Merlin's Cave
Merlin's Cave things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Merlin's Cave is a cave located beneath Tintagel Castle, 5 kilometres south-west of Boscastle, Cornwall, England. It is 100 metres long, passing completely through Tintagel Island from Tintagel Haven on the east to West Cove on the west.
attractions: Tintagel Castle, Camelot Castle Hotel, National Trust - Tintagel Old Post Office, St Materiana's Church, Tintagel, Gallos Statue, Tintagel Toy Museum, Barras Nose, Tintagel Castle Bridge, Tintagel, Tintagel Haven, restaurants: Ye Olde Malthouse Inn, King Arthur's Cafe, Pengenna Pasties Traditional Pasty Shops, Crossbow cafe & grill, The Cornish Bakery, Charlie's, Tintagel Castle The Beach Cafe, Irina's Restaurant at Camelot Castle, Slice, The Olive Garden
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Description
Merlin's Cave is a cave located beneath Tintagel Castle, 5 kilometres south-west of Boscastle, Cornwall, England. It is 100 metres long, passing completely through Tintagel Island from Tintagel Haven on the east to West Cove on the west.
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**Discover the Enigmatic Merlin's Cave in Tintagel, Cornwall** Hidden beneath the majestic cliffs of Tintagel Castle lies Merlin's Cave, a place steeped in legend and mystery. As the tide ebbs, revealing the entrance, one can almost hear the echoes of ancient incantations and feel the lingering presence of the legendary wizard, Merlin. **The Legend Comes Alive:** It is said that within this cave, Merlin himself practiced his magical arts and guided the fate of King Arthur. The very air inside seems to shimmer with the remnants of his power. According to the tales, it was here that Merlin discovered the infant Arthur, washed ashore by the waves, and took him under his mystical protection. **Mystical Encounters:** Many visitors have reported strange occurrences within the cave. Whispers in the wind, fleeting shadows, and an inexplicable sense of awe suggest that Merlin's spirit still guards this sacred space. Some say that during the solstices, the cave resonates with a peculiar energy, and those attuned to the mystical might catch a glimpse of Merlin himself. **A Journey into the Past:** Venturing into Merlin's Cave is like stepping into the pages of an ancient legend. The rugged rock formations, the echo of the sea, and the mythic aura create an atmosphere where time stands still. As you explore, imagine the secrets that these walls have witnessed and the magic that has transpired. **An Invitation to Believers:** For those who believe in the power of legends, Merlin's Cave is more than a historical site; it is a portal to the past, where the boundaries between reality and myth blur. Come, walk in the footsteps of the great wizard, and perhaps, if you listen closely, you might hear Merlin's voice carried by the wind, whispering the secrets of the ages. **Experience the Magic:** Visit Tintagel and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Merlin. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a seeker of the mystical, or simply curious, Merlin's Cave promises an experience that is as magical as it is unforgettable. **#MerlinsCave #Tintagel #Cornwall #KingArthur #LegendLivesOn #MysticalJourney**
Constantin-Cristian PopescuConstantin-Cristian Popescu
20
For those visiting the nearby Tintagel Castle, the natural beauty of Merlin’s Cave offers an invaluable, and free, extension to visitors keen on exploring the magical and historical legacy of King Arthur. Sequestered at the foot of the cliffs on which the ruins of the castle sit, the cave can be accessed via a long and meandering path that presents a rewarding, but challenging, stroll. Since it’s important to remember the return journey while descending to the cave mouth, I would recommend those with limited mobility to consider the use of the paid shuttle service provided by the trust. Once inside the cave, the atmosphere changes into something magical and breathtaking - something that proves truly worth its name. The views of the water through the beams of sunlight entering the cave through its mouth and the occasional crack in the rocks are unparalleled and sit at a stark natural contrast to the man-made structures of Tintagel. Exploring Merlin’s Cave offers something similar to the experience of exploring Tintagel in that they are historically and thematically linked, yet at the same time offers something unique that wandering the walls of the castle does not. One of the main downsides to Merlin’s Cave is that the environment outside the entranceway is undisturbed, except by the slow erosion foot traffic. Visitors may find that the rocks that sprawl across the sandy beach area are slippery as a consequence of the waxing and waning tides - as well as becoming completely submerged during high tide. Unlike the castle site at Tintagel, there are no man-made paths through the cave, plaques, or tourist-friendly areas. For some, being able to engage with a purely natural and historical site without the often sterile intervention of trusts and organizations may be refreshing. However, there are some that may find the environment inaccessible and unforgiving. It’s well worth considering one’s own ability to navigate the cave before making the lengthy descent.
Aaron SimpsonAaron Simpson
70
Before I start, please note this is not wheelchair accessible, in fact I would stress it's a climb, and involves navigating boulders and rocks to get to and from steep steps. From Tintagel, go past the Castle and keep going downhill... And keep going... And keep going... You will see the cove from the hill, and to your left are steep steps leading down to a pile of rocks that you need to navigate before you get to the beach. Small and rocky, with a few caves to explore, it's very pretty. Take water and an energy bar is my top tip, because that downhill walk there means an uphill return journey. It does get busy, so to enjoy the beach when it is less busy, go really early. No nearby parking, so you need to park in the village and hike from there. Phew!
Tracy SpenceTracy Spence
50
Incredible amazing views such beauty. And also mysterious love every minute of it. We went to explore on a week day when it was quiter much better. Filled with lots of history. ❤️ Just make sure you visit inside the cave before the tide comes to stop you in your tracks. I did wear my converse footwear it was fine on the steps and the hill I climbed up but if you want to adventure through the caves wear decent footwear of course lol. We bought our tickets online saved abit of money too by buying online. No queing was needed as was a Friday no kids. Less people
Michelle HinesMichelle Hines
30
This place is amazing! If you are prepared to get wet you can go all the way through the cave. We brought head torches and had great fun climbing and exploring! Just check the tide times before you go! You can go here without paying to go to Tintagel but you get fabulous views of the castle from the beach. The beach itself is brilliant. There is a waterfall and sand and rocks to climb too! Well worth a trip-we wished we'd brought towels! Access is alright but involves clambering over rocks with no handrail!
crazyauntlifecrazyauntlife
40
Beautiful spot. Crystal Blue waters and interesting rock formations. Well worth a visit. The staircase is closed at the moment which is unfortunate. However, there is a climb down on the right hand side which is accessible at low tide. Please be advised, this is not an easy climb and you have to scramble on the rocks on the beach. Beware not to get caught out by the tide as well - we were in the cave a little too long and ended up getting wet scrambling on the rocks back up.
Ilsa JonesIlsa Jones
40
Nearby Attractions Of Merlin's Cave
Tintagel Castle
Camelot Castle Hotel
National Trust - Tintagel Old Post Office
St Materiana's Church, Tintagel
Gallos Statue
Tintagel Toy Museum
Barras Nose
Tintagel Castle Bridge
Tintagel
Tintagel Haven
Tintagel Castle
4.6
(6.6K)Click for details
Camelot Castle Hotel
4.1
(804)Click for details
National Trust - Tintagel Old Post Office
4.5
(780)Click for details
St Materiana's Church, Tintagel
4.7
(245)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Merlin's Cave
Ye Olde Malthouse Inn
King Arthur's Cafe
Pengenna Pasties Traditional Pasty Shops
Crossbow cafe & grill
The Cornish Bakery
Charlie's
Tintagel Castle The Beach Cafe
Irina's Restaurant at Camelot Castle
Slice
The Olive Garden
Ye Olde Malthouse Inn
4.6
(599)Click for details
King Arthur's Cafe
4.7
(412)$$
Click for details
Pengenna Pasties Traditional Pasty Shops
4.1
(390)Click for details
Crossbow cafe & grill
4.3
(175)Click for details
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(321 reviews)
Website
english-heritage.org.uk
Visit
Deep Dive
A deep dive into Merlin's Cave
