Cornwall's Greatest Castles! A Magical Day Out

Step back in time this summer with Cornwall's magical castles! Take a look at our top picks for a truly unforgettable day out all less than an hour from our park!

Caerhays Castle

(Caerhays, 12 minutes)

The closest castle to our park, this beautiful attraction is just a few steps from the beach! Built in the early 19th century by John Nash (architect of Buckingham Palace), this Gothic Revival castle sits in a sheltered valley just inland from Porthluney Cove.

While it remains a private family home, the gardens are open to the public during spring when the camellias and magnolias are in spectacular bloom.

Restormel Castle 🏛️

(Lostwithiel, 35 minutes)

A hidden gem! Dating back to the 13th Century, this perfectly circular castle is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with views down to the River Fowey. Explore the best-preserved keep in Cornwall, and capture the fragments of medieval life in this peaceful setting.

Pendennis Castle ⚔️

Falmouth Bay (50 minutes)

Standing guard over Falmouth's natural harbor, Pendennis Castle represents a completely different chapter in Cornwall's history. Built by Henry VIII as part of his chain of coastal fortifications, this 16th-century fortress was designed to protect England from invasion, and has withstood countless wars at our shores.

Today, Pendennis offers visitors a fascinating journey through 450 years of military history - and the views from the castle walls across Carrick Roads and the Fal Estuary are simply spectacular too!

St Michael's Mount ⛰️

(Penzance, 1 hour)

Rising from Mount's Bay, this tidal island castle is like something from a fairytale. If you love the likes of Disney's Tangled, or Sleeping Beauty, this is for you! The island offers over 1,000 years of history and stunning panoramic sea views from the battlements. Walk the causeway at low tide or boat across when waters are high. Medieval castle, subtropical gardens, and legends await!

Tintagel Castle 🏰

(Tintagel, 1hr 15 minutes)

Okay, this one is just over an hour away, but it's the birthplace of Arthurian legend, so we couldn't leave it off the list! Explore the dramatic clifftop ruins connected by a spectacular new footbridge, where history meets mythology with breathtaking Atlantic views. Thousands of years of myth, legend and history lie between these walls! There's a lovely walk down to the beach too where you can find the mysterious Merlin's Cave.