There are lots of implausible castles in Cornwall to discover. From windswept ruins to superbly preserved sea forts and fairy-tale citadels. The county has a wealthy historical past from Celtic and Arthurian legends to pirates, smugglers, and a deep reference to the sea.

Cornwall is likely one of the UK’s most sensible vacation locations and is supreme identified for its nice seashores, browsing alternatives, coastal paths, and old fashioned fishing villages, however the Cornish castles are some other of the Westcountry’s gemstones and make for an enchanting 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 to find that most of the Cornwall castles are set in dramatic places and are steadily located on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.

10 Highest Castles in Cornwall

Underneath, you’ll discover a choice of the most efficient castles in Cornwall from the well-known Tintagel fortress (regarded as the mythical house of King Arthur and his Knights of the Spherical Desk) to Henry VIII’s maritime forts, or even Cornish castles you’ll be able to keep in.

There are fortress ruins to discover, renovated castles with museums and tea rooms, and a fortress on a tidal island that has a reproduction in France (St Michael’s Mount and Mont Saint Michelle respectively).

I like exploring the gorgeous castles throughout Cornwall – they make nice tours for historical past fanatics, households, and the ones searching for a metamorphosis from an afternoon on the seashore.

1. Tintagel Fortress

Tintagel fortress is arguably Cornwall’s most famed historical damage for its affiliation with the legend of King Arthur. This spectacular stone construction sits perched on a towering clifftop prime above the north Atlantic ocean and Merlin’s Cave and is one among my favourite puts to go to in Cornwall.

There’s a brand new footbridge that connects portions of the fortress at the mainland to these on a big, rocky outcrop and the perspectives are implausible. From right here you’ll be able to spot sea birds and marine lifestyles comparable to seals, dolphins, and basking sharks.

The ruins of Tintagel Castle on Tintagel Island at sunset.

The fortress is a simple stroll from Tintagel village which is well reachable from Cornwall’s major cities and villages via street. Buses between Bude and Newquay go thru Tintagel so it may be visited by the use of public shipping (even though to get the most efficient out of Cornwall, I like to recommend hiring a automobile).

I used to be fortunate sufficient to first go to Tintagel Fortress ahead of the brand new bridge was once constructed and it was once unfastened to go into so issues have modified somewhat since then. I will be able to’t wait to get again and stroll around the bridge (even with my worry of heights!).

Tintagel Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Fortress Highway, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Running Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Wed-Solar
Front Rate: £14.80 grownup, £8.90 kid
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

2. Pendennis Fortress

The beautiful Pendennis Fortress was once constructed via King Henry VIII to offer protection to England from invasion. It’s one of the crucial supreme puts to go to in Falmouth due to its many acres of land with sweeping perspectives out around the south coast, the Fal Estuary, and town harbor.

You’ll to find weapons and cannons dotted round Pendennis and the cliffs overlooking town. On sure days of the yr, those are fired in commemoration of various battles and ancient occasions. Take a look at the English Heritage web page for more information on when you’ll be able to see this (hyperlink beneath).

This is likely one of the puts I like to spend an afternoon on my uncommon visits to the south coast (sorry Falmouth, however the north coast has higher browsing seashores).

Pendennis Fortress is a mile clear of the harbor so is well walkable, or you’ll be able to soar at the 67 bus. Falmouth itself is hooked up to the remainder of the United Kingdom via street and rail.

Pendennis Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Fortress Force, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Telephone: +44 (0)1326 316594
Running Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Sat-Solar
Front Rate: £11.60 grownup, £6.90 kid
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

3. St Michael’s Mount

Visiting ancient St Michael’s Mount in Marazion close to Penzance is likely one of the supreme issues to do in Cornwall for households as there’s such a lot to peer and do. This epic fortress is located on a tidal island and is totally bring to a halt from the mainland all through prime tide.

I’ve been to each St Michael’s Mount and its French counterpart Mont Saint Michelle, and naturally, I will be able to verify that the Cornish fortress is best, if somewhat smaller (now not that I’m biased after all…).

The top of St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall.

You’ll get misplaced within the myriad little lanes across the fortress, go to the small village or swim on the seashore. At low tide, you’ll be able to stroll around the causeway to the fortress, however at prime tide, you’ll want to take one of the crucial 3 boats that go from side to side between the island and the mainland.

There are common buses between Penzance and Marazion (Carrier U4) taking simply quarter-hour.

St Michael’s Mount Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Mounts Bay, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 887822
Running Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Rate: £14 grownup, £7 kid
Site: stmichaelsmount.co.united kingdom

4. Launceston Fortress

Cornwall’s county-town (regional capital) of Launceston is no doubt value a go to for its magnificent Thirteenth-century fortress ruins. The fortress’s 600-year-old stay continues to be intact and you’ll be able to wander across the fortress, partitions, and grounds that have been well-preserved via 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 place of dwelling for Cornwall’s aristocrats, a jail, and a courthouse ahead of changing into an open-air museum.

Launceston is positioned as regards to the border between Devon and Cornwall and is well reached via street from the remainder of the rustic. There also are common bus products and services to different massive cities throughout Cornwall, Devon, and the remainder of the United Kingdom from right here.

Launceston Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Fortress Dyke, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7DR
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Running Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Rate: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 kid
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

5. Restormel Fortress

The gorgeous ruins of Restormel Fortress take a seat on a hilltop overlooking the Fow valley and create the easiest atmosphere for picnics. All through the summer time the fortress and grounds play host to more than a few occasions comparable to theater and track performances (see the web page to peer what’s recently on – hyperlink beneath).

The fortress dates to the overdue Thirteenth century and fell into decline from the sixteenth century onwards. Restormel was once as soon as a part of the property of the notorious Black Prince (son of Edward III and Duke of Cornwall) and is likely one of the supreme castles in Cornwall for circle of relatives days out.

Ruins at Restormel Castle near Lostwithiel in a clear blue sky.

Restormel is positioned out within the sticks round 5 miles from Bodmin. You’ll want your individual shipping to get there, or you’ll be able to e-book a taxi/Uber from Bodmin to take you and prepare pickup or ready time. You’ll additionally stroll to the fortress from Bodmin which takes round two hours.

Restormel Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Restormel Highway, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0EE
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 872687
Running Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Rate: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 kid
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

6. Caerhays Fortress

Caerhays Fortress close to St Austell (house of my favourite Cornish beer) isn’t one of the crucial oldest within the county at simply 200 years previous, on the other hand, it is thought of as probably the most gorgeous fortress in Cornwall via many due to its picture-perfect location overlooking the south coast of England.

Even if the fortress continues to be house to the Williams circle of relatives who has lived right here for over 140 years, it’s open to the general public each and every yr between March and June (the gardens and tea rooms are open from February). There’s additionally a small seashore and cafe within reach that may be visited year-round.

Caerhays may be one of the crucial castles in Cornwall you’ll be able to keep in as one wing is open for visitors. There’s additionally a choice of cottages, barns, and vacation flats at the property which are to be had to e-book. I’ve stayed in castles in France ahead of, however that is one thing I want to upload to my Cornwall record.

Caerhays Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Gorran Churchtown, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6LY
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 500026
Running Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Fri
Front Charges: fortress £14.00/£7.0,0 gardens £10.00/£5.00, mixed £20.00/£8.00
Web pages: go to.caerhays.co.united kingdom (fortress) caerhaysholidays.co.united kingdom (lodging)

7. St Mawes Fortress

Ancient St Mawes is likely one of the best-preserved castles in Cornwall, and prefer Pendennis around the water, is a Tudor-era fortification constructed all through the reign of Henry VIII.

This is likely one of the hottest castles in Cornwall due to its location close to Falmouth with shocking sea perspectives.

The incredible view of St. Mawes castle in Cornwall.

The fortress is open to guests to discover and there are lots of attention-grabbing issues to peer 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.

Some of the supreme techniques to achieve St Mawes Fortress is to take the ferry from within reach Falmouth which provides shocking perspectives of the Fal Estuary and within reach beach. The ferry runs on a daily basis (rather than Christmas Day) and takes simply 20 mins.

St Mawes Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Fortress Force, St Mawes, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5DE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Running Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Sat-Solar
Front Rate: £7.00 grownup, £4.2 kid
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

8. St Catherine’s Fortress

This small artillery fortress close to the village of Fowey is about upon a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea and rocky coastline a long way beneath. The fortress is reached by the use of the southwest coast trail, is totally unfastened to go to, and is open 24 hours an afternoon all yr around.

St Catherine’s is some other of Henry VIII’s defensive forts relationship again to the 1530s. Throughout WWII the fortress was once redesigned to carry anti-aircraft weapons and munitions to combat off any German try at invasion.

Its desolate location makes this some of the atmospheric of Cornwall’s castles. You’ll handiest succeed in St Catherine’s Fortress on foot.

Get started at Readymoney Cove automobile park, (there’s a good looking little seashore right here too, ideally suited for swimming in summer time), and apply the coast trail for three/4 of a mile till you succeed in the fortress.

St Catherine’s Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: St Catherine’s Cove, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1JH
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Running Hours: 24/7
Front Rate: Loose
Site: english-heritage.org.united kingdom

9. Chun Fortress

The traditional ruins at Chun constitute the oldest fortress in Cornwall, with its fortification relationship again a staggering 2,500 years. The ruins are positioned in a box (with complete public get admission to) within the a long way southwest of Cornwall between St Ives and Land’s Finish.

This iron age hill fortress is a must-visit for historical past fanatics and budding archaeologists. The web site bureaucracy a part of the Chun Downs Nature Reserve overlooking the rugged north Atlantic beach, making it an excellent spot for avid walkers and hikers.

Ding Dong tin mine in the distance, seen from the ruins of Chun Castle in Cornwall during spring.

The ruins are handiest reachable on foot by the use of a footpath from the within reach villages of Morvah or Pendeen. The realm may be house to a few of Cornwall’s different relics just like the Morvah Status Stones which may also be visited on the identical time.

Chun Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8PX
Telephone: n/a
Running Hours: 24/7
Front Rate: Loose
Site: n/a

10. Tregenna Fortress Lodge

The Treganna Fortress Lodge is the easiest position to stick when you’re searching for somewhat little bit of luxurious in shocking setting. The fortress overlooks Carbis Bay and the pretty harbor city of St Ives – a massively widespread Cornwall holiday vacation spot.

The fortress is about inside of a whopping 72 acres of land at the north Cornish coast with manicured gardens, an indoor and out of doors pool, a health club, a spa, a golfing path, and a cafe serving the hottest native produce and in the community stuck fish.

The stunning Carbis bay beach in St Ives, Cornwall.

Treganna is inside of strolling distance of the galleries, seashores, and eating places of St Ives. It’s simply reachable via street and rail from the remainder of Cornwall and the United Kingdom and is one among my favourite puts to go to in Cornwall.

Tregenna Fortress Main points and Knowledge

Deal with: Trelyon Road, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2DE
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 795254
Running Hours: 24/7
Front Rate: From £80.00 in line with night time
Site: tregenna-castle.co.united kingdom

Castles in Cornwall: FAQs

Underneath are some FAQs about the most efficient castles in Cornwall.

What’s the most lovely fortress in Cornwall?

Caerhays Fortress is probably the most gorgeous fortress in Cornwall due to its shocking location overlooking the south coast.

What’s the oldest fortress in Cornwall?

Chun Fortress is the oldest fortress in Cornwall with iron age ruins relationship again over 2,500 years. Even if there isn’t a lot left, this wild and windswept archaeological web site is easily value a go to.

What number of castles are in Cornwall?

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 at once faces mainland Europe.

What’s the preferred fortress in Cornwall?

Pendennis and Tintagel castles are the preferred castles in Cornwall for his or her ancient associations with King Henry VIII and King Arthur.

Can I sleep within the castles in Cornwall?

You’ll sleep in Tregenna fortress, which even supposing now not a ancient construction, is a gorgeous position to stick whole with ramparts and acres of grounds.

What’s the Highest Fortress to Discuss with in Cornwall?

The most productive fortress to go to in Cornwall is Tintagel fortress due to its wonderful location at the north Cornish coast and the various myths and legends surrounding it.

The place in Cornwall is King Arthur’s Fortress?

King Arthur’s fortress is within the small village of Tintagel at the north Cornish coast between Bude and Padstow.

In Conclusion

Now you realize about the most efficient castles in Cornwall from my favorites and widespread vacationer sights of Tintagel, Pendennis, and St Michael’s Mount to the lesser identified, however no much less impressive St Catherine’s, Caerhays, and Chun castles.

Cornwall is part of the United Kingdom that’s steeped in historical past, myths and legends, and nosing round a few of these historical ruins is a must-do for someone visiting. You’ll realize that lots of Cornwall’s castles are at the south coast, as this was once probably the most uncovered space to England’s enemies of previous.

Whether or not you wish to have to reside your individual fairytale dream via staying at Treganna or Caerhays, or picnic on dramatic clifftops with the echoes of kings sporting at the wind, the castles of Cornwall won’t disappoint.

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