Tintagel

With its dramatic coastline and fascinating history, moving to Tintagel is a great opportunity to put down roots on the North Cornish coast. 

Located on the rugged and spectacular North Cornish coast, Tintagel is an interesting and vibrant place to live, with opportunities for earning an income from travel and tourism, as well as enjoying a relaxed Cornish lifestyle. Tintagel also has plenty of amenities for a small town (approx 4,000 residents), and is within easy reach of some of the other highlights of North Cornwall. 

Tintagel is full of charm, character, mystery and impressive scenery. It has a unique story which interweaves history and myth and involves the ancient kings of Cornwall, Tristan and Iseult, Richard, Earl of Cornwall – and of course King Arthur himself who, legend has it, was born here. It is one of the most visited places in England, attracting visitors from all over the world throughout the year.

The castle itself is in two parts split between the clifftops of the mainland and the great hall and chambers on the headland. A bridge originally connected the two and, in 2019, an impressive new bridge at Tintagel was opened by English Heritage which saw a resurgence of visitor interest.

Along the main street of the town, nestling among the modern buildings of the high street, you will find The Old Post Office. Belonging to the National Trust, this is one of England’s most delightful medieval buildings and is enhanced by a pretty cottage garden.

Location & transport links

The nearest train station is Bodmin Parkway, approximately 20 miles away and served by the First Great Western service from London Paddington to Penzance.

From Bodmin Parkway you can get a bus across to Wadebridge, change here for Camelford, followed by a final bus to the Tintagel Visitor Centre.

By car, it takes about 15 minutes to reach Tintagel once you have left the A39, the main road connecting the North Cornwall towns of Wadebridge, Camelford and Bude. Boscastle, another popular tourist destination, is 10 minutes away.

Places to eat & drink

Charlie’s Cafe, Restaurant & Deli is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. It’s a great spot for breakfast, light lunches, and indulging in a traditional Cornish Cream Tea.

Boscastle Farm Shop enjoys a lovely location, surrounded by National Trust farmland and just 10 minutes away from Tintagel. The food here is wholesome and delicious, with local produce used to make Cornish breakfasts, simple lunches and homemade pastries, pasties and cakes. The burgers here are especially good…

The St Tudy Inn in the nearby village of the same name is a must for foodies. It’s a charming dining destination to rival those of nearby Padstow, Rock and Port Isaac.  

For a fantastic local day out with a foodie finish, take a visit to St Nectans Glen, a spectacular sixty-foot waterfall which cascades through a hole in the rocks. Explore the two additional waterfalls and a beautiful woodland walk, before visiting St Nectans Cafe for cream teas, freshly ground coffee, or a delicious sandwich or bowl of soup.

Local amenities

If you’re moving to Tintagel with children you’ll be glad to know its primary school, was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted at the time of writing and offering a bespoke curriculum. The nearest secondary school is Sir James Smith’s Community School in Camelford which is around a 15 minute drive away.  

There is also a Medical Centre and a good local food shop for essential supplies. 

Nearby, Camelford has a traditional butchers, greengrocers and a chemist. Wadebridge (35 minutes drive) has a larger selection of supermarkets, high street stores and also a great number of independent retailers selling everything from fashion to wine to homewares. 

Housing

Tintagel has some attractive stone-built late Victorian homes which offer spacious living and period features. There are also plenty of modern detached houses complete with attractive landscaping and lots of scope for outdoor living on the Cornish coast.

For those looking for smaller properties which are easy to maintain, comfortable apartments and well-proportioned bungalows regularly find their way to market in Tintagel.

Finally, given its history, it will come as no surprise that Tintagel has many characterful Cornish cottages, both within the town and in the surrounding countryside. These always get snapped up quickly, as does property generally in Tintagel, so do get in touch with us if you’d like to hear about new property coming to the market. 

Why We Love Tintagel

• The sense of history makes Tintagel an enchanting place to spend time
• The rugged coastline is some of the most dramatic in Cornwall 
• There is plenty of bustle and life here all year, with visitors from all around the world helping to fuel the local rural economy 
• Easy access to other North coast highlights, including Boscastle and Port Isaac
• Great for young families, with a primary school conveniently located in the town 

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