Tintagel to Boscastle

Tintagel, home to Tintagel Castle sits high above the seas, a most evocative place to visit and soak up the atmosphere generated by the dramatic views and wonderful legends. Tintagel is famous for its connection with the Arthurian legends, King Arthur was said to be born on Tintagel Island where the remains of the 13th-century castle stand today. Below the castle on the Castle Beach is Merlin’s cave, which is accessible at low tide. Much of the spectacular cliffs either side of the castle are owned by the National Trust. Within the village of Tintagel you will find numerous shops, cafes and pubs. There is also the Old Post Office, which is owned by the National Trust, King Arthur’s Great Halls which house some magnificent stained glass windows, a rock and fossil museum and a toy museum. Your first port of call on arriving at Tintagel should be the visitor centre situated at the start of the village on the road towards Boscastle. Here you will be able to gather a wealth of information about the area so that you can make the most of your visit.

No trip to Cornwall would be complete without eating a pasty! The pasty originally evolved to meet the needs of Tin Mining, a great but sadly declining Cornish Industry, only to be replaced by an expanding Tourist Industry. The pasty is a hearty meal wrapped in delicious pastry ready to take away.

Pengenna Pasties had its beginning in April 1985 as a family run hotel and restaurant. Building on attractive tea garden facilities and 'olde worlde restaurant' early fame was achieved through the acclaimed Pengenna Cream Teas.

Firmly established as part of the 'Made in Cornwall' scheme a specialised bakery business was developed.

Through their 'On Show Bakeries' customer awareness and satisfaction has provided the momentum for expansion throughout Cornwall. From humble beginnings they have now expanded to three full retail shops: Tintagel, Bude and St Ives.

They also offer seasonal specialities including the Pengenna Christmas Pudding and a select range of quality confectionery.

Near to Tintagel is the stunning beach at Trebarwith Strand, if you go there at high tide there appears to be no beach but return again at low tide and you’re in for a real treat.

North from Tintagel and you will arrive at the beautiful National Trust fishing village of Boscastle. The village, which received international coverage in August 2004 after suffering Britain's worst flash flood in half a century, has a delightful little harbour and narrow winding streets of small cottages. The climbs are steep, but it is well worth spending some time exploring the lanes.

Situated at the top of the old village, near the doctor’s surgery, is the 16th century Napoleon Inn (the oldest pub in the village). The inn boasts the excellence of real ales straight from the barrel, the atmosphere of a village local with coal fires and superb panoramic sea views from the beer garden. Their reputation for serving excellent bar food at a reasonable price is second to none. However, should you wish for that something extra special, the restaurant which has a seating capacity of 24, is the ideal setting to wine & dine. The Napoleon Inn is a typical local pub, hosting regular Quiz Nights and Live Music Nights every Friday.

For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to the Boscastle Rock Shop is a must. Malcolm and Brenda stock a wide range of local fudges and sweets as well as local real ales, ciders, liqueurs, wines, ice creams, honey, mustards, biscuits and preserves. Reward yourself with a delicious ice-cream or browse for a gift for friends and family left at home. Take them a little taste of Cornwall!