Tintagel

The mention of Tintagel conjures up a host of images - wild Cornish cliffs and rugged shores, mysterious ruins clinging to a windswept island, gift shops, tearooms and all things 'Arthurian'. With a atmosphere like no other place, Tintagel has attracted poets, artists, historians and sightseers since the Victorian era.

Today the village and its lovely surrounding countryside has something to appeal to every taste and interest - making Tintagel a great choice for your next holiday

To walk along Tintagel's main street, past the shops and cafes and on down the valley to the island, is to journey through time. Modern houses rub shoulders with Victorian villas and Medieval buildings; and on the island, a 13th century castle ruins rest on mysterious, Dark Age foundations. Make Tintagel Visitor Centre your first port of call. It is packed full of useful information about what to do, where to go and what to see in the area, as well as facts and figures about Tintagel's legendary links to the Arthurian Saga.

If you are interested in history and wildlife or just love walking in prime countryside, then you will be spoilt for choice. Put aside a day to explore the Island ruins - starting with a visit to the English Heritage centre. Look over St. Materiana's Church - a spiritual site since the 6th century. Back in the village, visit the wonderful Old Post Office (originally a 14th century Hall house) and now owned by the National Trust, or King Arthur's Great Halls with its magnificent stained glass windows.

The centre of the village has just completed a substantial makeover. New, locally sourced, granite paving and slate kerbs, improved parking and pedestrian access throughout the village, miles of ugly overhead cables banished underground and a new village square means Tintagel is on the way up.

Amenities: Tennis court, children's play area, rock and fossil museum, toy museum, Old Post Office (National Trust), Tintagel Castle (English Heritage), Tintagel pottery, St Nectans pottery, South West Coast Path, woodland walks.