Newquay, Tintagel 08.04.2007

Sunday morning we left from the pub in St Agnes and drove towards Newquay. On the way we came across a local ‘Cyder Farm’, and we arrived just in time for them to open. So breakfast consisted of about 10 different alcoholic samples of the locally made produce, varying from sweet fruity wines to dry Cider to a cider spirit mixed with apple juice (otherwise it would be too strong they tell us!). We purchased a bottle of their wine which we shall no doubt enjoy later on during summer.

Cider Testing!




Part of the Cider Farm


Some of the Farm Animals on display for the kids

Newquay is one of the big surf spots in the southwest, and hence over the Easter weekend it was pretty busy. We drove through the town and it felt a lot like Voctor Harbour with the surfing culture and a generally young population walking about the streets. Being as there was not too many places to park, we grabbed a Cornish Pasty (as we were in Cornwall) then drove on to Tinagel.

Surfs Up in Newquay

Tintagel

Tintagel Main Street

Tintagel is famously known as the birthplace of King Arthur, although an ‘Arthur’ may never have come to Tintagel, however Tintagel was at the time the stronghold of the Kings of Cornwall.

Tintagel Old Post Office
We walked right past the old post office without even realising it the first time! It is a National Heritage Property hence our Aussie Membership provided free entry to this site. The old post office is over 600 years old and is a traditional Cornish Longhouse. It is situated on the main street of Tintagel nestled amongst the tourist shops and pubs. The rear garden is very well restored and is a great feeling ‘enchanting cottage garden’. The old Victorian style post office is now only there for display, and you can walk through the building along narrow corridors and up unusual spiral staircases and some almost vertical steps to get into loft areas. The roof comprises nailed thin tiles and the roof does not lineup straight, as it sways in and out along the roof line. It really was a great feeling little building with lots of character. The furnishings inside were generally from the 16th Century.

Old Post Office






Note the Roof curving in - looks like it is going to collapse!




Cottage Garden

Tintagel Castle
The Tintagel Castle was built around 1233, and is located on an outcrop of land that would have been defended easily if ever attacked. Only partial remains of the Castle still stand, and most of the buildings are long gone. Footprints of some of the associated buildings are still visible by the low walls still in place, including much of the Chapel floor plan and praying rooms. The Castle itself can be more likened to two large courtyard buildings, one located high upon the mainland. With the island courtyard being the only entrance to the small island of land it protects.

As far as Castles go it had great views of the surrounding coast, but I am not sure calling it a Castle does some of the other Castles we have seen justice. The artists reconstruction of what could have been here 800 years ago certainly made for interesting viewing.

Walk down to the Castle Site


Some of the remaining walls in ruin


Walking past the Island Courtyard


The old Chapel


Mainland Courtyard


Views over the Coast


The only entry to the Island Courtyard


The narrow steps up to the Castle were the only way up and made defending the Castle easy.

After enjoying some more local bakery delights in Tintagel, we headed back home in preparation for the next day in Glastonbury.