Top Things to do in Cornwall
Things to do in Cornwall, England: The Best Castles
Cornwall is the extreme southwestern peninsula of England. It has the longest stretch of continuous coastline in Britain and it is one of the sunniest areas in the UK. With picturesque villages, Celtic ruins, light blue waters, gardens and parks and unique architecture it certainly is among the most scenic areas of England. Home of many events and festivals and the land of Cornish pasty, it is definitely worth visiting.
Restaurants in Cornwall
1. St. Michael's Mount
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,032 reviews
Cross the causeway where a legendary giant once walked. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims or boat hop to an island where modern life meets layers of history. Discover an evocative castle, a sub-tropical garden paradise and a close-knit island community.
Reviewed By 112trev0r - Northampton, United Kingdom
Hi " there just had an amazing day out at st Michael mount, " in Cornwall. It's a national trust place so if your a member of the national trust car parking and st Michael mount is free . But even if your not a member it well worth the money they charge it keep up with the maintenance works and repairs . Of the beautiful buildings. There's a absolutely lovely restaurant. On site really good facilities. The whole place was so clean " for such a large national trust site ' .it is a bit of a steep climb up the hill " to the fortification / castle, so much to see and the views were stunning " . And that just a taster of what to come inside there's so many amazing things to see " theres national trust guides to inform you about the history of the building and various collections on display. St Michael mount. Is a amazing day out for all the family. It's all a great adventure. a must do place. What should be on you list of places to see when you are in Cornwall " . Many thanks to all the national trust volunteers and staff " who made our day out so special Trevor Northampton England.
2. Tintagel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,358 reviews
This brooding 13th-century castle sits on the rugged and spectacular Atlantic coast in Cornwall, which recalls the myth and mystery associated with King Arthur and Merlin the magician. New exhibition explores the stories linking Tintagel to King Arthur which includes a 3D model of the site illustrating how it has changed over the centuries. Dog friendly and child friendly, this is a great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Excellent trip to the castle, im petrified of heights and still managed to get to the top, king Arthur is up on the highest of hills and the views from up there are breath taking... it is well worth a visit... excellent fun for ALL the family
3. The Castle Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By briansK7408UC - Sheffield, United Kingdom
We popped in to use the loo, but stayed to look around and was pleasantly surprised to find all sorts of interesting things inside - artwork, artefacts, train relics and more. Wel worth a visit.
4. St. Mawes Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 635 reviews
This round stone artillery fortress was built for Henry the Eighth in 1542, using a cloverleaf plan with a four-storied round tower. Take the free audio tour to discover life at the castle during the Civil War and explore the castle and grounds with its stunning views out to sea. Child friendly and dog friendly.
Reviewed By 762jeffreyg - London, United Kingdom
Set just outside St Mawes this castle built on behalf of Henry VIII was intended to stop invaders and pirates from invading the upper reaches of the river estuary. Later the French and then Germans were the main threat and so this castle and Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Estuary controlled these waters with their artillery for many years. There are many steps and the castle is structured over a number of layers to provide gun platforms for controlling that side of estuary. Lots of hand rails and safety guards. Excellent toilet facilities and shop run by English Heritage. Lots of benches for sitting and admiring the views and ideal for picnics.
5. Pendennis Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,022 reviews
Explore one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses, Pendennis Castle, which has defended Cornwall against foreign invasion since Tudor times. Discover how the castle has evolved, and experience the sights and sounds of battle. Explore the fascinating new exhibition which examines the role of the castle as part of Fortress Falmouth during the First World War.
Reviewed By Trucks47 - Newton Abbot, United Kingdom
Had a great few hours touring around the castle and the grounds, amazing views and the weather was on our side????The real highlight were the excellent tour guides of the Keep tower and Half moon battery and special mention to "Sergeant Steve" who was very informative and is a real asset in the service he provides. Good value and well worth a visit.????????????????
6. Caerhays Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Caerhays Castle is one of the very few Nash built castles still left standing, and is situated within approximately 120 acres of informal woodland gardens created by J C Williams, who sponsored plant hunting expeditions to China at the turn of the century. As well as guided tours of the house from March to June, visitors will see some of the magnificent selection of plants brought back by the intrepid plant hunters of the early 1900s - these include not only the collection of magnolias but a wide range of rhododendrons and the camellias which Caerhays and the Williams family are associated with worldwide.
Reviewed By bodyworker - Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
All the elements of a lovely Spring garden visit: beautiful azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, complemented by carpets of bluebells, wild garlic and countless other wild flowers. The gardens are set on a hillside, and there is little evidence of them being accessible. That said, it should be fine if you take your time and use one of the many benches to take in the views. At the end of our walk we treated ourselves to a Cornish cream tea in the Magnolia Tea Rooms. We weren't disappointed! Just the best scone I've ever tasted, almost so good I could have eaten it without the scrumptious clotted cream and jam. Lovely selection of freshly made sandwiches and homemade pasties too. We finished off our visit with a stroll on Porthluney Beach, which is right beside the car park!
7. Restormel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
A great 13th century circular keep standing on an earlier Norman mound, atop a high spur beside the River Fowey. Twice visited by the Black Prince, it finally saw action during the Civil War. Commanding fantastic views, it makes an excellent picnic spot. Child friendly and dog friendly.
Reviewed By ralphee2013 - Bedford, United Kingdom
this is a great place to explore for a morning. safe and well off the beaten track. carparking available very friendly staff. the guidebook is a very handy, inexpensive guide. would recommend to everyone
8. The Castle Bude
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
Grade II listed, steeped in history, The Castle Bude owned and operated by Bude-Stratton Town Council offers lots to see and do for free, whatever the weather. Open daily from 10 am The Castle is home to The Heritage Centre, Café Limelight, two galleries and a gift shop. Explore Bude’s history, enjoy our continuous regularly changing exhibition programme, relax with friends over drinks, light lunches or cakes. Large dog-friendly decking area open throughout the year. Licensed wedding and civil ceremony venue. The Heritage Centre is the ideal place to come to find out about Bude and the surrounding area. Discover our world famous unique geology, the town's key role in the English Civil War and more.
Reviewed By 713rytal
Interesting museum, pretty garden and delicious tea and coffee taken in the warm and sunny conservatory. Well done to all the staff.
9. Chun Castle
10. Launceston Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 277 reviews
Set on a large natural mound with an unusual keep consisting of a 13th-century round tower inside an earlier shell keep. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, suffered harsh imprisonment here in 1656. Dog friendly and child friendly.
Reviewed By Camper63643653762
I loved Launceston Castle. Visited on a sunny Friday morning and we had the castle to ourselves. The staff were very friendly in the ticket office/shop. The castle itself is very interesting and the views are beautiful from the top. Well worth a visit.
