The name of Tintagel immediately conjures images of King Arthur and the legends associated with him. The ruins of Tintagel Castle brood over the coast, but no-one can say for sure whether this was really the place where Uther Pendragon seduced the Queen of Cornwall. The remains of the 13th-century castle are much more recent than the times of the legend, although there are signs of much earlier settlements.
Tintagel Village was originally called Trevena (“village on a mountain”), with the (probably) French name Tintagel reserved for the castle. However, with the rise in popularity of the old Arthurian legends in the 19th century, the once-sleepy village became a Victorian tourism hotspot. It was renamed after its famous castle, and began its new life as a visitor destination.
Probably the best reason to visit Tintagel today is for the glorious coastal scenery. However, there are one or two potteries and galleries in the village in addition to the many gift new-age shops, cafés and restaurants.
