The UK seaside village home to ‘world-famous wizards and knights’ – with beautiful waterfalls and castles
BRITS might not be aware a small village in the UK that was once said to be home to some legendary characters.
Described as a “landmark in history” it is thought to have been home to the likes of Merlin the wizard and King Arthur among others, drawing in tourists from all over the world.
Tintagel in Cornwall is pretty small, but is considered a “rich and important site” by English Heritage, who invite people to “immerse yourself in history, myth and stunning scenery”.
The village is found on the clifftops of North Cornwall, overlooking sandy beaches with clear blue seas, providing another good reason for tourists to visit.
One of the best is Bossiney Cove, which has clean white sand and clear waters, but is often missed by visitors.
Visit Cornwall describe it as a “hidden gem” that is well worth a walk down the steps from the steep cliff behind it.
They said: “A hidden gem, this scenic tidal inlet near the picturesque coastal village of Tintagel is well worth the steep steps.
“A small sheltered bay below the steep cliffs, it’s revealed only at low tide, as the beach opens and becomes one with neighbouring Benoath Cove.
“The tranquil sandy beach is home to the distinctive rock formation known as Elephant Rock.”
Elsewhere, another beach with less sand is much more popular with visitors due to the person who was said to have resided in one of the caves that can be explored at low tide.
Merlin’s Cave was made famous by writer Alfred Tennyson’s book Idylls of the King, in which he wrote of waves bringing King Arthur to the shore, where the wizard Merlin carried him to safety.
English Heritage describe the beach as “one of Tintagel’s best kept secrets” and added: “In winter you can blow away the cobwebs with a walk along the shore or stop and admire the waterfall falling onto the sand from the cliffs above.
“In summer, children can build sandcastles or explore Merlin’s Cave when the tide is out.”
Tennyson isn’t the only author to have visited Tintagel and written about King Arthur, with the village’s association with the famous knight tracing back to Geoffrey of Monmouth’s book History of the Kings of Britain.
It was written sometime in the first half of the 12th century and claims that Tintagel Castle was the home of Uther Pendragon, Arthur’s father.
How much truth there is in that is unclear, but the castle can still be explored on top of the cliffs.
As well as the beach with Merlin’s cave, the castle is also home to a special footbridge connecting the mainland to the headland sticking out from the sea.
It was the overall winner of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust’s 2022 Building Beauty Awards.
The castle is also home to Gallos, a “larger-than-life bronze sculpture of an ancient king”.
Away from the mythical characters found near the castle, there’s plenty more to explore, including the also award-winning St Nectan’s Glen.
The glen’s website describes it as an “enchanting world” with “mesmerising waterfalls” one of which is 60 foot high.
Elsewhere, a woodland walk is said to be home to “fairies and spirits” who take refuge beneath the ivy-clad trees.
St Nectan’s has previously been a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award winner.
A night for two in Tintagel can be booked from around £65.
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