When planning a visit to Cornwall, at the very top of our list was Tintagel Castle. We were all so glad we made the trip to this historic site, even my 9-year-old daughter loved it! The stunning backdrop of the castle and the surrounding area is the perfect place to make some family memories. In this post, we will tell you all about our trip to Tintagel Castle and explain the accessibility of the site too.
Accessibility
Tintagel isn’t very accessible for those with limited mobility. However, English Heritage has done its very best to make the site as accessible as possible for all.
There is a car park close to the entrance of the Tintagel site and there are multiple car parks throughout the village of Tintagel. Upon entering the ticket office, staff told us there is a Landrover service which can ferry visitors to 2 locations on the grounds.
Unfortunately, the landrover is unable to drive to the path which leads to the castle, however, one of the drop-off points is at the beginning of this path. For those who have difficulty walking, it is a challenging walk and it might be preferable to take in the views at the second drop-off point – the cafe.
There is a small charge for the Landrover service, but it is well worth this additional expense as the site is rather hilly and the path is also full of stones. An additional bonus is the Landrover permits dogs to ride. Furthermore, dogs are permitted throughout the grounds.
The drivers were really friendly and incredibly patient as getting in and out of the landrover can be a little tricky if you have mobility issues, or have children and dogs too. You can pay for the service via card, which was a relief to hear as I don’t usually carry around cash!
There are plenty of benches and or seats at the 2 drop-off points too which was great to see.
The Cafe
At the bottom of the hill – accessible via foot or by the land rover service is a lovely cafe that serves hot and cold food and drinks as well as ice creams. The toilets are also located here.
The views from the seating area outside the cafe are spectacular! You can see “Merlin’s Cave” from here and the beautiful cove. The cove is accessible from the castle grounds, however, we didn’t have the time to venture down.
If you are someone with limited mobility, I would suggest using the Land Rover service to drop you off at the cafe and enjoy the views.
The Bridge
Now the walk to the bridge itself is via a path. This walk itself can be a challenge for those with limited mobility. Although the land rover service will drop you off at the start of this path.
Until relatively recently, access to Tintagel Castle itself was solely via a set of steps. However, in 2019, English Heritage opened a new bridge enabling visitors easier access to the castle.
I am petrified of heights. I won’t go on roller coasters or rides that lift into the air for this reason. Walking along castle walls is impossible for me.
Nevertheless, I was determined to cross this bridge. Once I reached the bridge itself, the experience wasn’t so terrifying. The key is to look ahead and not to look down (I did look over the side once I had crossed the bridge and it was incredibly high). Once you get to the middle of the bridge, there is a tiny gap which is there to ensure the bridge is structurally sound. Once I reached this part of the bridge, I did feel a very slight bounce which make my tummy flutter for a second.
I would say if you are deathly afraid of heights as I am, prepare yourself, however, if I can cross it, then anyone can! In fact, I would definitely cross the bridge again if I ever make a return visit as it wasn’t too scary.
The Castle
There is evidence of occupation at the site of Tintagel since the Roman times and it has even been suggested that the site was used as a Roman outpost. A castle was built there in the 13th century by Richard 1st Earl of Cornwall and the ruins of this castle are what visitors can see today. The castle fell into disrepair as the medieval period waned.
Tintagel was first associated with the legendary King Arthur by the author Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century. He claimed Arthur was conceived at the castle, although today it is mistakenly thought Geoffrey of Monmouth claimed Tintagel was King Arthur’s Castle.
Nevertheless, the association with Arthur endures and visitors can wander around the medieval ruins.
If accessibility is a concern for you or one of your party, I would give Tintagel Castle serious consideration before visiting. English Heritage has done all it possibly can to consider accessibility at Tintagel Castle, however on a site like this, there is a limit to what can be done.
Even if you have limited mobility, I would recommend a visit to Tintagel – the village is beautiful and the Landrover service will enable you to access some of the site. We hope to return in the near future and explore more of this wonderful part of the world.
To read more posts on accessibility, see our accessibility category.
