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Despite its fame as one of the sites associated with the legendary King Arthur, Tintagel has been neglected in recent years by all except hard-line Arthurians – which is a huge pity because, quite apart from its legendary associations, Tintagel has some of the world’s most beautiful coastline, with unrivalled views across the Atlantic. The ruins of the castle date back to the 13th century, long after Arthur is supposed to have departed for Avalon, but they are still magical, either on a bright summer’s day or perhaps, more especially, when the autumn mists roll in off the sea.

Then there’s the ancient, crooked, 14th-century slate-built manor house, now known as the Old Post Office, which has been beautifully restored by the National Trust. It became the letter-receiving office for this part of Cornwall in 1844 following the introduction of the penny post. It’s a gorgeous, picturesque little building, furnished with just the sort of crude, but rather lovely oak country furniture it would have had centuries ago.

If you walk for just half a mile from the ruined castle you reach Tintagel Island and the ruins of what was once thought to be a monastery but is now believed to have been a trading centre at the heart of sophisticated links with the Mediterranean. Archaeologists have found masses of pottery fragments, which have been traced to manufacturing centres in Spain; little has been found, on the other hand, to confirm any of the Arthurian tales.

SECRETS

TINTAGEL VISITOR CENTRE, Bossiney Road, Tintagel, Cornwall, PL34 0AJ 01840 779084.

While you’re there

Visit MERLIN’S CAVE at the bottom of the cliffs below the castle. Legend has it that Merlin lived here! Visiting is possible only at low tide.

ST NECTAN’S GLEN is considered one of the most spiritual places in Britain. The breathtaking walk ends with a waterfall.

Secret place to stay

CORNISHMAN INN, Tintagel (cornishmaninn.com). Far better than many bigger and more expensive establishments, this comfortable b&b serves great food and has an enviable reputation.

The ruins of the 13th-century castle.