Great Steam Train Rides in Devon

Great Steam Train Rides Across Torbay’s Beautiful Coastline

For one of the most scenic train rides to be found anywhere, try the Paignton to Kingswear (Dartmouth) rail journey. On this holiday line, you can re-live the great days of steam railway travel. Your steam locomotive starts from Paignton Station and initially chugs past Paignton Sands and Quaywest Water Park.

The rail journey not only takes in the spectacular Torbay coastline but also runs through the wooded hills along the Dart Estuary. Initially, this most picturesque of British rail journeys goes up a steep and rocky hill offering some wonderful views of the Devon coastline.

Wooded Devon hills

After going past Churston, the train runs inland and proceeds along the Dart Valley before reaching Kingswear. From here, passengers have the option of visiting Dartmouth via ferry.

It’s also possible to combine your rail journey with a pleasure cruise and coach ride and enjoy a fascinating journey that stretches out over the entire day

Paignton

Paignton is one of the three towns on the ‘English Riviera’ which is a stunning stretch of 22 miles of south Devon coastline.  Paignton is a traditional seaside resort with long stretches of sandy beaches and a lively waterfront area and is popular for family holidays.  Apart from steam train rides and river cruises, you can visit the endangered species at Paignton Zoo, or take a journey back in time at the 500 year old Kirkham House.  There’s also the Oldway Mansion, once home of Isaac Singer of Singer sewing machine fame.

Dartmouth

At the Kingswear Visitor centre you can learn about how steam engines work, the history of Dartmouth and the variety of wildlife that can be seen on the River Dart.

Amble along Dartmouth’s ancient narrow streets and you’ll find boutiques, shops, art galleries and delicatessens. A cobbled market place features colourful stalls and at the Farmers’ markets check out the local produce that find their way into the local gourmet restaurants, pubs and cafes.

For your holiday in Dartmouth, there’s a wide variety of accommodation from luxury hotels, inns, pubs, graded bed and breakfasts and guesthouses to self catering cottages, barns, apartments or camping/caravan parks.

In Dartmouth you can sail, fish, explore by boat or come at festival time. From Dartmouth, you can take the steam train ride to Paignton for a treat, or enjoy visits to the Castle, the famous Britannia Royal Naval College and National Trust Gardens. You can be as energetic as you want and enjoy the South West Coast Path or simply laze around on the beaches.

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The Castles of Devon and Cornwall

The Castles of Devon and Cornwall

Aside from it’s beautiful, rugged coastline and red cliffs Devon and Cornwall are home to some very impressive Castles:

Totnes Castle – On top of the charming little Devon town of Totnes stands the Norman fortress of Totnes Castle. The views from the top of the castle are outstanding, offering a panorama view of the entire town and River Dart.

The castle itself was thought to have been built sometime in the 10^th century.

After visiting the castle be sure to enjoy a stroll along the steep, narrow town lanes – they offer a festival of perky shops and some pleasant eateries.

Dartmouth Castle – The most striking feature of Dartmouth Castle is that it stands tall right on the banks of the Dart Estuary – a stunning waterside setting. Dartmouth Castle was initially built in the 14^th century, but underwent substantial works in the 15^th century when Henry VIII had it redesigned to be able to better fit his weaponry.

Close to Dartmouth Castle is Kingswear Castle and St Petroc’s Church. Given the beautiful setting (right at the mouth of the Dart Estuary), Dartmouth Castle is well worth a visit – not just to marvel at the history but to enjoy the awesome scenery and perhaps enjoy a picnic. It’s possible to arrive in style via ferry – taking in the lovely views available from the River Dart along the way.

Okehampton Castle – These castle ruins, set at the foothills of Dartmoor, were the medieval home of the Earls of Devon. The Castle offers a free audio tour and after enjoying the stroll around the castle grounds (including the chapel, gatehouse and priests lodgings) you can take in a pleasant woodland walk or relax by the riverside picnic area.

The castle itself dates as far back as the 11^th Century.

A highly fascinating side-note – it’s thought that the castle is haunted so be sure not to wander around by yourself once the sun sets!

Berry Pomeroy Castle – About two miles east of Totnes is this former dwelling of the Seymour and Pomeroy families. The castle and Elizabethan mansion was initially built in the 15th century and underwent expansion towards the end of the 17th Century. This is another castle that is thought to be haunted!

Tintagel Castle – It’s believed that King Arthur was born here while Merlin stood famously in a cave beneath the castle.  The remains of Tintagel Castle are quite spectacular – set upon the steep Cornwall cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean.

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Exeter, Devon’s unexpectedly lively capital city.

Exeter is not the typical sleepy Devon town you imagined!

Exeter is without doubt the capital of Devon, though ironically it’s not the typical town that most visitors come to expect when they think about Devon. There’s a certain high pace and vibrancy about Exeter that is out of place with the rest of the county.

Not only is Exeter the most culturally and commercially important place within Devon – it has a famous university – but it boasts a vivid historical importance with plenty of old buildings and other important landmarks of heritage. The holiday maker who visits Devon should at least pop in to Exeter for a visit.

There’s a lot about Exeter that a quick walk reveals. The city wall remains date back to 200 AD (initially built by the Romans) and what is now the High Street is pretty much the street plan that was laid out since Roman times.

Things to See in Exeter

Impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral was originally built in the 11th century.  The Cathedral still features two massive Norman towers that were part of the original building when it was consecrated in 1133. The building is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture in Britain. At Cathedral Close is the timber-framed Mol’s Coffee House, one of the finest buildings here.

Ten-minute walk from the Cathedral and you’re at the historic quayside, one of Exeter’s most attractive areas of the city. Its history dates back to Roman times, and there is still evidence of Exeter’s wealthy maritime past in the fascinating architecture.  While you’re here, visit the Quay House Visitor Centre which covers 2,000 years of Exeter’s history.  Don’t worry, it won’t take you 2,000 years – you can skip through it in just 15 minutes! The Quayside is also an ideal place to try an irresistible Devon cream tea.

The Quayside is a hub of activity in the summer months with all kinds events including Dragon Boat racing! You can go on boat trips  or cross the river on Butts Ferry, one of only five floating bridges in the country! You can also hire canoes and pedalos from the Quayside.

Other notable places of interest include the Guildhall, one of Britain’s oldest civic buildings,  Royal Albert Memorial Museum (closed till 2010 for refurbishment), St. Nicholas Priory where you could step back in time and experience Tudor life first hand and the opulent Customs House by the Quay.  If you’re interested in rare plants, check out Exeter University’s Streatham campus.

Exeter has developed significantly in recent years, and offers visitors and residents a huge choice of entertainment and leisure. It boasts one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes in Devon and there are plenty of restaurant choices too, from tapas and Thai to Middle Eastern and Latin American.

Exeter Hotels

Hotels in Exeter include luxury four star hotels and boutique town houses. Some of the hotels in Exeter are located in historic buildings, so you can really take in the atmosphere of this beautiful and historic city. If you want to escape the city, there are wonderful country house hotels, set in acres of wide open space, giving you a sense of ‘getting away from it all‘. Each hotel has its own restaurant,several of which are award winning eateries.

Nearby Towns

Close-by to Exeter is the lovely estuary port of Topsham. This bustling port is a perfect example of a prosperous and charming English town. Walk along the narrow streets, take in a coffee at a canal-side café and if possible hop onto a bus for perhaps the best way to explore the nooks and crannies that Topsham has to offer. Foodies will appreciate Topsham with its many historic pubs and award-winning restaurants – good food is a Topsham speciality.

Topsham’s charming passenger ferry takes passengers (and bikes) across the Exe to enjoy walks or lunches at idyllic waterside pubs.  You can also take short or long cruises to discover the wildlife of the Exe estuary or to Exmouth’s sandy beaches.  The narrow Goat Walk beside the Exe estuary offers wonderful views and sunsets.

Very close to Exeter (2 miles) is a lovely little town called Ottery St Mary – offering some of the most winding streets to be found anywhere, and a wonderful ancient church that stretches back to the 14th century. Also close to Exeter is the town of Sidmouth which has plenty of smart villas and cottages.

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The Seaside Resort Of Dawlish

South Devon’s most pleasant seaside resort is well worth a visit

In South Devon the pleasant seaside resort of Dawlish is very popular with visitors, many of whom return year after year for their holidays in Dawlish or for day trips to enjoy the nice atmosphere that the town has to offer.

Dawlish is an interesting little regency resort town nestled attractively between steep surrounding hills. It’s a nice place to drive to because the scenic countryside suddenly explodes into a panorama of cliffs and roads that run along the coast.

Dawlish’s Celebrity Links

Like many of the resort towns in South Devon, Dawlish town itself, especially around the seafront, reflects a classic  Regency and early Victorian style. The Strand (1803-1809) which is now mostly converted to shops, remains impressive.  Jane Austen stayed here, as did Charles Dickens.  Those who’ve read Nicholas Nickleby may know that Dickens made Dawlish the birthplace of Nicholas Nickleby.

Also worth noting are Manor House and Brook House (both about 1800) and some of the cottages in Old Town Street surviving from the old Dawlish village. Visit the Museum and learn about Dawlish’s transformation from an insignificant fishing settlement to a watering hole for Victorian celebrities.

Here are just a few of the many attractive features of Dawlish

• In the heart of the town is the colourful Dawlish park, a flat landscaped area called ‘The Lawn’, home to various wildfowl and the famous Dawlish black swans. The black swans were brought here from Australia by a local resident, they have been here since at least the early 1900s. The park is peppered with many varieties of plantlife including bright flowers, palms and even giant cacti.
• Good quality sand beaches and (Coryton) cove.
• The ‘night lights’ which turn Dawlish into a beautiful evening coastal town perfect for summer strolls and al-fresco dining.
• Carnival week (August) offers various free entertainment programs & processions. This hugely colourful event for locals and visitors alike, is usually accompanied by the breathtaking Red Arrows aerobatic display.
• The Shaftesbury Theatre in Brunswick Place runs programs all year.
• There are boat trips along the coast or up the Estuary, and Powderham Castle is on the doorstep.

Dawlish has a good selection of shops of all types and its own Leisure Centre.  At any time of day there’s plenty of places to eat and drink.

Dawlish Warren

Close to Dawlish is ‘Dawlish Warren’ - a seaside town that is believed to have one of the best five beaches within the United Kingdom (it has received the European Blue Flag Award). Aside from a great beach, Dawlish Warren has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts – being located in a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) – the area attracts many wildfowl and wading birds. The area is also home to over 600 types of flora.  Dawlish Warren has its own railway station, regular bus services and cycle hire so you don’t really need to drive on your Dawlish holidays.

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River and Coastal Cruises in Devon

River Cruises Along The River Dart and Wildlife Cruises Along The Devon Coast

One of the most charming activities while visiting Devon is to take in a cruise along the River Dart. River Link is the largest operator of Dart River cruises and a typical cruise will start from Dartmouth and end at the lovely town of Totnes. The River Dart is one of the most beautiful estuaries in Britain – and a cruise provides the holidaymaker with an opportunity to drink in the rich tapestry of history, wildlife and pure scenic beauty all in one go.

Dart River Cruise

Wildlife thrives on the Dart river banks and a pleasure cruise from Dartmouth to Totnes would allow the holidaymaker to see unspoiled scenery with surprises round every bend. The following are some of the sights along the route:

• Village of Dittisham
• The lovely, traditional cottages of Duncannon
• Sir Walter Raleigh’s boat house
• Greenway Estate – once the home of Dame Agatha Christie
• Greenway Quay
• Stoke Gabriel
• Galmpton – this was where the British Naval Fleet once assembled prior to landing at Dunkirk in World War II
• Sharpham Vineyard
• Sandridge house, designed by architect John Nash

Agatha Christie fans can join a ‘Death On The River Dart’ cruise for an evening of murder, mystery and suspense with the Candlelight Theatre Company. If you think that this is tempting fate, then you may prefer a ‘Dixieland Jazz cruise’ instead.

Alternatively, you could also take a coastal wildlife cruise where your tour boat sails along the immaculate Devon coast to catch breathtaking views of basking sharks, leathery turtles, falcons, bottlenosed dolphins, shearwaters, grey seals, and much more. This is a wonderful experience, although the tours only take place between May and July.

Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a thriving and prosperous harbour town and when you arrive here you get a sense that there’s a lot going on. Its lovely streets are lined with impressive listed buildings which are visible on arrival at the quayside in the centre of town. There are many shops in Dartmouth, ranging from the stylish and original to the practical and traditional ones. Art lovers will enjoy the many galleries displaying original works by established and upcoming Devon artists.

You can enjoy refreshments sitting by the harbour-side or floral river-front public gardens or dine in one of many cafes, inns, breakfast-bars or restaurants in town.

The Dartmouth market takes place every Tuesday and Friday, and there’s a farmers’ market on the second Saturday every month.  Both can be located at the Old Market Square.

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Newquay, Britain’s Surfing Capital

There’s much more to Newquay than being just a surfers’ paradise.

Boasting some of the best beaches and surfing in Britain, Newquay is one of Cornwall’s premier holiday sites. Unsurprisingly, it has now obtained a reputation for being England’s surfing capital but there’s much more to Newquay than being just a surfers’ paradise.  You can swim, build sandcastles or walk the coastal path and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Beach lovers will want to head to Fistral Beach – this is in fact the best known surfing beach offering fast, hollow waves for surfers. Another popular beach in Newquay is Watergate Bay although this beach is more suited to beginner surfers. Beginners may also want to try Crantock Beach with its wide stretches of golden sand sheltered by tufted dunes. There are numerous places in Newquay to hire surfing equipment and surf schools are also available for those who come only to ride the waves.

Food & Drink In Newquay

As you would expect, Newquay offers a wide variety of cuisine options for just about every pallet. Local specialities include cream teas & Cornish pasties offered by the many tea rooms & bakeries. Cornish ice-cream is also very rich and creamy to taste. Newquay is also well known for its seafood and has a huge range of international cuisine restaurants from Indian and Chinese to Mexican and Italian. One thing’s for sure, when your visit to Newquay is over you’ll probably have to start a strict diet!

The Blue Reef Aquarium

If you’re interested in tropical marine life then a visit to the Newquay Blue Reef Aquarium is a must – one of the highlights is a fascinating underwater tunnel that visitors can walk through while witnessing the marine animals swim around in their natural habitats.

Other Things To Do In Newquay

As well as its fabulous beaches, Newquay is a holiday paradise for families.  There’s something for everyone here, including the nearby theme parks of Springfields Fun Park and Crealy Adventure Park, Dairyland Farm World and the Lappa Valley Railway. Trenance Gardens has a lovely boating lake, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a bowling green.

Newquay has a good zoo containing a wide varierty of animals over 10 acres of land. Also popular (especially with children) is Newquay Water World – containing a tropical pool, simulation waterfall and volcanos and even state of the art gym facilities for adults. Intrepid thrill-seekers can get a buzz of adrenaline at the Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre.

Other activity based entertainment include pool, snooker, bowling and a range of other sports and activities. Looking for something a little different? Try the Tunnels Through Time museum (a very novel way of looking at and learning about the past).

Golfers who fancy chasing a ball around acres of turf will enjoy the scenic course overlooking Fistral Beach. And if you’re not having a good game, you can always blame it on the stunning scenery.

Fishing – this is one of the most popular activities in England – at Newquay there are some excellent opportunities for a wide range of fishing from fly-fishing to deep sea fishing.

Newquay Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for Newquay cottage holidays, surf lodges, bed and breakfast places, self-catering accommodation, caravan parks or luxury hotels, Newquay has a large range of accommodation to suit all budget types.

Close to Newquay is the town of Bodmin – once the capital of Cornwall, it’s now an elegant little market town well worth a visit.

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Thinking about taking a Holiday in Devon and Cornwall?

England’s “West Country” has charm, scenery and better weather!

Cornwall – the English Riviera?

On the very south-western tip of England lies the beautiful county of Cornwall. With a delightful mix of superb beaches (among the best in Britain), outstanding scenery and charming towns, villages and cities, this county has something to offer everyone for their holiday in Cornwall.

Despite the wealth of attractions & scenic beauty on offer, Cornwall has many affordable holiday cottages, hotels, B&Bs & guesthouses to suit the budgets of all holidaymakers.

Cornwall is also Britain’s premier surfing capital– not surprising given that it enjoys the best weather anywhere in the country. It also has some of the cleanest beaches and attracts visitors by the millions every year.

Whether it’s lazing on lovely white beaches, ambling along wonderful sub-tropical gardens or exploring quiet, picture-perfect fishing villages you’re after, you’ll find it all when you visit Cornwall.

The famous King Arthur is also believed to have come from Cornwall, in a small town called Tintagel. Cornish history is mystical, ancient and highly fascinating. The many delightful towns and villages are often named after the Christian missionaries that have influenced them.

Like your food and drink? Cornish pubs are known for offering good hearty foods and your choice of flavoursome ales. And let’s not forget the “Cornish pastie” – a tasty must-have  meat pie that must be experienced when visiting Cornwall.

But the good news is that you don’t have to eat Cornish pasties throughout your entire holiday in Cornwall.  With its wide expanses of coastline, there’s plenty of seafood here and the celebrity chefs have arrived as well.  Whether you prefer French cuisine, Mediterranean or modern cooking, there’s plenty to choose from.  Rick Stein alone has four restaurants in Padstow and a pub in St. Merryn.  I once saw this man barbeque a piece of moonfish on the beach and it looked so delicious that the memory has stayed with me to this day.

Holidays In Devon

Devon is famously known to offer the traveller a feast of splendid scenery, lovely beaches and pretty harbour towns. Popular destinations within Devon include Plymouth, Torbay and Dartmoor National Park.

Devon is also a walkers paradise, and like neighbouring Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations within the United Kingdom. And it’s very easy to see why – lush pastures break out into spectacular coastlines, making Devon a Mecca for those hunting for a taste of quaint old England.

While enjoying a holiday in Devon, be sure to experience the wonderfully rugged coastline scenery. Devon is also blessed with some stunning countryside – charming narrow little roads amble on for miles with nothing but lush greenery and flora that offers a myriad of explosive colours during the summertime. Driving through these single-lane roads is an experience like no other – arrive in a Devon town that’s dotted with picture perfect thatched cottages and enjoy a cream tea and scone in one of the many tea-shops.

Devon offers the traveller a classic English village experience – and there are many great country cottages, hotels, self-catering accommodation, B&Bs and many more types of accommodation to cater to the needs of both the luxury traveller and budget conscious back-packer.

Like Cornwall, many famous chefs have found their way to Devon and if you want to treat yourself to some fine cuisine there’s even a restaurant here with one Michelin star.

Devon also offers some of the best year-round weather to be found anywhere in the UK. Temperatures in January (when the rest of the country is shivering) average a maximum of 9 degrees.

If you enjoy coasts & estuaries then a holiday in Devon will delight you – the estuaries (such as the Teign) also attract many species of migratory birds.

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Surfing and diving in Cornwall

Surfing and Diving in Cornwall:

Cornwall is fast being recognised as one of the premier surfing and diving locations within the UK. This is due to the multiple of good beach resorts such as Newquay, Bude and Perranporth to name a few.

Cornwall also has a huge stretch of coastline, more so than along any other part of England. This means that Cornwall as a diving location has naturally evolved, and now offers excellent prospects for those wanting to surf as well as do some diving in Cornwall.

Diving in Cornwall

Diving facilities within Cornwall are first class. There are several B.S.A.C clubs littered all around Cornwall. You can learn to dive at one of their many dive schools.  The following locations all have major dive operators present:

• St Ives
• Hayle
• Looe
• Falmouth
• Penzance
• St Keverne

Dive boats are also available, notably in Newquay.

The months of July to October are by far the best months to go diving. It’s possible to see sharks, whales and dolphins during these peak times. Despite this, a lot of surfing still takes place between October to June (low season) where the temperature can vary from 6 to 17 degrees.

Surfing in Corwall

Newquay is also highly popular with surfers – in fact Newquay Fistral and Watergate Bay hold surfing championships each year, where surfers from all corners of the globe come to participate. Following are some of the competitions that bring local and overseas surfers to the area in summer:

• English National Surfing Championships
• BLU Midsummer Classic
• Extreme Academy Midsummer Classic Surf Competition
• UK Surf Rowers League Summer Series
• Surf Relief UK Festivals

It’s possible to hire out surfing equipment as required including boards and wetsuits. Novice surfers can head to Towan or Tolcarne as the beaches here are somewhat more sheltered and allow a safer place for amateurs and beginners to practice their surfing. Local surf schools provide tuition and it’s also possible to book Cornwall surfing holidays or join surfing camps if you intend to spend a lot of time on the board!

There are accommodation to cater for all styles and budgets in Cornwall, making this an attractive dive and surf destination, not to mention the good food and great pubs and fantastic scenery.

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St Ives – a thriving artistic community

Wonderful, sandy beaches, narrow cobbled streets and a delightful harbour area

This magical little corner of Cornwall offers wonderful, sandy beaches and a delightful harbour area.  You can lose yourself in the maze of narrow cobbled streets with flower-filled courtyards and alleyways bursting with galleries, craft and clothing shops,  cafes and artists studios – an absolute joy for those wanting to discover “Classic Old England”.

But what St Ives is internationally renowned for is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and Tate St Ives.

St Ives has very strong historical ties to the arts community – and testament to this can be found at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Just a few of the famous 20th century artists from St Ives include Barbara Hepworth, John Wells and Ben Nicholson. Those interested in art will also want to check out the Tate St Ives Museum, part of the Tate Gallery in London.  Opened in 1993, Tate St. Ives is perhaps the flagship of Cornish art.

What else is there in St Ives

Art aside there’s plenty for the general tourist too – fine, sandy beaches and a myriad of wonderful shops and restaurants make this a first class destination for those wanting to see the very best that Cornwall has to offer.

As you would expect, the good stretches of beach here makes it another popular location for surfers. Porthmeor Beach, on the town’s western edge, is the pick of the bunch being famous for powerful surf and yet is ideal for non-surfers of all ages as well. Watch the surfers ride the waves at Porthmeor Beach – or get in there yourself and give it a go!

Porthminster Beach, on the town’s eastern edge, is more sheltered and has perfect conditions for family groups. Other good beaches in St Ives include Porthgwidden, Porth Kidney Sands and Windasea.

Boats still fill the harbour and Smeaton’s Pier is still the preserve of the town’s fishing community, although fishing no longer dominates the quays.  Watch fishermen bring in their catch which are sold to some of the finest restaurants.

No holiday is complete without good food and here at St Ives there’s a range of excellent restaurants, cafes and traditional pubs catering for all tastes.  Chill out with a drink or splash out on the culinary delights at one of the top restaurants around the harbour, looking out at the fishing boats and clear water.

St Ives is a good base for a Cornwall holiday.  This little town offers a large selection of outdoor activities including birdwatching, fishing, golf, sailing and surfing.  From here you can also explore Land’s End, Penzance, St. Michael’s Mount or make trips to the Isles of Scilly.

There are lots of accommodation options to suit the budgets of all holidaymakers ranging from guest houses with fabulous sea views, charming four-star B&B, hotels or touring caravan parks.

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Tintagel – Welcome to the Birthplace of King Arthur

Tintagel – Home of Merlin the Magician and King Arthur of Camelot?

It was the historian called Geoffrey of Monmouth who in 1150 started the legendary belief that the little town of Tintagel was the birthplace of the great King Arthur who was born to the beautiful Queen Igerna and was protected from evil by the magician, Merlin.

When Earl Richard of Cornwall built Tintagel Castle in 1240, he was persuaded to build it in this isolated, windswept spot by this popular belief.  Ever since that time this belief has been attached to Tintagel and indeed visitors flock here still to catch a glimpse of the place where King Arthur may have been born.

The remains of Tintagel Castle are quite spectacular – set upon the steep cliffs overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It’s believed that King Arthur was born here while Merlin stood famously in a cave beneath the castle. This is Merlin’s Cave and visitors can view it when the tide is not high.

Did King Arthur rule here?

Fact and fiction are inextricably entwined – historians think that the legendary King Arthur probably did exist.  He could have been a Romano-British chieftain or warrior who led British resistance to the Saxon invasion of the 6th century.  We’ll leave this to the historians to sort out what was fictitious or true from Geoffrey Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain.

To get up to the castle there are two steep staircases clinging to the cliff-side. Visit in the height of summer and you may have a storyteller on hand to bring the legends of King Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot to life.  In the bleak of mid-winter, Tintagel inspires the imagination – it’s a place of dreams, romance and legend, embellished with a bit of help from Hollywood as well.

From the clifftop, a path leads from the castle to Tintagel’s church which has Norman and Saxon masonry.

Aside from these ancient remains Tintagel has a 14^th Century Post Office that represents an interesting side-visit for travellers.

After you’re done visiting the castle and post office, the town has a slew of tea rooms, pubs and souvenir shops to cater for the many visitors who come (mostly in summer).

Naturally, Tintagel has attracted poets, artists, historians and sightseers since the Victorian era.  If you are interested in history and wildlife or just love walking in prime countryside, this is the place to be.

Some things have changed at Tintagel

Tintagel village centre has just completed a substantial makeover.  There’s new granite paving and slate kerbs, improved parking and pedestrian access throughout the village.  Those who have been here in the past will be pleased to know that the miles of ugly overhead cables have been banished underground and there’s now a new village square.

A short distance to the east of Tintagel is Boscastle, another pretty National Trust village.

If you’re planning to spend a few days here, there are many Tintagel hotels, guest houses, inns, cottages and other accommodation to choose from.

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