Recently updated on January 21st, 2020 at 06:49 pm
With its rugged coastline of precipitous cliffs sheltering hidden coves, and misty moors, Cornwall has an extraordinary wealth of wilderness to explore. And amidst this captivating landscape, it’s the ancient monuments, cliff-top castles and smugglers’ caves that are the atmospheric inspiration behind centuries of folklore. As you travel through England’s southernmost county, seek out the very places that have inspired these historic tales, and gain an insight into local life along the way.
As one of England’s legendary characters, King Arthur has been portrayed in countless stories, many of which are set in Cornwall. One particular location that’s associated with the former British ruler is the charismatic Tintagel Island, a rugged peninsula adjoined to the mainland by a towering bridge, with steep steps leading across the jagged rocks.
The medieval monument Tintagel Castle sits within this cut off piece of land, across from a village of the same name. With its dramatic cliff-top setting overlooking the Atlantic, it’s no surprise the medieval site has long inspired those who travel there.
It was as far back as the 12th century when Welsh cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth named Tintagel the place King Arthur was conceived, and it was in the 1230s when Richard, Earl of Cornwall, is said to have built the castle. Now the island’s ancient ruins give a clear insight into Tintagel’s long history and the stories that are deeply rooted into local folklore. Sheltered by Tintagel Island and the surrounding cliffs, clear water laps against secluded sandy shores where the rocky surroundings reveal rock pools to peer into and the atmospheric cavern, Merlin’s Cave.
Tintagel isn’t the only Cornish site that’s linked to the legendary king; there are also tales based around the 17,000-acre Bodmin Moor. These vast and sweeping moors are distinguished by towering granite rock formations known as tors, which are dotted throughout the land. Secluded marshland, woodland and river valleys have long provided the inspiration for literary tales, and have also led to Bodmin Moor’s designation as an Area of Outstanding Beauty.
Trefranck Farm overlooks the famous moor, and having been run by the same family since 1703, is now open to visitors who want to experience local life while discovering a little of the farm’s rich history. But aside from its heritage, the farm is very much up to speed with the present day; the working sheep farm now has a tearoom, visitor centre and cottages for guests to stay in, while the historic Rosehip Barn is used as a venue. On the farm guests can tuck into typical Cornish fare like warm Cornish pasties, and fresh scones with clotted cream and homemade jam.
Along with its intriguing medieval history, Cornwall is the setting for countless smugglers tales, stemming from its history in trade, with a network of caves hidden within the coastline’s rugged cliffs. The village of Polperro is central to many of these stories, with a history of smuggling that dates back to the 12th century. Now, the village and port is home to the Polperro Heritage Museum of Fishing and Smuggling, with many coastal walks to set out on from there.
Before crossing back over Cornwall’s borders, take a diversion to the small tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, which sits within Mount’s Bay. At low tide the mount can be reached by walking along a pathway connecting it to the mainland, but at high tide, when this pathway is underwater, a boat needs to be taken. Once there, visitors can climb up to the castle and get lost within its walls, and wander through the castle’s cliff-side gardens.
Visit these sites in Cornwall on the Best of Devon and Cornwall, Best of Britain, Britain and Ireland Panorama, and Britain and Ireland Grandeur trips with Trafalgar.
Image credits: Cover image of Mullion Cove © iStock / Ian Woolcock. Tintagel © iStock / Susan Daniels. Bodmin Moor © iStock / blisken. Polperro © iStock / acceleratorhams. St Michael’s Mount © iStock / Simon Bradfield.