There are lots of unbelievable castles in Cornwall to discover. From windswept ruins to fantastically preserved sea forts and fairy-tale citadels. The county has a wealthy historical past from Celtic and Arthurian legends to pirates, smugglers, and an extended reference to the ocean.
Cornwall is among the UK’s prime vacation locations identified for its nice seashores, browsing, coast paths and quaint fishing villages. However the Cornish castles are one other of the Westcountry’s gems and make for an interesting time out.
I’ve visited most of the Castles in Cornwall, UK over time as I’m an enormous fan of historical past and the related myths and legends. You’ll additionally discover that most of the Cornwall castles are set in dramatic places typically on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.
10 Finest Castles in Cornwall
Under you’ll discover a collection of the very best castles in Cornwall from the well-known Tintagel fortress (regarded as the legendary house of King Arthur and his Knights of the Spherical Desk) to Henry VIII’s maritime forts and even a fortress to remain in Cornwall.
There are fortress ruins to discover, renovated castles with museums and tea rooms, and even a fortress on a tidal island that has a duplicate in France (St Michael’s Mount and Mont Saint Michelle respectively).
I like exploring the attractive castles throughout Cornwall. These make nice excursions for historical past lovers, households and people on the lookout for a change from a day on the seashore.
1. Tintagel Fortress
Tintagel fortress is arguably Cornwall’s most well-known historical destroy for its affiliation with the legend of King Arthur. This spectacular stone construction sits perched on a towering clifftop excessive above the north Atlantic ocean and Merlin’s Cave and is one among my favourite locations in to go to in Cornwall.
There’s a new footbridge connecting components of the fortress on the mainland to these on a big, rocky outcrop and the views are unbelievable. From right here you possibly can spot sea birds and marine life reminiscent of seals, dolphins and basking sharks.
The fortress is a simple stroll from Tintagel village, itself simply reachable from Cornwall’s predominant cities and villages by street. Buses between Bude and Newquay cross by way of Tintagel so it may be visited by public transport (although to get the very best out of Cornwall hiring a automotive is advisable).
I used to be fortunate sufficient to first go to Tintagel Fortress earlier than the brand new bridge was constructed and it was free to enter so issues have modified somewhat since then. I can’t wait to get again and stroll throughout the bridge, even with my concern of heights.
Tintagel Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Highway, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10am-4pm, Wed-Solar
Entrance Payment: £14.80 grownup, £8.90 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
2. Pendennis Fortress
The beautiful Pendennis Fortress was constructed by King Henry VIII to guard England from invasion. It’s probably the greatest locations to go to in Falmouth because of its acres of land with sweeping views out throughout the south coast, the Fal Estuary and the city harbor.
There are lots of weapons and cannons dotted round Pendennis and the cliffs overlooking the city. On sure days of the 12 months, these are fired in commemoration of various battles and historic occasions. Examine the English Heritage web site for more information on when you possibly can see this.
This is among the locations I like to spend a day on my uncommon visits to the south coast (sorry Falmouth, however the north coast has higher browsing seashores).
Pendennis Fortress is one mile from the harbor so simply walkable, or you possibly can leap on the 67 bus. Falmouth itself is related to the remainder of the UK by street and rail.
Pendennis Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Drive, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Telephone: +44 (0)1326 316594
Working Hours: 10am-4pm, Sat-Solar
Entrance Payment: £11.60 grownup, £6.90 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
3. St Michael’s Mount
Visiting historic St Michael’s Mount in Marazion close to Penzance is among the finest issues to do in Cornwall for households as there’s a lot to see and do. This epic fortress is located on a tidal island and is totally reduce off from the mainland throughout excessive tide.
I’ve been to each St Michael’s Mount and its French counterpart Mont Saint Michelle, and naturally, I can verify that the Cornish fortress is healthier, if somewhat smaller (not that I’m biased after all).
You may get misplaced within the myriad little lanes across the fortress, go to the small village or swim on the seashore. At low tide you possibly can stroll throughout the causeway to the fortress, however at excessive tide, you’ll have to take one of many three boats that cross backwards and forwards between the island and the mainland.
There are common buses between Penzance and Marazion (Service U4) taking simply quarter-hour.
St Michael’s Mount Particulars and Info
Deal with: Mounts Bay, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 887822
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £14 grownup, £7 youngster
Web site: stmichaelsmount.co.uk
4. Launceston Fortress
Cornwall’s county-town (regional capital) of Launceston is value a go to for its magnificent Thirteenth-century fortress ruins. The fortress’s 600-year-old preserve continues to be intact and you’ll wander across the fortress, partitions and grounds which have been well-preserved by English Heritage.
The fortress dates to only after the Norman conquest of Britain and served as Cornwall’s seat of presidency till the sixteenth Century. The fortress has additionally been used as a residence for Cornwall’s aristocrats, a jail and a courthouse earlier than changing into an open-air museum.
Launceston is positioned near the border between Devon and Cornwall and simply reached by street from the remainder of the nation. There are additionally common bus companies to different massive cities throughout Cornwall, Devon and the remainder of the UK.
Launceston Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Dyke, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7DR
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
5. Restormel Fortress
The attractive ruins of Restormel Fortress sit on a hilltop overlooking the Fow valley and is the proper place for strolling and picnics. All through the summer time the fortress and grounds play host to varied occasions reminiscent of theater and music performances (See the web site to see what’s at the moment on).
The fortress dates to the late Thirteenth century and fell into decline from the sixteenth century onwards. Restormel was as soon as a part of the property of the notorious Black Prince (son of Edward III and Duke of Cornwall) and is among the finest castles in Cornwall for households.
Restormel is positioned out within the sticks round 5 miles from Bodmin. You’ll want your individual transport to get there, or you possibly can ebook a taxi/Uber from Bodmin to take you and prepare pickup or ready time. It’s also possible to stroll to the fortress from Bodmin which takes round two hours.
Restormel Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Restormel Highway, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0EE
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 872687
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
6. Caerhays Fortress
Caerhays Fortress close to St Austell (house of my favourite Cornish beer) will not be one of many oldest within the county at 200 years previous, nonetheless, it’s thought-about probably the most lovely fortress in Cornwall by many because of its excellent location overlooking the south coast of England.
Though the fortress continues to be house to the Williams household who has lived right here for over 140 years, it’s opened to the general public annually between March and June (the gardens and tea rooms are open from February). There may be additionally a small seashore and cafe close by that may be visited year-round.
Caerhays can be one the castles to remain in Cornwall and one wing is open for visitors. There may be additionally a collection of cottages, barns and vacation residences on the property that may be booked. I’ve stayed in castles in France earlier than, however that is one thing I would like so as to add to my Cornwall checklist.
Caerhays Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Gorran Churchtown, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6LY
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 500026
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Fri
Entrance Charges: fortress £14.00/£7.0,0 gardens £10.00/£5.00, mixed £20.00/£8.00
Web sites: go to.caerhays.co.uk (fortress) caerhaysholidays.co.uk (lodging)
7. St Mawes Fortress
Historic St Mawes is among the best-preserved castles in Cornwall, and like Pendennis throughout the water, is a Tudor-era fortification constructed throughout the reign of Henry VIII.
This is among the hottest castles in Cornwall because of its location close to Falmouth with beautiful sea views.
The fortress is open to guests to discover and there are numerous attention-grabbing issues to see from the previous cannons to the jail tower, rooftop bastion and extra. It is a great spot to blow away the cobwebs and discover the coastal space round St Mawes.
Among the best methods to achieve St Mawes Fortress is to take the ferry from close by Falmouth which supplies beautiful views of the Fal Estuary and close by shoreline. The ferry runs on daily basis aside from Christmas Day and takes simply 20 minutes.
St Mawes Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Fortress Drive, St Mawes, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5DE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10am-4pm, Sat-Solar
Entrance Payment: £7.00 grownup, £4.2 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
8. St Catherine’s Fortress
This small artillery fort close to the village of Fowey is ready upon a dramatic clifftop overlooking the ocean and rocky shoreline far beneath. The fortress is reached through the south west coast path and is totally free to go to, and is open 24 hours a day year-round.
St Catherine’s is one other of Henry VIII’s defensive forts relationship again to the 1530s. Throughout WWII the fortress was redesigned to carry anti-aircraft weapons and munitions to struggle off any German try at invasion.
Its desolate location makes this one of the atmospheric of Cornwall’s castles. You may solely attain St Catherine’s Fortress by foot.
Begin at Readymoney Cove automotive park (there’s a pretty little seashore there too, excellent for swimming in summer time) and observe the coast path for 3/4 of a mile till you attain the fortress.
St Catherine’s Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: St Catherine’s Cove, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1JH
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 24/7
Entrance Payment: free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk
9. Chun Fortress
The traditional ruins at Chun signify the oldest fortress in Cornwall, with this fortification relationship again a staggering 2,500 years. The ruins are positioned in a subject (with full public entry) within the far southwest of Cornwall between St Ives and Land’s Finish.
This iron age hill fort is a must-visit for historical past lovers and budding archaeologists. The location varieties a part of the Chun Downs Nature Reserve overlooking the rugged north Atlantic shoreline, making it a fantastic place for walkers and hikers.
The ruins are reachable solely on foot through a footpath from the close by villages of Morvah or Pendeen. The realm can be house to a few of Cornwall’s different relics just like the Morvah Standing Stones which might be visited on the similar time.
Chun Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8PX
Telephone: n/a
Working Hours: 24/7
Entrance Payment: free
Web site: n/a
10. Tregenna Fortress Resort
The Treganna Fortress Resort is the proper place to remain in case you’re on the lookout for somewhat little bit of luxurious in beautiful environment. The fortress overlooks Carbis Bay and the beautiful harbor city of St Ives, a massively widespread Cornwall trip vacation spot.
The fortress is ready inside a whopping 72 acres of land on the north Cornish coast with manicured gardens, an indoor and out of doors pool, a health club, a spa, a golf course and a restaurant serving the freshest native produce and regionally caught fish.
Treganna is inside strolling distance of the galleries, seashores and eating places of St Ives, itself simply reachable by street and rail from the remainder of Cornwall and the UK, and one among my favourite locations to go to in Cornwall.
Tregenna Fortress Particulars and Info
Deal with: Trelyon Avenue, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2DE
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 795254
Working Hours: 24/7
Entrance Payment: from £80.00 per evening
Web site: tregenna-castle.co.uk
Castles in Cornwall: FAQs
Under are some FAQs about the very best castles in Cornwall.
Caerhays Fortress is probably the most lovely fortress in Cornwall because of its beautiful location overlooking the south coast.
Chun Fortress is the oldest fortress in Cornwall with iron age ruins relationship again over 2,500 years. Though there’s not a lot left, this wild and windswept archaeological website is nicely value a go to.
There are over 15 castles and forts in Cornwall, with much more ruins various in dimension scattered across the county. The south coast is house to extra castles because it immediately faces mainland Europe.
Pendennis and Tintagel castles are the most well-liked castles in Cornwall for his or her historic associations with King Henry VIII and King Arthur.
You may sleep in Tregenna fortress, which though not a historic constructing, is a stupendous place to remain full with ramparts and acres of grounds.
The most effective fortress to go to in Cornwall is Tintagel fortress because of its superb location on the north Cornish coast and plenty of myths and legends surrounding it.
King Arthur’s fortress is within the small village of Tintagel on the north Cornish coast between Bude and Padstow.
In Conclusion
Now you understand about the very best castles in Cornwall from my favorites and widespread vacationer points of interest of Tintagel, Pendennis and St Michael’s Mount to the lesser identified, however no much less spectacular St Catherine’s, Caerhays and Chun castles.
Cornwall is part of the UK steeped in historical past, myths and legends and nosing round a few of these historical ruins is a must-do for anybody visiting. You’ll discover that lots of Cornwall’s castles are on the south coast, as this was probably the most uncovered space to England’s enemies of previous.
Whether or not you wish to stay your individual fairytale dream staying at Treganna or Caerhays, or picnic on dramatic clifftops with the echoes of kings carrying on the wind, the castles of Cornwall is not going to disappoint.
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