See historic attractions on a short break in Tintagel

Friday, 13 April 2012 3:27 PM

Cornwall has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers keen to enjoy a few days away, but with so much to see and do, you may struggle on deciding where exactly to go. One place where you are certain to have an enjoyable short break, however, is the charming village of Tintagel.

Situated on the county's northern coast, this pretty settlement offers a wealth of exciting activities and historic attractions so once you've settled into your Cornwall holiday home you should definitely get out there and explore.

If your idea of the perfect weekend away involves exploring ancient landmarks and finding out more about local history, you'll be glad you have booked holiday cottages in Tintagel as you're well placed to visit Tintagel Castle. Perched high on the Cornish coast, this settlement's history dates back to Roman times, although most of the structure you see was not built until the 13th century. You'll be able to explore the remains of the great hall and clamber up steep stone steps, but the aspect of the castle most likely to interest you is that it is believed to the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur.

According to folklore, Arthur was taught by the wizard Merlin who is thought to have lived in a cove below the castle. Visit Tintagel today and you'll find Merlin's Cave next to the ruins of the fortress and although it's debatable whether the sorcerer really existed, you will definitely have fun exploring the cavern as you take in amazing sea views.

If a visit here has sparked an interest in the iconic king, head back into the village where you'll find King Arthur's Hall. The former headquarters for the Order of the Fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table social organisation, this beautiful 1930s building is dedicated to everything Arthurian and features ornate stained glass windows.

However, if you've only booked a last-minute cottage in Cornwall, it is worth seeing what else the village has to offer. A trip to the Old Tintagel Post Office, which is housed in a 14th-century yeoman farmhouse, gives you the chance to see intricate needlework and rustic furniture before heading to the pretty garden.

Cornwall is widely regarded as a haven for surfing, so if you want to try the water sport during a short break in the area, head to Trebarwith Strand. Located about 1.5 miles south of the village, the coastal spot receives strong winds from the Atlantic Ocean that make for excellent surfing conditions, allowing you to ride the waves in style.

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