Tintagel and Boscastle

Mike and Anya had decided we should spent one of our vacation days at Tintagel Castle - Mike, because it's the mythical birthplace of King Arthur, and Anya, because it's on her English Heritage Monopoly board. As we made the long and traffic-filled drive over, passing many tourist opportunities along the way, I grumpily wondered if it was worth the effort. I was already feeling better when we hit the very cute town of Tintagel and found a nice outdoor table for some scones and cake.

Then when I saw the view at the castle site, who could possibly complain?

If you go to Tintagel looking for an impressive castle, you'd be bound to be disappointed. The castle is now just a few rocks with a spare wall here and there. However, if you go to Tintagel as a place to admire the Cornwall coast and as a romantic spot to imagine the birthplace of King Arthur, you couldn't do better.

Everywhere you look and turn is another impressive view.

The view of the town of Tintagel from the castle.

One of the few remaining doorways of the castle.

The area is quite steep, with lots of stairs to climb. But the view payoff is worth it.

We enjoyed seeing this little group relaxing in the afternoon sunshine on our way back to the car.

Within a few miles of Tintagel is the fishing village of Boscastle, which we also stopped by.

The town is situated on a little inlet from the ocean, with paths that take you out to the ocean and all along the coastline. 

View from the cliffs back to the town of Boscastle.

Our very brief tour of Cornwall has definitely made us wish for more. Maybe someday we'll go back and spend a nice long time so we can really explore.