Intro
Planning a long weekend in North Cornwall? Here is a clear and concise guide, based off my recent visit to exploring some of its most spots, using Tintagel as the base. During my time I also visited Padstow, Port Isaac, and Boscastle. Each location has it’s reasons for making a visit!
Getting to Tintagel from London
Travelling from London to Tintagel is straightforward:
- Train: Catch a train from London Paddington to Bodmin Parkway. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
- Bus/Taxi: From Bodmin Parkway, take a bus or taxi for an additional 1.5-hour trip to Tintagel.
- Drive: I personally drove from South London & it took me approx 4.5 hours
- Overnight Camping: I stayed at Little Clifden Campsite which was £10 per person per night, had good facilities and great views. I would stay here again and it provided a good base for visiting Tintagel and other villages/areas nearby.
Tintagel: Arthurian Legend and Coastal Views
Tintagel is famous for its connections to the legend of King Arthur. It hosts the famous Tintagel Castle & many restaurants, pubs & shops.
- Tintagel Castle:
- Linked to King Arthur, the castle is a must-see whilst in Tintagel. Managed by English Heritage, with free entry for members (£20 for non members) it features steep stairs and a new bridge for easier access. The views are really great but it can be closed off with poor weather. I would recommend pre-booking and going early (we went 10am and as we finished, the first coach load of people were being dropped off).
- King Arthur’s Great Halls:
- The Great Halls offer an entry fee of around £8 for adults, displaying stunning stained glass windows and medieval artefacts. This is a popular meeting point for the Freemasons and does well with international tourists.
- Tintagel Old Post Office:
- Free for National Trust members, the Old Post Office is a quick visit, taking about 5-10 minutes. I wouldn’t pay to visit it (standard ticket is £7) but if you have a National Trust membership, it’s worth popping in. It has really nice gardens that you could have your lunch in.
For dining, check out:
- Vega: A vegetarian restaurant with varied options depending on the day if the week.
- King Arthur’s Arms Hotel: A local favourite offering large hearty meals.
- The Village Tearooms: Perfect for tea and scones. Cash only.
- Pengenna Pasties: Renowned for some of the best pasties in Cornwall.
During our stay, we ate at Vega and would visit again if we were in the village. The King Arthur’s Arms Hotel was recommended by locals and offered decent sized portions . The Village Tearooms had some great tea and scones, while Pengenna Pasties are renowned throughout Cornwall (we actually made a second visit just before driving home & this was a great investment for the 4.5 hour drive!). St. Nectans Pottery is a gem of a shop & you can watch traditional handmade pottery being made before making a purchase.
Remember to carry cash, as many shops in Tintagel are cash-only. If you’re up for a walk, the route from Bossiney to Tintagel Castle via Benoath Cove is worth exploring. The below route is from my Strava, just under 10km and was very scenic and even stopped off by all the pubs in Tintagel.
Exploring Padstow
Padstow is a lively town that beautifully blends its maritime past with modern attractions.
- Historical Background:
- Named after St. Petroc, who founded a monastery here in the 6th century. The town evolved into a significant fishing port and retains much of its historic charm .
- Top Attractions:
- Padstow Harbour is filled with fishing boats and pleasure craft. You can a boat accross to Rock from here.
- The National Lobster Hatchery is an family friendly stop that focuses on marine conservation.
- Prideaux Place is an Elizabethan manor and a deer park.
- Dining:
- Various Rick Stein’s eateries, including his famous fish and chips shop.
- Prawn on the Lawn: Top-notch seafood in a casual setting.
- Caffè Rojano: Known for its excellent Italian cuisine.
- Padstow Pasty: Local cuisine, although not as good as Pengenna Pasties in Tintagel.
- Roskilly’s Ice Cream Parlour: A must-visit for ice cream lovers.
Padstow is packed with shops and cafes, and there’s ample parking (£8 per day) and boat tours for those looking to explore the coast.
Port Isaac: The Fishing Village
Port Isaac is a picturesque village with a rich history, used to film the Doc Martin series. It is quite a small village in comparison to Padstow and Tintagel & you can probably see most of it in approx. 2 hours.
- Historical Overview:
- Known as “Porthysek” in Cornish, the village dates back to the Middle Ages. The narrow streets were designed to protect against pirate raids in the 16th and 17th centuries. The 19th-century harbour played a key role in the pilchard fishing industry.
- Fisherman’s Friends:
- Port Isaac is home to the Fisherman’s Friends, a group of local fishermen who sing traditional sea shanties.
- RNLI Lifeboat Station:
- Established in 1869, the lifeboat station has a long history of saving lives at sea. The station continues to be an essential part of the community. You should learn about the contribution these volunteers make here (and nationwide).
- Dining:
- The Golden Lion Pub: Nice views and a good atmosphere.
- Fresh from the Sea: serves delicious locally caught fresh seafood.
Parking fees start at £5 and often requiring a bit of a walk to the village center.
Discovering Boscastle
Boscastle is a charming village with a fascinating history and plenty to explore. You won’t need to long to explore here as it is a smaller village, although allow time for walking if you can.
- Attractions:
- The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic offers a unique look into local folklore.
- The Old Forge Gallery showcases impressive local art.
- Visit the National Trust shop for unique gifts, and Boscastle Pottery for handmade crafts. This is where the potter from St.Nectans in Tintagel trained!
- Dining:
- The Harbour Light Tea Garden is perfect for a cozy meal.
- Bridge House Tea Room is another lovely spot for a traditional Cornish tea.
- Walking Trails:
- The Boscastle Harbour Walk is an easy walk providing beautiful views of the harbour and coastline, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- The Crackington Cracker Walk is a more challenging hike along rugged coastal paths, offering breathtaking views. Ideal for experienced walkers.
Boscastle’s natural harbour has been a port for centuries. It has a lot of quirky shops and a really stunning bay to walk around and visit.
Travelling Between Locations
- Local Bus Services: Routes 95 and 96 connect Tintagel, Padstow, Port Isaac, and Boscastle, making it easy to explore the area without a car.
- Driving: The roads are suitable for most cars, although maybe not for new/lesser confident drivers.
Final Thoughts
North Cornwall offers a relaxing break for anyone. The landscapes are stunning, with plenty of private beaches and cliff walks, with ample selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes to visit in-between villages.
Useful links
- English Heritage. “Tintagel Castle.” Available here.
- King Arthur’s Great Halls. “King Arthur’s Great Halls: The Legend Lives On.” Available here.
- National Trust. “Tintagel Old Post Office.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Pengenna Pasties.” Available here.
- South West Coast Path. “Bossiney to Tintagel Castle Walk.” Available here.
- The Trainline. “London to Bodmin Parkway.” Available here.
- Cornwall Council. “Cornwall Public Transport: Bus Routes.” Available here.
- King Arthur Halls. Available here:
- National Trust. “Tintagel Old Post Office.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Vega.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “King Arthur’s Arms Hotel.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “The Village Tearooms.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Pengenna Pasties.” Available here.
- National Trust. “Bossiney to Tintagel Castle Walk.” Available here.
- Cornish Life. “Padstow: A Guide to History and Local Culture.” Available here.
- Padstow Tourist Information. “Things to Do in Padstow.” Available here.
- Visit Cornwall. “Padstow Harbour.” Available here.
- National Lobster Hatchery. “Conservation and Marine Life.” Available here.
- Prideaux Place. “Elizabethan Manor House.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Rick Stein’s Fish & Chips.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Prawn on the Lawn.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Caffè Rojano.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Roskilly’s Ice Cream Parlour.” Available here.
- Visit Cornwall. “Boat Tours from Padstow Harbour.” Available here.
- Cornwall Heritage Trust. “Port Isaac: Cornish Fishing Village History.” Available here.
- Cornwall Guide. “The History of Port Isaac.” Available here.
- Port Isaac Fisherman’s Friends. Available here.
- RNLI. “Port Isaac Lifeboat Station History.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “The Golden Lion Pub.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Fresh from the Sea.” Available here.
- Port Isaac Parking Information. Available here.
- Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “The Old Forge Gallery.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Boscastle Pottery.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “The Harbour Light Tea Garden.” Available here.
- TripAdvisor. “Bridge House Tea Room.” Available here.
- National Trust. “Boscastle Harbour Walk.” Available here.
- National Trust. “Crackington Cracker Walk.” Available here.
- Visit Cornwall. “Boscastle: Natural Beauty and History.” Available here.
- Cornwall Council. “Bus Routes and Timetables.” Available here.
Modest Travels 
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