There are lots of fantastic 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 a deep reference to the sea.
Cornwall is among the UK’s best vacation locations and is supreme recognized for its nice seashores, browsing alternatives, coastal paths, and old fashioned fishing villages, however the Cornish castles are every other of the Westcountry’s gem stones and make for an interesting 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 to find that lots of the Cornwall castles are set in dramatic places and are incessantly located on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.
10 Highest Castles in Cornwall
Under, you’ll discover a collection of the most efficient castles in Cornwall from the well-known Tintagel fort (considered 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 fort ruins to discover, renovated castles with museums and tea rooms, and a fort on a tidal island that has a reproduction in France (St Michael’s Mount and Mont Saint Michelle respectively).
I like exploring the pretty castles throughout Cornwall – they make nice tours for historical past fanatics, households, and the ones searching for a transformation from an afternoon on the seashore.
1. Tintagel Fortress
Tintagel fort is arguably Cornwall’s most renowned historic destroy 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 in all my favourite puts to go to in Cornwall.
There’s a brand new footbridge that connects portions of the fort at the mainland to these on a big, rocky outcrop and the perspectives are fantastic. From right here you’ll be able to spot sea birds and marine existence similar to seals, dolphins, and basking sharks.

The fort is a straightforward stroll from Tintagel village which is definitely reachable from Cornwall’s primary cities and villages via highway. Buses between Bude and Newquay go via Tintagel so it may be visited by means of public delivery (although 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 used to be constructed and it used to be unfastened to go into so issues have modified just a little since then. I will’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 Street, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0HE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Running Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Wed-Solar
Front Price: £14.80 grownup, £8.90 kid
Web page: english-heritage.org.united kingdom
2. Pendennis Fortress
The beautiful Pendennis Fortress used to be constructed via King Henry VIII to give protection to England from invasion. It’s probably the most supreme puts to go to in Falmouth because of 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 positive days of the yr, those are fired in commemoration of various battles and historical occasions. Take a look at the English Heritage site for more information on when you’ll be able to see this (hyperlink under).
This is among 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 definitely walkable, or you’ll be able to bounce at the 67 bus. Falmouth itself is attached to the remainder of the United Kingdom via highway and rail.
Pendennis Fortress Main points and Knowledge
Deal with: Fortress Power, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4LP
Telephone: +44 (0)1326 316594
Running Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Sat-Solar
Front Price: £11.60 grownup, £6.90 kid
Web page: english-heritage.org.united kingdom
3. St Michael’s Mount
Visiting historical St Michael’s Mount in Marazion close to Penzance is among the supreme issues to do in Cornwall for households as there’s such a lot to peer and do. This epic fort is located on a tidal island and is totally bring to an end from the mainland all the way through prime tide.
I’ve been to each St Michael’s Mount and its French counterpart Mont Saint Michelle, and naturally, I will ascertain that the Cornish fort is healthier, if just a little smaller (now not that I’m biased after all…).

You’ll get misplaced within the myriad little lanes across the fort, go to the small village or swim on the seashore. At low tide, you’ll be able to stroll around the causeway to the fort, however at prime tide, you’ll want to take probably the most 3 boats that pass backward and forward between the island and the mainland.
There are common buses between Penzance and Marazion (Provider 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 Price: £14 grownup, £7 kid
Web page: stmichaelsmount.co.united kingdom
4. Launceston Fortress
Cornwall’s county-town (regional capital) of Launceston is indisputably value a go to for its magnificent Thirteenth-century fort ruins. The fort’s 600-year-old stay continues to be intact and you’ll be able to wander across the fort, partitions, and grounds that have been well-preserved via English Heritage.
The fort dates to simply after the Norman conquest of Britain and served as Cornwall’s seat of presidency till the sixteenth Century. The fort has additionally been used as a place of dwelling for Cornwall’s aristocrats, a jail, and a courthouse ahead of turning into an open-air museum.
Launceston is positioned on the subject of the border between Devon and Cornwall and is definitely reached via highway from the remainder of the rustic. There also are common bus products and services to different huge 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 Price: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 kid
Web page: english-heritage.org.united kingdom
5. Restormel Fortress
The gorgeous ruins of Restormel Fortress sit down on a hilltop overlooking the Fow valley and create the very best surroundings for picnics. Right through the summer season the fort and grounds play host to quite a lot of occasions similar to theater and tune performances (see the site to peer what’s lately on – hyperlink under).
The fort dates to the past due Thirteenth century and fell into decline from the sixteenth century onwards. Restormel used to be 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 supreme castles in Cornwall for circle of relatives days out.

Restormel is positioned out within the sticks round 5 miles from Bodmin. You’ll want your individual delivery 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’ll additionally stroll to the fort from Bodmin which takes round two hours.
Restormel Fortress Main points and Knowledge
Deal with: Restormel Street, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0EE
Telephone: +44 (0)1208 872687
Running Hours: 10 am-5 pm, Mon-Solar
Front Price: £6.00 grownup, £3.60 kid
Web page: english-heritage.org.united kingdom
6. Caerhays Fortress
Caerhays Fortress close to St Austell (house of my favourite Cornish beer) isn’t probably the most oldest within the county at simply 200 years previous, then again, it is regarded as essentially the most gorgeous fort in Cornwall via many because of its picture-perfect location overlooking the south coast of England.
Even supposing the fort 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 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 probably the most castles in Cornwall you’ll be able to keep in as one wing is open for visitors. There’s additionally a collection of cottages, barns, and vacation residences at the property which can be to be had to guide. I’ve stayed in castles in France ahead of, however that is one thing I want to upload to my Cornwall checklist.
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: fort £14.00/£7.0,0 gardens £10.00/£5.00, blended £20.00/£8.00
Internet sites: go to.caerhays.co.united kingdom (fort) caerhaysholidays.co.united kingdom (lodging)
7. St Mawes Fortress
Ancient St Mawes is among the best-preserved castles in Cornwall, and prefer Pendennis around the water, is a Tudor-era fortification constructed all the way through the reign of Henry VIII.
This is among the hottest castles in Cornwall because of its location close to Falmouth with shocking sea perspectives.

The fort 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. This can be a good spot to blow away the cobwebs and discover the coastal house round St Mawes.
One of the most supreme techniques to succeed in St Mawes Fortress is to take the ferry from within reach Falmouth which provides shocking perspectives of the Fal Estuary and within reach sea coast. The ferry runs on a daily basis (as opposed to Christmas Day) and takes simply 20 mins.
St Mawes Fortress Main points and Knowledge
Deal with: Fortress Power, St Mawes, Truro, Cornwall, TR2 5DE
Telephone: +44 (0)370 333 1181
Running Hours: 10 am-4 pm, Sat-Solar
Front Price: £7.00 grownup, £4.2 kid
Web page: english-heritage.org.united kingdom
8. St Catherine’s Fortress
This small artillery citadel close to the village of Fowey is ready upon a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea and rocky coastline a ways under. The fort is reached by means 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 every other of Henry VIII’s defensive forts courting again to the 1530s. All the way through WWII the fort used to be redesigned to carry anti-aircraft weapons and munitions to combat off any German strive at invasion.
Its desolate location makes this one of the vital atmospheric of Cornwall’s castles. You’ll best succeed in St Catherine’s Fortress on foot.
Get started at Readymoney Cove automobile park, (there’s a ravishing little seashore right here too, ideal for swimming in summer season), and apply the coast trail for three/4 of a mile till you succeed in the fort.
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 Price: Unfastened
Web page: english-heritage.org.united kingdom
9. Chun Fortress
The traditional ruins at Chun constitute the oldest fort in Cornwall, with its fortification courting again a staggering 2,500 years. The ruins are positioned in a box (with complete public get right of entry to) within the a ways southwest of Cornwall between St Ives and Land’s Finish.
This iron age hill citadel is a must-visit for historical past fanatics and budding archaeologists. The web page bureaucracy a part of the Chun Downs Nature Reserve overlooking the rugged north Atlantic sea coast, making it an excellent spot for avid walkers and hikers.

The ruins are best reachable on foot by means of a footpath from the within reach villages of Morvah or Pendeen. The realm may be house to a couple 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 Price: Unfastened
Web page: n/a
10. Tregenna Fortress Lodge
The Treganna Fortress Lodge is the very best position to stick in the event you’re searching for just a little little bit of luxurious in shocking environment. The fort overlooks Carbis Bay and the pretty harbor city of St Ives – a vastly in style Cornwall holiday vacation spot.
The fort is ready inside a whopping 72 acres of land at the north Cornish coast with manicured gardens, an indoor and out of doors pool, a gymnasium, a spa, a golfing route, and a cafe serving the most up to date native produce and in the neighborhood stuck fish.

Treganna is inside strolling distance of the galleries, seashores, and eating places of St Ives. It’s simply reachable via highway and rail from the remainder of Cornwall and the United Kingdom and is one in all my favourite puts to go to in Cornwall.
Tregenna Fortress Main points and Knowledge
Deal with: Trelyon Street, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2DE
Telephone: +44 (0)1736 795254
Running Hours: 24/7
Front Price: From £80.00 consistent with night time
Web page: tregenna-castle.co.united kingdom
Castles in Cornwall: FAQs
Under are some FAQs about the most efficient castles in Cornwall.
Caerhays Fortress is essentially the most gorgeous fort in Cornwall because of its shocking location overlooking the south coast.
Chun Fortress is the oldest fort in Cornwall with iron age ruins courting again over 2,500 years. Even supposing there isn’t a lot left, this wild and windswept archaeological web page is easily value a go to.
There are over 15 castles and forts in Cornwall, with much more ruins various in measurement 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 historical associations with King Henry VIII and King Arthur.
You’ll sleep in Tregenna fort, which even supposing now not a historical development, is a gorgeous position to stick whole with ramparts and acres of grounds.
The most efficient fort to go to in Cornwall is Tintagel fort because of its wonderful location at the north Cornish coast and the numerous myths and legends surrounding it.
King Arthur’s fort is within the small village of Tintagel at the north Cornish coast between Bude and Padstow.
In Conclusion
Now about the most efficient castles in Cornwall from my favorites and in style vacationer points of interest of Tintagel, Pendennis, and St Michael’s Mount to the lesser recognized, 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 historic ruins is a must-do for someone visiting. You’ll understand that a lot of Cornwall’s castles are at the south coast, as this used to be essentially the most uncovered house to England’s enemies of previous.
Whether or not you need to reside your individual fairytale dream via staying at Treganna or Caerhays, or picnic on dramatic clifftops with the echoes of kings wearing at the wind, the castles of Cornwall won’t disappoint.
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