10 Finest Castles in Cornwall, UK

There are various unimaginable 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 an extended reference to the ocean.

Cornwall is without doubt one of the UK’s high vacation locations recognized 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 a captivating time out.

I’ve visited lots of the Castles in Cornwall, UK through the years as I’m an enormous fan of historical past and the related myths and legends. You’ll additionally discover that lots of the Cornwall castles are set in dramatic places usually on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.

10 Finest Castles in Cornwall

Under you’ll discover a collection of one of the best castles in Cornwall from the well-known Tintagel fortress (regarded as the legendary residence 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 reproduction in France (St Michael’s Mount and Mont Saint Michelle respectively).

I really like exploring the gorgeous 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 Fort

Tintagel fortress is arguably Cornwall’s most well-known historic wreck 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 certainly one of 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 unimaginable. From right here you’ll be able to spot sea birds and marine life reminiscent of seals, dolphins and basking sharks.

The fortress is a straightforward stroll from Tintagel village, itself simply reachable from Cornwall’s principal cities and villages by highway. Buses between Bude and Newquay go by way of Tintagel so it may be visited by public transport (although to get one of the best out of Cornwall hiring a automobile is advisable).

I used to be fortunate sufficient to first go to Tintagel Fort 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 worry of heights.

Tintagel Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Fort Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10am-4pm, Wed-Solar
Entrance Price: £14.80 grownup, £8.90 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

2. Pendennis Fort

The beautiful Pendennis Fort was constructed by King Henry VIII to guard England from invasion. It’s top-of-the-line locations to go to in Falmouth due to its acres of land with sweeping views out throughout the south coast, the Fal Estuary and the city harbor.

There are various 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’ll be able to see this.

This is without doubt one of 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 Fort is one mile from the harbor so simply walkable, or you’ll be able to soar on the 67 bus. Falmouth itself is linked to the remainder of the UK by highway and rail.

Pendennis Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Fort Drive, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Telephone: +44 (0)1326 316594
Working Hours: 10am-4pm, Sat-Solar
Entrance Price: £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 without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Cornwall for households as there may be 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 affirm that the Cornish fortress is best, 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’ll be able to stroll throughout the causeway to the fortress, however at excessive tide, you’ll must 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 Data

Tackle: Mounts Bay, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0HS
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 887822
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £14 grownup, £7 youngster
Web site: stmichaelsmount.co.uk

4. Launceston Fort

Cornwall’s county-town (regional capital) of Launceston is price a go to for its magnificent Thirteenth-century fortress ruins. The fortress’s 600-year-old hold 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 simply 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 highway from the remainder of the nation. There are additionally common bus providers to different giant cities throughout Cornwall, Devon and the remainder of the UK.

Launceston Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Fort Dyke, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7DR
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

5. Restormel Fort

The attractive ruins of Restormel Fort 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 numerous occasions reminiscent of theater and music performances (See the web site to see what’s presently 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 without doubt one of 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’ll be able to guide a taxi/Uber from Bodmin to take you and organize pickup or ready time. You may as well stroll to the fortress from Bodmin which takes round two hours.

Restormel Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Restormel Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0EE
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 872687
Working Hours: 10am-5pm, Mon-Solar
Entrance Price: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

6. Caerhays Fort

Caerhays Fort close to St Austell (residence of my favourite Cornish beer) will not be one of many oldest within the county at 200 years outdated, nonetheless, it’s thought-about probably the most lovely fortress in Cornwall by many due to its good location overlooking the south coast of England.

Though the fortress continues to be residence to the Williams household who has lived right here for over 140 years, it’s opened to the general public every year between March and June (the gardens and tea rooms are open from February). There’s 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 friends. There’s 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 want so as to add to my Cornwall record.

Caerhays Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: 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 Fort

Historic St Mawes is without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of the hottest castles in Cornwall due to its location close to Falmouth with beautiful sea views.

The fortress is open to guests to discover and there are various fascinating issues to see from the outdated cannons to the jail tower, rooftop bastion and extra. This can be a good spot to blow away the cobwebs and discover the coastal space round St Mawes.

Among the best methods to succeed in St Mawes Fort is to take the ferry from close by Falmouth which provides beautiful views of the Fal Estuary and close by shoreline. The ferry runs daily aside from Christmas Day and takes simply 20 minutes.

St Mawes Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Fort Drive, St Mawes, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5DE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 10am-4pm, Sat-Solar
Entrance Price: £7.00 grownup, £4.2 youngster
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

8. St Catherine’s Fort

This small artillery fort close to the village of Fowey is about upon a dramatic clifftop overlooking the ocean and rocky shoreline far beneath. The fortress is reached by way of 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 battle off any German try at invasion.

Its desolate location makes this one of the vital atmospheric of Cornwall’s castles. You’ll be able to solely attain St Catherine’s Fort by foot.

Begin at Readymoney Cove automobile park (there’s a pretty little seashore there too, good for swimming in summer time) and comply with the coast path for 3/4 of a mile till you attain the fortress.

St Catherine’s Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: St Catherine’s Cove, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1JH
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Working Hours: 24/7
Entrance Price: free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk

9. Chun Fort

The traditional ruins at Chun symbolize the oldest fortress in Cornwall, with this fortification relationship again a staggering 2,500 years. The ruins are positioned in a discipline (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 positioning varieties a part of the Chun Downs Nature Reserve overlooking the rugged north Atlantic shoreline, making it an awesome place for walkers and hikers.

The ruins are reachable solely on foot by way of a footpath from the close by villages of Morvah or Pendeen. The world can be residence to a few of Cornwall’s different relics just like the Morvah Standing Stones which might be visited on the identical time.

Chun Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Penzance, Cornwall, TR20 8PX
Telephone: n/a
Working Hours: 24/7
Entrance Price: free
Web site: n/a

10. Tregenna Fort Resort

The Treganna Fort Resort is the proper place to remain for those who’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 common Cornwall trip vacation spot.

The fortress is about inside a whopping 72 acres of land on the north Cornish coast with manicured gardens, an indoor and outside 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 highway and rail from the remainder of Cornwall and the UK, and certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Cornwall.

Tregenna Fort Particulars and Data

Tackle: Trelyon Avenue, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2DE
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 795254
Working Hours: 24/7
Entrance Price: from £80.00 per evening
Web site: tregenna-castle.co.uk

Castles in Cornwall: FAQs

Under are some FAQs about one of the best castles in Cornwall.

In Conclusion

Now you understand about one of the best castles in Cornwall from my favorites and common vacationer points of interest of Tintagel, Pendennis and St Michael’s Mount to the lesser recognized, 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 historic 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 outdated.

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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