No holiday in Cornwall is complete without a visit to some of the many historic castles that can be found in the region. Some set along the rugged coastline with waves crashing around them and others set further inland, Cornwall is home to many historic castles and buildings many of which are bound in legend and myth.
There are hundreds of ancient castles and fortifications to visit and here are just a few:
St Michael’s Mount
Set on its own island just off the south coast of Cornwall, St Michaels mount can be reached, at low tide, by walking across the cobbled causeway from the town of Marazion or by boat at high tide. Towering above the sea, St Michaels Mount is an important destination for pilgrims since a vision of St Michael is said to have appeared at the top in 495. A Beautiful place to visit and there is a great photo opportunity for budding photographers to capture the magnificence of the castle from across the water in Marazion.
Caerhays Castle
Situated near St. Austell and set in the beautiful rural setting of the Caerhays state, at only two hundred years old, Caerhays Castle may be young in historical building terms but with its white stone walls and towering ramparts this castle, designed by John Nash, is well worth a visit.
Tintagel Castle
Possibly the most famous castle in Cornwall and said to have been the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, the ruins of Tintagel sit high above the north Cornwall Coast coiled amongst the rocks. With a history stretching back to Roman times, Tintagel Castle makes a magical day out on your Cornish holiday and you can visit Merlin’s Cave while you are there.
Restormel Castle
Sat atop an earlier Norman mound, just outside of the town of Lostwithiel, the 13th century circular keep of Restormel Castle dominates the surrounding countryside. Inside the keep, the main rooms of the castle are in remarkable condition and it’s easy to imagine what life was like in the castle’s heyday in the time of the Normans as you wander between the rooms.
Pendennis Castle
Pendennis Castle, in Falmouth, was one of Henry VIII’s main defenses against naval attack and it played a major role in the English Civil War. A fantastic day out with loads to do. You can view the castle, explore the governor’s bedroom and, from the roof of the castle, you get excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
Cornwall is steeped in history and there are hundreds of castles and historic monuments to visit when you holiday in Cornwall and these are but a few.
