11 Castles in Cornwall (and the stories they tell)

As well as Cornwall’s idyllic harbour towns, stunning beaches and thriving surf culture, the sun-soaked county is also a land shrouded in history, mystery and myth. 

Therefore, it’s no surprise that castles in Cornwall come with the landscape. From ancient sites and Tudor fortresses to a secret gambling den, Cornwall castles come in all shapes and sizes and have served a multitude of purposes.

Here, we’ve listed some of the best castles in Cornwall with pricing and opening times – though these can change, so make sure to check their websites before visiting. Some of these castles in Cornwall are fantastic for a full day out while some just need a morning or afternoon to explore. You’ll find that each one keeps its own unique story. Once you’re done reading, click on the button below to book one of our wonderful holiday cottages in Cornwall and start counting down the days until your next getaway.

Skip to:

• Tintagel Castle
• St Michael’s Mount
• Launceston Castle
• Pendennis Castle
• Restormel Castle
• St Catherine’s Castle
• St Mawes Castle
• Bude Castle
• Caerhays Castle
• Carn Brea Castle
• Doyden Castle

Tintagel Castle

The site of Tintagel Castle Cornwall was once home to ancient Cornish rulers, and legend claims that this magical, medieval site on Cornwall’s north coast was the birthplace of King Arthur, and is thought by some to be the site of the mythical Camelot Castle. The mystical tales shrouding King Arthur were quite likely the reason why Richard, Earl of Cornwall, built his castle here in the 1230s.  

King Arthur’s legendary status continues to inspire today, so set your imagination free as you wander through the ruins and acquaint yourself with Gallos – a bronze statue of the king. Then head down to explore Merlin’s Cave on the beach, and perhaps enjoy a snack at the café. 

St Michael’s Mount

Now owned by the St Aubyn family, this iconic medieval castle was once both a pilgrimage destination and the site of many infamous battles. Myth also claims that long ago, a residing giant was slain here by a local boy. 

The cobbled village streets beneath the ramparts are charming to meander through, and as you would expect of a world-famous tourist attraction, there is a cafe and a restaurant on site, as well as tours and sub-tropical gardens to admire. When the tide is low, visitors can make their way by foot across the causeway to the castle grounds. When the tide is up, there are ferry rides from Marazion Beach across the water.  

Launceston Castle

Set high upon a mound, offering majestic views from the battlements, this 13th-century Norman castle was, for hundreds of years, the county’s gateway to former capital Launceston, and home to aristocracy. Earl Richard, who lived here from 1209–1272, was granted the castle and built many of the buildings visible today, including its high tower. 

After his death, the earldom was moved, and the castle fell into decline. After the 16th century, Launceston Castle was used as a prison and courthouse, and George Fox, founder of the Quakers, was imprisoned here in 1656. In more recent times, the castle served as a World War II hospital. Exhibitions detail the castle’s long and chequered history. 

Pendennis Castle

With views over the River Fal and to glorious Falmouth, the Pendennis Castle, Cornwall fortress was built by Henry VIII to defend the country against potential enemies. In more recent years, it played an important role during the world wars. Nowadays, the castle is under the jurisdiction of English Heritage and hosts exhibitions, with a range of weapons from different eras on display. Pendennis Castle also has a children’s soft-play area by the cafe, a trail and plenty of green space for them to run free!

Climb the castle’s tower to survey the land, enjoy a picnic, or take the family to one of the scheduled events, with jousts, knights and pirates all on offer. Falmouth is home to many of the best things to do in Cornwall, including Pendennis Castle. 

Restormel Castle

Set in the heart of the Cornish countryside with views across the Fowey Valley, this majestic, circular castle dates back to the 13th century and was twice visited by Edward the Black Prince. Visitors to Restormel Castle can stroll through the ruins where you’ll find evidence of its grand past, including the Great Hall where many a fine feast took place. 

English Heritage has put together a walking trail between the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery and this Cornwall castle, and its springtime flowers are a vision of cheerfulness.

St Catherine’s Castle

A pair of small forts dating back to the 1530s, this is another of King Henry VIII’s builds, located on the headland in Fowey, built to defend the harbour. Now under the care of English Heritage, St Catherine’s Castle has been utilised for different defence jobs across the centuries, including housing an anti-aircraft gun and ammunition during World War II. 

You’ll find these ruins along a steep coastal path, so be mindful that you’ll need to be feeling energetic to get there. The nearest toilets are at the car park at Ready Money Beach – just under a mile away.

St Mawes Castle

Another of King Henry’s VIII’s fortresses and one of the best-preserved. If it takes your fancy, you can get to the castle by hitting the high seas – via the foot ferry from the centre of Falmouth or the King Harry Ferry from Feock. 

There are elaborate carvings on the castle walls, while the Cornish castle itself was fashioned in the shape of a clover leaf. St Mawes Castle, Cornwall boasts gardens that roll down to the estuary with views over to its sister site, Pendennis Castle. There are informative displays here, a children’s trail and free audio guides.

Bude Castle

If you’re staying in Bude, you’ll not miss ‘The Castle’ – the Grade-II-listed structure that runs alongside the Bude Canal, overlooking Summerleaze Beach. Built in 1830, Bude Castle, Cornwall hosts a fully accessible, informative Heritage Centre which showcases the local history in themed areas and sheds light on the innovative, Cornish surgeon-turned-inventor who built The Castle, Sir Goldsworthy Gurney. 

The Castle also has art and craft galleries, a cafe, gift shop, music events and festivals held throughout the year, and you can find these listed on the website’s calendar. 

Caerhays Castle

Near St Austell, set in beautiful, landscaped gardens and overlooking Porthluney Cove, Caerhays estate was owned by the Trevanion family from 1370 to 1840. The castle itself was built by architect John Nash over three years from 1807, when deer parks would have taken priority over garden space. 

The Williams have called the castle and estate home since 1855 and it’s a Grade-I-listed property with 140 acres of woodland, gardens and even its own lake. Enjoy a tour through the interior with its richly presented furnishings and collections, including many household items from the Victorian period. 

Carn Brea Castle

Set in the heart of the countryside near Redruth and Camborne, and built upon the ‘Giant’s Seat’ where legend John of Gaunt was once said to have lived, Carn Brea Castle, Cornwall harks back to 1379 when it was built as a chapel to St Michael. 

The Bassetts, who owned the land and castle for hundreds of years, turned the castle into a great hunting and feasting lodge around the time of 1790. 

In keeping with its culinary ethos, Carn Brea Castle is now a restaurant. You can still wander the outside perimeters freely to get a sense of the building’s history and surrounding landscape, or you may wish to book your own atmospheric dining experience within its ancient walls. 

Doyden Castle

With panoramic ocean views, this pretty, pocket-sized fortress is located at the entrance to Port Quin. Although it was acquired by the National Trust in the 1950s, it’s not really a Cornwall castle at all. It was, in fact, built by landowner and good-time fellow, Samuel Symons in 1830 as a secret getaway for hosting drinking and gambling jollies with friends (far away from any potential, prying eyes!). 

The Grade II-listed Doyden Castle, Cornwall is featured as Pentire Castle in several Doc Martin episodes, as well as in the original Poldark TV series. In modern, real time, Doyden Castle is bookable as a clifftop, romantic retreat.

Castles Map

Stay with us in Cornwall

We hope that this guide has given you a royal insight into some of the finest castles in Cornwall. If you’re planning your own adventure in the popular county, then why not enhance your visit by booking a night in one of our holiday cottages nearby? Click the link below to explore the collection.