Visiting Tintagel involves a bit of walking. The village sits high on the cliffs and the castle is perched on a cliff above the beach and Merlin’s Cave, which makes for a dramatic setting, but it also means that every route down ends with a climb back up. Your choice of car park determines how long your walk will be, so it’s worth thinking about before you park.
Most visitors head straight for the private car parks on Fore Street, which put you right in the heart of the village. The Council-run Visitor Centre car park (my recommended choice) is often quieter and easier to access if you are coming from the Boscastle direction, so it’s a good alternative if the village is busy.
Visiting in autumn
Autumn is a lovely time to see Tintagel. The summer crowds have thinned, and the cliffs and coastline have a moodier, more dramatic feel, especially if there’s a swell running into the beach below the castle. A few things are worth bearing in mind at this time of year:
School holidays. Half-term weeks are busier than the rest of autumn, so if you want the quietest visit, go outside those dates.
Shorter days. Daylight fades earlier, so aim to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to give yourself time to walk down, explore and climb back up without rushing.
Check opening times. Castle opening hours often change outside the summer season, so check the English Heritage website before you set off.
Tides. Merlin’s Cave is a sea cave beneath the castle headland, and the beach around it is affected by the tide. Check tide times before you go, and don’t linger if the water is coming in.
Weather. The cliffs are very exposed, and wind and sudden showers are common. Layers and a waterproof are sensible, even if it looks bright when you leave the car.
Footwear. The steps and paths can be slippery when wet or covered in fallen leaves, so wear shoes with a good grip rather than flat soles.
My Top Picks
Tintagel has plenty of capacity, but the “best” spot depends on your vehicle and your budget.
- Best for Castle & Town (Central): King Arthur’s Car Park. The largest and most convenient car park. It is right in the middle of the village, opposite the Old Post Office.
- Best for JustPark Users (Council): Tintagel Visitor Centre. Located at the edge of the village. It is a reliable Council car park that avoids the busiest pedestrian areas.
- Best for Views & Walking: Glebe Cliff (St Materiana’s Church). A spectacular clifftop car park near the ancient church. It offers a stunning coastal walk down to the castle bridge.
Village Centre Parking
These are your main options for visiting the High Street, the pubs, and the Castle entrance.
Tintagel Visitor Centre
Postcode: PL34 0AA
Capacity: 106 spaces
Best For: Avoiding the traffic (if you are lucky in the summer)
If you just want to park quickly and take a short walk in, this is the easiest option. It is run by Cornwall Council and uses the JustPark app.
JV’s Comment – During the busy summer months, I’d head for the ‘Tintagel Visitor Centre car park’. It’s a very short walk into the village, and there are pay-to-use toilets on site. The visitor centre itself is also worth a look if you’d like to learn more about Tintagel before you explore. It’s a little cheaper than the King Arthur car park in the village, and you can pay using the JustPark app. If you can’t get in here try the King Arthur’s Car Park.
If you’re visiting Cornwall by car, it’s well worth downloading both the JustPark and RingGo apps before you go. Between them, they cover most of the major car parks across the county, so you can pay from your phone without hunting for change – but most car parks are cashless these days.
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King Arthur’s Car Park
Postcode: PL34 0DA
Capacity: 370 – Very Large (Tarmac + Grass)
Best For: Motorhomes and general visitors.
It’s one of a couple of car parks explicitly licensed for overnight motorhome stays (check current tariffs). It is located perfectly for the shops, pubs and cafe’s and is the nearest large car park to the castle.
JV’s Comment – I only visit Tintagel out of season, and I was there today, 4 October 2026, which is when I took the car park photos on this page. The car park was fairly empty, and as we were feeling lazy we parked here. It’s right in the middle of everything, so you can walk straight to the shops and attractions. You do pay a small premium for the location, but if you want to keep the walking to a minimum, it’s worth it. This car park uses the RingGo app.
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The Mayfair Arcade Car Park
Postcode: PL34 0DA
Capacity: 250 spaces – Large (Tarmac + Grass)
Best For: Motorhomes and general visitors.
The Mayfair Arcade car park is a large car park (next door to the King Arthur car park), well placed for the village shops. It is campervan-friendly, with tarmac and a designated grassed overflow section that welcomes motorhomes for 24-hour and overnight stays.
- 1 hour: £1.00
- 24 hours: £8.00
King Arthur car park also offers overnight stays, so you have a choice if you’re planning to stay over in a motorhome. Prices can change, so check the current tariff before you arrive.
Tintagel Country Club Car Park
Postcode: PL34 0DA
Capacity: Roughly 105 spaces, including level grass pitches suitable for campers
Best For: Motorhomes and general visitors.
The Tintagel Country Club car park is a spacious, budget-friendly option a short walk from Tintagel Castle. It has roughly 105 spaces, including level grass pitches that suit campers, and it is open 24 hours a day.
Sword in the Stone Car Park
Postcode: PL34 0AA
Capacity: 100 spaces
Best For: An alternative to the Visitor Centre.
It is located just next door to the Visitor Centre and is often open for overflow parking in summer.
The Sword in the Stone car park costs £1.00 per hour up to 4 hours, or £8.00 for 24 hours, payable by JustPark or Pay By Phone only. It uses ANPR cameras, and some visitors have reported £100 fines for minor overstays or entry errors, so pay carefully and allow extra time.
JV’s Comment – Use this car park as a last resort.
Scenic & Nearby Options
If you want to escape the main high street crowds or combine your visit with a beach day.
Glebe Cliff (St Materiana’s Church)
Postcode: PL34 0DJ
Capacity: Limited (Gravel)
Best For: The view. You park right on the cliff edge. It is free (donations encouraged for the Church) but fills up quickly. From here, you can walk directly onto the coastal path.
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Trebarwith Strand
Postcode: PL34 0HB
Capacity: 150 spaces
Best For: A beach day. Located about 2 miles south of Tintagel. It is a stunning tidal beach with a large Council car park. Many people park here and walk the coastal path to Tintagel (approx 45 mins).
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Guides
The best places to park in Tintagel
The best things to do in Tintagel
The best places to stay in Tintagel
The best places to eat in Tintagel
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