Tintagel Castle
The Tintagel Castle is considered to be the second most popular attraction in the United Kingdom. Tintagel Island, where the remains of the 13th century castle stand, is famous as being the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur in the late fifth century. Legend has it that Arthur was the son of the outstandingly beautiful Igraine who was seduced by King Uther Pendragon through one of Merlin's spells, transforming Uther's appearance to appear like Duke Gorlois, Igraine's husband. Geoffrey of Monmouth writes, "that night she conceived Arthur, who afterwards became famous for his outstanding bravery."
Merlin's Cave
Merlin's Cave is a hollowed out area of rock which lies on the beach below the Castle, but can only be accessed at low tide. It runs right under the island courtyard of Tintagel Castle and legend has it that Merlin can still be heard there!
Merlin was a famous poet, prophet, shape-changing magician and advisor to King Uther Pendragon. He used his magic to arrange the prophesized conception of King Arthur and later the 'Sword in the Stone' test to confirm Arthur as the rightful King of England.
Dozmary Pool
Dozmary Pool is a small lake on Bodmin Moor which is claimed to be the home of the 'Lady of the Lake'. This is where in legend King Arthur rowed out to receive the magical sword 'Excalibur'. Upon his death Bedivere returned the sword here to the depths of the pool.
Jan Tregeagle made a bargain with the Devil for riches and power in his lifetime but on his death was condemned to the bottomless Dozmary Pool, where his tormented soul resides to this day!
Slaughter Bridge
This is said to be the location of the final battle of King Arthur, the Battle of Camlann, where he died fighting his arch enemy Mordred. The Arthur Stone with its Latin inscription lies near this site.
The Cycle Museum
Well worth a visit, this museum at Camelford Station is approximately three miles from the hotel and contains an evocative collection of modern and antique cycles and associated memorabilia.
Tintagel Old Post Office 01840 770024 01840 770024
A six hundred year old medieval Cornish longhouse set in beautiful cottage gardens. It was built to the plan of a medieval manor house and used as the district letter-receiving office for 50 years in the 19th century.
Bossiney Mound
Bossiney Mound is famous for being the legendary burial place of the 'Round Table' and some of the Knights of the Round Table. Local mythology has it that the Round Table will rise again on King Arthur's return.
The Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould wrote: "According to Cornish tradition, King Arthur's golden Round Table lies deep in the earth under this earthen circular mound; only on midsummer night does it rise, and then the flash of light from it for a moment illuminates the sky, after which the golden table sinks again. At the end of the world it will come to the surface again and be carried to Heaven, and the Saints will sit and eat at it ..."
In 1584 Sir Francis Drake gave his Parliamentary election speech from the Bossiney Mound.
King Arthur's Great Halls
Dedicated to the Arthurian legend, King Arthur's Great Halls house round tables and granite thrones dominated by 72 stained glass windows which depict the Arthurian Knights and their heroic achievements.
'Sited near Tintagel in North Cornwall, this beautiful valley is hidden and is only accessable on foot. This unique 60 foot waterfall is at the head if the idyllic wooded valley of St. Nectan's Glen. St Nectan's waterfall has been described as amongst the ten most important spiritual sites in the country. The Kieve has been a place of reverence, worship and healing since pre-Christian times. People of many faiths have walked the ancient route to the waterfall to bathe in its mysterious and therapeutic atmosphere.' The Kieve is where the Knights of the Round Table allegedly swore their oath to find the Holy Grail and received blessing.
From Easter to the end of October the waterfall and tea gardens are open daily from 10.30am to 6.30pm. From November to Easter the waterfall and tea gardens are closed except for school and bank holidays. Entry costs £2.50 for adults and £1.25 for children.
http://www.stnectan.currantbun.com
Eden Project
One of the UK's most popular garden conservation tourist attractions. With its world famous architecture and its global gardens, the Eden Project makes a great day out whatever the weather. In addition to the amazing Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes, about three quarters of the Eden Project's planting is based outside in thirteen hectares of grounds. The Eden Project has gardens that change from season to season providing horticultural attractions for visitors all year round.
The Pixie House
This is a picturesque asymmetrical cottage in Boscastle which is believed to have been built in the late 19th Century. It is built out of slate stone rubble and used to be a derelict building. Since becoming Grade II listed in 1987 it has once again become inhabited by a wide range of Pixies!
The Museum of Witchcraft
This museum in Boscastle is over forty years old and houses the largest collection of witchcraft related artefacts and regalia.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
This award-winning garden restoration is well worth a visit and caters well for families of all ages.
The gardens are open every day from 10am to 6pm from 1st April to 30th September and from 10am to 5pm from 1st October to 31st March. Dogs are not allowed from 1st April to 1st September.
The tickets cost £8.50 for Adults and £5 for Children with under fives entering for free.
Lanhydrock House
A large late Victorian country mansion home with extensive grounds over the river Fowey. It is now under the management of the National Trust. This is a very popular attraction and offers a two hour tour through 50 rooms in the house.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
The Bodmin & Wenford Railway offers steam train rides from Bodmin along the Great Western Railway branch line to Bodmin Parkway (with access to Lanhydrock House) and Boscarne Junction (with access to the Camel Trail footpath). The line is Cornwall's only standard-guage steam railway. The trains run on selected dates only.
Horse Riding and Trekking
Tredole Trekking and Riding Stables in Trevalga is about three miles from the Bossiney House Hotel. Tel: 01840 250495.
Widemouth Bay OA Surf School
This popular surf school is within a short driving distance of the Bossiney House Hotel offering individual or group surfing lessons.
Adrenalin Quarry
As the name suggests this is a converted quarry which boasts the UK's longest and fastest zip wire and also hosts 'Hoverworld' Hovercraft centre and 'Kartworld'. The zip wire costs £12.50 for the first go, and then £7 for subsequent goes, and the Hoverworld sessions are £50 per person. The karts are £10 per 10 minutes with £28 for half an hour sessions. For under 16 year olds there are infant, bambini and junior karts for hire.
National Maritime Museum, Cornwall
This makes a good educational family day out.
Trebah Gardens
Trebah is Celtic for 'The House on the Bay'. The Gardens have origins dating back to the Doomsday Book and was first laid out as a 26 acre pleasure garden by Charles Fox. From 1st October 2009 - 28th February 2010 National Trust members can gain free access into the Gardens.
The above is just a small sample of the attractions that the local area has to offer. If you need information on any other Cornish attractions or would like more information on anything above then please call us on 01840 770240 or call in at the Hotel's Reception.