🚗 The Castle Car Park – The Complete Tintagel Castle Parking Guide
Pay & display parking at Tintagel Castle – affordable all-day permits, dramatic coastal views & just steps from the legendary castle entrance.
🚗 Type: Pay & Display National Trust Car Park
🕒 Open: 07:00–19:00 (Apr–Sep) / 08:00–17:00 (Oct–Mar); exit permitted until dusk
🌟 Rating: 4.6 / 5 (visitor reviews)
💰 Pricing & Permits
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Up to 2 hours: £3.00
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All-day (valid until park closing): £5.00
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National Trust Members: Free (display membership card)
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Payment: Pay & display machines (coins, card/contactless) or National Trust Parking app
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Enforcement: ANPR; Penalty Charge £70 (reduced if paid promptly)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~150 marked bays |
| Surface | Gravel with defined bays |
| Lighting | None (daylight site only) |
| Security | ANPR surveillance; occasional ranger patrols |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for most vehicles) |
♿ Accessibility
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Accessible Bays: 4 marked bays nearest ticket machines
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Drop-Off Point: Layby directly outside main car park gate
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Access Routes: Level gravel path to café & ticket kiosk; stepped access to castle
🔌 EV Infrastructure
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On-Site Charging: None
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Nearest Chargers:
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Bossiney Road Car Park (NT overflow) – 2×7 kW Pod Point, 5 min drive
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Camelford Car Park – 2×7 kW BP Pulse, 12 min drive
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📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 10:00–12:00 | 70 % | Sightseers & walkers |
| Weekdays 14:00–16:00 | 60 % | Family visitors |
| Weekends 11:00–15:00 | 95 % | Holidaymakers |
| Evenings (Summer) | 40 % | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM in summer weekends to secure bays closest to the visitor centre.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Kiosk & Café | On-site | Refreshments, toilets & NT shop |
| Tintagel Castle Entrance | 5 min | Dramatic cliff-top ruins access |
| Merlin’s Cave Path | 8 min | Coastal trail to sea cavern |
| Boscastle Village (via Coast Path) | 1 hr | Scenic walk & additional parking |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
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Toilets & Café: On-site visitor centre
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ATM: Post Office (Tintagel village, 10 min walk)
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Shop: National Trust gift shop onsite
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Pub: The Cornish Wing, Tintagel (8 min walk)
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bossiney Road NT Overflow | 2 min drive | £4.00 / day | Day only | Pod Point chargers, quieter |
| Tintagel Village Car Park | 10 min walk | Free (no limit) | Unlimited | Free, but long hill walk |
| Trebarwith Strand Car Park | 12 min drive | £3.50 / day | Day only | Beach access & cafe |
⚠️ Important Notices
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Gates close promptly at park closing times; vehicles left after may be locked in.
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Ensure you purchase valid parking before visiting the castle to avoid PCN.
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No overnight camping or campervans—day-use only.
📌 Expert Tips
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Coast Path Combo: Park here and walk to Boscastle early—parking fills fast at both sites.
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Member Hack: National Trust members park free; bring your card to skip the machine.
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Sunset Visit: In summer, stay until closing for spectacular cliff-top sunsets—don’t forget your parking ticket covers until gates close.
🔮 Future Developments
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2025 Consultation: NT exploring installation of 4×7 kW EV bays near ticket kiosk.
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2026 Plans: Proposal to upgrade path lighting and add rain shelters at ticket kiosk.
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