Access

Tintagel Castle is a historic site situated on the clifftops of North Cornwall. Due to the rugged coastal landscape, there are steep slopes, sheer drops and uneven surfaces which can present a challenge to visitors. Take a look at our video below to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

If you have a question you'd like to ask us about access or facilities ahead of your visit, please contact a member of the team on 01840 770328 and we’d be happy to help.

Mobility / Older Visitors

Accessible Toilets

Adult Changing Area

Handrails

Easy-use Cutlery

Assistance Dogs Welcome

Wheelchair Loan

Site Folders

Dog Bowl and Toileting

Yes – a dog bowl is available outside the shop. Dog bins are also available.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair access is limited due to the geography of the site. If you would like to talk to us about your specific requirements before visiting, please contact the team on 01840 770328. Although we ask our visitors to follow a one-way route around the site, which means leaving via 140 steep steps, visitors can avoid these steps by crossing back across the bridge for step free access. The busiest days at Tintagel tend to be school holidays between 11am and 3pm. The last timeslot of the day usually provides a quieter experience on-site, which can be beneficial to visitors with access requirements or autistic spectrum conditions.

Entrance / Set Down

No set down area.

Disabled Parking

No disabled parking on site.

OnSite Transport

A private Land Rover shuttle service operates from the admissions kiosk at the village, to and from the castle (separate charge). This service can carry most visitors, including visually impaired and ambulant disabled people to the shop, exhibition and café area.

Stairs

When following the one-way route, there are 140 steep steps to exit the site. However, visitors can avoid these steps by crossing back across the bridge for step-free access.

Lift Access

No lifts on site.

Seating And Restpoints

Some resting points at the site.

Pathways Surface And Gradients

Surfaces in the castle include grass, gravel, cobbles and flagstones. Many of the surfaces are uneven and include changes of level.

Blind / Visually Impaired

Accessible Toilets

Handrails

Assistance Dogs Welcome

Braille Guides

Braille Signage

Torches

Sensory Experiences

Dog Bowl and Toileting

Yes – a dog bowl is available outside the shop. Dog bins are also available.

Handling Objects

Audio Tours

Tactile Models

Areas Of Low Lighting

Yes in the exhibition room.

Colour Contrasts

Large Print

Deaf / Hard of Hearing

Assistance Dogs Welcome

Vibrating Fire Alarms

Tour Transcripts

Film Subtitles

BSL Tours

Audio Installation Transcripts

Dog Bowl and Toileting

Yes – a dog bowl is available outside the shop. Dog bins are also available.

Induction Loops

Located at both the pay point and shop.

Learning Difficulties

Accessible Toilets

Adult Changing Area

Easy-use Cutlery

Sensory Experiences

Handling Objects

Easy Read Material

Large Print Material

Culinary / Dietary

Easy-use Cutlery

Bottle / Food Warming

High Chairs

Special Diets

Gluten free and dairy - ask for details.

Health And Safety

Deep Water

Site located on cliff edge care must be taken in all areas of the site.

Trip Hazard

Animal burrows.

Sheer Drop

Site located on cliff edge care must be taken in all areas of the site.

Slip Hazard

Natural grass and stone surfaces may be slippery when wet.

Steep Slope

Very steep slopes and cliffs due to the rugged terrain of the headland.

Steep Stairs

Steep cliffs on rocky headland. Access to castle via over 100 steep steps.

Beware Of Traffic

Main access path from village shared with limited off road traffic.

Uneven Ground

Surfaces in the castle include grass, gravel, cobbles and flagstones. Many of the surfaces are uneven and include changes of level.

Tintagel Castle: Pre-Visit Information

Our Visitor Welcome Manager, Caroline shows you what to expect on a day out at Tintagel Castle.

A BSL version of this video is also available here: Tintagel Castle Pre-visit Information Video (BSL version)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like around Tintagel Castle?

Tintagel Castle is set high on the rugged Cornish coast. This means there are steep slopes, sheer drops, and uneven surfaces (which may at times be slippery). These can be a challenge to some visitors, so, if you have any questions, please call us on 01840 770328 for advice.

What should I bring?

We recommend sturdy shoes, wet weather gear, and sun cream and as there's not much shade on the island, hats on hot days – plus, plenty of water.

Is it suitable for small children?

Children love visiting Tintagel Castle but please be aware that there are uneven surfaces and steep slopes so children will need to be supervised. If you are bringing toddlers, we advise using a baby carrier or baby backpack.

Is there disabled access? Can I get to the island and castle without using steps?

Wheelchair access is limited due to the geography of the site. If you would like to talk to us about your specific requirements before visiting, please contact the team on 01840 770328.

Although we ask our visitors to follow a one-way route around the site, which means leaving via 140 steep steps, visitors can avoid these steps by crossing back across the bridge for step free access.

The busiest days at Tintagel tend to be school holidays between 11am and 3pm. The last timeslot of the day usually provides a quieter experience on-site, which can be beneficial to visitors with access requirements or autistic spectrum conditions.

Can I take a carer for free?

Yes, a companion or helper will be admitted free of charge. Please select a Carer ticket type when you book your ticket for your companion.

Can I bring my assistance dog?

Yes. All dogs on leads are welcome to explore Tintagel Castle.

Is there transport down to the shop, exhibition and cafe area?

A private Land Rover shuttle service operates from the charged parking in Tintagel village to the castle (separate charge). This service can carry most visitors, including visually impaired and ambulant disabled people to the shop, exhibition and café area - and back up the hill again.

The Land Rover service can also drop visitors at the beginning of the step-free path that leads up to the castle ruins.

Are there toilets in the castle or on the island?

No, toilets are situated by the Membership and Ticket desk, café and exhibition only.

Can I access the castle without crossing the bridge?

If possible, we ask our visitors to follow a one-way route around the site which means crossing the bridge and leaving via 140 steep steps. However, visitors can also enter the castle via the steps. These are very narrow and can be busy at peak times so if you’d like to avoid crossing the bridge, we’d recommend visiting at a quieter time.

When is the best time to visit Tintagel Castle?

During peak times such as the school holidays, we can encounter a high number of visitors to Tintagel Castle. If you would like to enjoy the site at a quieter and more relaxing time, we would recommend booking the last timeslot of the day.