To walk to Merlin's Cave in Tintagel, Cornwall (PL34 0HE), take the coastal path from the visitor center towards Tintagel Castle and descend the steep, often slippery steps down to the beach (Tintagel Haven). The cave is accessible only at low tide, as it becomes completely submerged at high tide.
Access to Merlin's Cave is via a steep path down to the beach below the castle. At low tide, you can walk directly into the cave, so sturdy footwear is recommended as the rocks can be slippery. Be mindful of the tide schedule to ensure a safe visit, as the cave is completely submerged at high tide.
The cave is free to visit and not part of the castle admission you just walk down the hill all the way to the beach. Check the tide times before visiting because at high tide you can't access the cave. The last flight of steps into the beach have been damaged by the weather and can be challenging for some.
How long is the walk to Tintagel Castle from Car Park?
We recommend giving yourself at least half an hour to walk from the village car parks to the entrance to the footbridge where your timed ticket slot begins. On arrival at the site, you can pick up an orientation leaflet to help with your visit.
The cave entrance is approximately 265m (870ft) above sea level and can be reached by a steep sometimes slippery footpath from the Manifold Valley bottom off the Manifold cycle track or from the west of Wetton village along a concession track and footpath.
Explore Tintagel Castle Cornwall & Merlin's Cave: The Full Tour
How long does it take to walk Thors cave?
WALK HIGHLIGHTS: Climbing into Thor's Cave and exploring deep into the chamber, views across the Manifold Valley. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE: Without kids, this is a 2 hour walk. Allow 3-4 hours with young kids.
Tintagel Castle is set high on the rugged Cornish coast. This means there are steep slopes, sheer drops, and uneven surfaces (which may at times be slippery). These can be a challenge to some visitors, so, if you have any questions, please call us on 01840 770328 for advice.
The bridge is right near the entrance to the Tintagel site. You can only cross it by paying the Tintagel entrance fee (£15/£17.70). It's worth noting that there's no entry fee to the beach below and you can take incredible photos of the bridge, from the beach for free but you won't be able to walk across it.
Merlin's Cave is a natural sea tunnel beneath Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, England, connecting Tintagel Haven on the east side of the island to West Cove on the west. At low tide, it is possible to walk from one entrance to the other along a sandy floor.
Low tide at Nanjizal Beach is the best time to visit as it opens the beach to a larger expanse of sand making it perfect for family fun. The back of the beach at Nanjizal Beach is generally quieter and is a great spot to find small rock pools filled with small marine wildlife.
The attraction captured the spirit of myth, King Arthur and Wales. A real must see! I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the spirit of Wales in a fun, exciting way. There were a few surprises along the way, in the darkness.
Cornwall has several beaches often compared to the Caribbean for their turquoise water and white sand, with Porthcurno, Kynance Cove, Carbis Bay, and Porthminster Beach being top contenders, offering stunning scenery that feels tropical despite the cooler UK climate, especially in summer when the water is clearest.
Fantastic setting with incredible scenery, but little remains of the castle itself. As a castle visiting experience it's not great, but it's location and surrounding terrain is what makes it worth the visit. It's way overpriced to enter if you are not an English Heritage member or you qualify for a concession.
If you're planning your first trip to Cornwall, I am sure St. Ives and Penzance will make a great impression with beautiful sandy beaches, lots of charming independent shops and delicious fresh food.
If you're after a great walk with stunning views, Thor's Cave is well worth a visit. Sitting high above the Manifold Valley, this limestone cave is an impressive sight—and even better once you climb inside and take in the view from the entrance.
Until you reach the Cape Wrath lighthouse on a cut-off headland at the official finishing post, nature assumes control, beautifully and brutally. Several things make the Cape Wrath Trail Britain's toughest. The first: You have to carry full gear … The second: Some of Britain's vilest weather …
