed. This pretty port village is chock-a-block with historical 18th and 19th-century cottages. Before indulging in food at a local pub or cafe, suck in your stomach and navigate through the narrow Squeezy Belly Alley. Afterwards, continue on to Polzeath – half an hour from Tintagel by car – for a surfing lesson on some of Cornwall’s best waves.
Here’s how
Torn on where to stay during your Tintagel camping trip? There are indeed plenty of parks to pick from near the village and in the surrounds. You can browse everything from motorbike-friendly campsites in Tintagel to dog-friendly destinations.
Feeling fancy? Opt for a park with grade 4 and 5 ratings. Feeling even fancier…? Try glamping near Tintagel. We’ve got boutique bell tents, lodges and shepherd’s huts with fantastic facilities. Alternatively, keep things cheap and cheerful – without needing to pack the tent – at a caravan park near Tintagel.
You can also take a look at these popular filters:
* Adults-only camping in Tintagel
* Tintagel campsites allowing campfires
* Camping in Tintagel with electric pitches
Once you’ve organised your Tintagel holiday park, check out our camping guide and get prepped for your trip. We’ve got all your glamping FAQs covered, as well as our pick of the world’s best countries for pitching up.
Alternatively, extend your break by booking a campsite in another part of Cornwall. Perhaps the seaglass-coloured shores of Sennen will suit? Or maybe you’d like to linger on the lovely Lizard Peninsula? You could also seek out a beachside base in Devon or Dorset.
