Packed full of mystical stories and mythical figures, Cornwall embodies many beautiful and legendary locations. It’s not hard to imagine why these fantastic fairy tales and legends emerged, with such atmospheric scenery throughout the county!
If you are seeking mystery and magic, Tintagel should be at the top of your list. If you are familiar with the Legend of King Arthur, you will no doubt know about the beautiful coastal village of Tintagel.
Though small in size, Tintagel flourishes with legendary sites, its most famous being the striking Tintagel Castle that stands on a nearby island, overlooking the turquoise sea beneath.
Partly ruined, the castle beautifully blends into the rugged cliff edge and is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur himself.
Don’t forget to look at the magnificent King Arthur sculpture, which poses gallantly on the headland in front of the Atlantic Ocean.
Once you’ve been captivated by the castle, head to the beach underneath and venture into Merlin’s Cave at low tide.
*Advanced booking is essential to visit the castle. Due to its location, Tintagel Castle can sometimes temporarily close depending on weather conditions.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount makes for a wonderful day out as a family. The atmospheric site is situated on an island just off Marazion. The journey to the island is a highlight in itself, as you carefully walk over the stone causeway from the mainland at low tide, or take a boat during high tide.
The mount is the scenic setting from the fairy-tale story of Jack and the Beanstalk.
The story goes that Jack, a village boy from Marazion, tricked the giant into falling into a pit he created halfway up the mound which the giant initially used to steal farmer’s flocks for food.
Once the giant fell into the hole, Jack filled it to trap him. There is a heart-shaped stone placed there that is rumoured to beat!
*During times of social distancing, it is essential that all bookings to St Michael’s Mount castle are made in advance. Tickets to the garden and the castle are to be purchased separately.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is the setting for many mysterious stories and legendary tales.
Dating to the latter part of the 20th century, it is the suspected home of the Bodmin Moor Beast.
The ‘beast’ was reportedly a significantly large cat which surfaced in papers at numerous points. Bodmin Moor boasts a stunning and vast landscape featuring lakes, tors and forests which are sure to get your own creativity flowing!
The Hurler Stones
Also home to the area is The Hurler Stones. The three-stone circles are predicted to come from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age and perfectly accentuate the wild and spellbinding backdrop of the moor.
They are thought to be produced for ceremonial reasons as well as observing stellar and solar alignments. However, their existence also derives from a legend which accompanies them. Each stone is thought to be the bodies of petrified Cornish men who were caught hurling on the Sabbath!
Falmouth Bay
In 1876, fishermen in Falmouth Bay supposedly caught an unusual sea creature not known to man in their nets. The mysterious creature was named Morgawr, which translates to ‘The Sea Giant’.
Pendennis Castle is recommended to be the perfect viewing spot to gaze at the bay and watch out for the monster!
Which of our mystical locations are eager to visit? Why not share your thoughts with us on our social media channels; we would love to hear your thoughts!