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The surrounding area is awash with historic things to do near Camelot Castle. We’ve picked a selection of places that, as a visitor to these shores, we think you’ll really enjoy.
National Trust properties a plenty
It’s always worth touching base with the beginnings of things we tend to take for granted. The National Trust is one such organisation.
It stands as a charitable organisation and membership body dedicated to conserving heritage across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, a distinct and autonomous entity known as the National Trust for Scotland fulfils a similar role.
Established in 1895 by Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter, and Hardwicke Rawnsley, the Trust's mission is to "promote the permanent preservation for the benefit of the Nation of lands and tenements (including buildings) of beauty or historic interest." Endowed with statutory powers, it started its journey with the National Trust Act of 1907.
You could meticulously craft a week-long getaway in Cornwall simply by leisurely wandering from one National Trust location to another. Each site serves as a treasure trove of historical insight and captivating scenery, narrating the tales of this secluded pocket of England. Explore grand country estates like Lanhydrock, Trelissick, Godolphin, and Trengwainton, or immerse yourself in the allure of natural wonders like Mullion Cove, Godrevy, and Cape Cornwall.
Pencarrow House
There are also privately run places to visit. Pencarrow House and Gardens, nestled in Cornwall, has served as the cherished family residence of the Molesworth-St Aubyns for nearly five centuries. Situated on the fringes of Bodmin Moor, this Cornish treasure, with its Georgian architecture, provides abundant activities for visitors of all ages, particularly families. Within the grounds, you'll find a Grade II listed garden, an Iron Age fort, a dedicated children's play area, as well as a café and gift shop for a complete experience.
Places featured in TV dramas
For those enamoured by the TV series Poldark or Rosamund Pilcher’s novels then you’re perfectly situated at Camelot Castle to explore locations that were chosen as backdrops for TV productions of the works. Here are a few tasters.
For Poldark lovers head to Gunwalloe, a picturesque sandy cove graced by the quaint church of St. Winwaloe on the Lizard Peninsula. It revisited its smuggling history as Aidan Turner and a host of other cast members and extras arrived to film dramatic nighttime shipwreck scenes for the first series. Additionally, it serves as the backdrop for Dr. Dwight's cottage, perched on the cliffs roughly two miles along the coast towards Loe Bar and Porthleven.
Charlestown, situated near St. Austell, is renowned for its timeless charm, making it a favourite among location managers. Besides serving as the stand-in for Truro in Poldark, it also embodies the essence of Falmouth, where Captain Andrew Blamey resides and sets sail from. His supposed dwelling in Falmouth overlooks Charlestown's inner harbour, the very spot from which Verity Poldark elopes with him, much to her family's disapproval. Moreover, Charlestown beach and slipway transform into St. Mary's on the Isles of Scilly in scenes where Ross meets up with the exiled Mark Daniels in the second series.
For Rosamund Pilcher fans we suggest you check out many of Cornwall’s wonderful large properties and beaches. Pencarrow House graced the screen in productions like "The Red Dress" and the 2011 adaptation of "The Winery." Meanwhile, the 16th-century Prideaux Place, nestled near Padstow, has been featured in over 15 dramas, including "Four Seasons," "Winds Across The Sea," and "End of Summer."
The Stacks at Bedruthan Steps make appearances in numerous aerial shots, showcasing their striking presence. Gwithian Beach has emerged as another sought-after filming location, thanks to its breathtaking vistas overlooking Godrevy Lighthouse. Additional filming spots encompass Little Fistral, Lusty Glaze, and the picturesque beaches of St Ives.
Tintagel Old Post Office
Although this property is run by The National Trust, we thought we’d give it a special mention as it’s right on our doorstep.
Acquired in 1903, this remarkable 14th-century yeoman's farmhouse boasts the distinction of being the Trust's inaugural-built property in Cornwall. Its renowned undulating slate roof and rich history spanning over 600 years beckon the curious to delve into its mysteries.
Explore the displays showcasing Victorian postal equipment, a collection of intricate samplers, and furniture dating back to the 16th century. Step away from the bustling high street and find solace in its serene back garden.
King Arthur’s Great Halls
King Arthur's Great Halls, established in 1933, stands proudly as a Grade II listed edifice situated on Fore Street in Tintagel. Crafted in the early 1930s by Frederick Thomas Glasscock (who passed away in 1934), this structure initially served as the headquarters for the Order of the Fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table – a social organisation.
Today, it captivates Arthurian enthusiasts as a prominent visitor destination, housing a collection of artworks depicting the Arthurian legend. At the forefront of the building, a dedicated bookshop caters to those eager to delve deeper into the subject.
Tintagel and Rocky Valley Walk
Two further recommendations for those based at Camelot Castle Hotel. Indulge in breath-taking vistas of Tintagel Castle, the beach, and the encompassing coastline as you embark on an exhilarating clifftop journey along Barras Nose headland. This scenic route traces the perimeter of what marked the National Trust's first coastal acquisition in England back in 1897.
Alternatively take the Rocky Valley Walk. Embark on a serene stroll through the valley, tracing the path of a stream that originates atop Venn Down, towering at 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level. From its lofty beginnings, the stream gracefully winds its way through verdant fields, only to cascade dramatically through rugged cliffs and profound crevices, eventually reaching the expansive ocean in the bay near Bossiney.
St Materiana's Church
The Parish Church of Saint Materiana in Tintagel is a Church of England parish church situated within the Diocese of Truro. Positioned on the cliffs between Trevena and Tintagel Castle, it holds a prestigious Grade I listing. The origins of this church can be traced back to the 6th century, with the likelihood of its initial construction as a daughter church of Minster.
Tintagel
Tintagel, also known as Trevena, translating to "Village on a Mountain," is a civil parish and quaint village nestled along the rugged Atlantic coast of Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. Renowned for its association with the legendary tales of King Arthur, both the village and the nearby Tintagel Castle have evolved into prominent tourist destinations. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, the castle holds the ancient legacy of being King Arthur's residence.
Literary works such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," Algernon Charles Swinburne's "Tristram of Lyonesse," and Thomas Hardy's "The Famous Tragedy of the Queen of Cornwall at Tintagel in Lyonnesse" further immortalise the Arthurian legend associated with Tintagel.
The discovery of the Artognou stone in 1998 has added another layer to the Arthurian lore, although historians remain sceptical about its direct connection to King Arthur.
Boscastle
Boscastle offers more than just its charming natural harbour and village setting.
Nestled within a dramatic amphitheatre of steep cliffs, the Elizabethan quay boasts quaint stone-built cottages, shops and inviting tea rooms.
Much of the surrounding land in Boscastle is under the ownership of the Trust. Beyond the idyllic harbour, a cliff path leads to the Willapark headland, home to a fascinating former folly, now serving as a coast watch lookout.
Exploration of nearby Forrabury Stitches reveals a rare glimpse into a preserved farmed landscape, showcasing ancient Celtic strip fields. For those inclined to venture farther, the half-forgotten churches of Minster and St. Juliots await discovery, their significance once immortalised by Thomas Hardy.
Boscastle also has some fine places to have lunch in. The Rocket Store, nestled in Boscastle Harbour, offers a cosy seafood bar and restaurant experience. Locally sourced ingredients, including fresh seafood from their own boat and meat from their nearby farm, form the basis of their menu. With a regularly changing blackboard selection, you can indulge in unique and diverse dishes like turbot with butter sauce and Exmoor caviar or roasted chestnuts and rosemary with lamb faggots, complemented by Jerusalem artichokes and anchovies.
At the Cobweb Inn, the crackling warmth of roaring fires fills the air with a subtle scent of wood smoke, setting the stage for an intimate and snug atmosphere. Richly adorned with a storied history, this pub offers a variety of well-crafted beers and Cornish ales alongside hearty fare such as sharing platters of dirty fries or Cornish beef chili, and classic favourites like steak and ale pie or traditional sausage and mash.
Nestled at the bottom of the valley, overlooking the harbour, The Wellington stands as a traditional 16th-century coaching inn. Now under the stewardship of St. Austell Brewery, it promises impeccable service and cuisine. Indulge in dishes like sea bass with chorizo or slow-cooked pork belly with rosti potatoes, avocado, pickled cucumber and crackling.
Completing the local dining scene is the Napoleon Inn, a family-run pub on the western side of the harbour. With its inviting fireplace, low-slung beams, and original bar, it provides a cosy retreat. Enjoy a selection of enticing dishes such as cider-battered haddock with chips and minted crushed peas or market fish with confit leeks, dill, cucumber, and lemon butter sauce topped with brown shrimp.
Camelot Castle
So, if you’re looking to find somewhere that ticks all the boxes then you could do far worse than head to Cornwall. And, what better place to base yourself whilst you’re here than Camelot Castle Hotel? We look forward to seeing you soon.