Camelot Castle

Address: Tintagel, Cornwall PL34 0DQ.

Tel: 01840 770202.


First impressions: Castellated colossus of the arrow-slits-meets-pebbledash variety, built circa 1900, probably haunted (movie roles include Dracula, 1979), but set in a spectacular location on Atlantic headland overlooking the ruins of King Arthur's castle. Time-warped period interiors with a distinct baronial ambience overlaid by way too many of the artist-proprietor's abstract paintings.

What are the rooms like? Eccentric but comfortable, with a hotch-potch of 20th-century furniture, original Edwardian fireplaces, dated anaglypta wallpaper and, in most rooms, outstanding views.

The bed test: Pot luck. Beds of various sizes and origins (single divan or carved four-poster) - all spotlessly clean.

The bathroom test: Modern en suite shower-loo units, vaguely reminiscent of cabin facilities on ferries, but loads of hot water - and bathrooms down the corridor for those who prefer a tub.

The restaurant: Generous but unremarkable full English breakfasts and set dinners served at lightning speed in vast mock-baronial hall (often furnished with crowds of Wallace Arnold coach-tour pensioners).

What is there within walking distance? Well, this is what you came for. The castle is a short hike away from Merlin's Cave, rubble of English Heritage castle and high rugged cliffs of the north Cornish section of the south-west coastal footpath.

How much? Bona fide artists can stay for free by prior arrangement, but otherwise bed and breakfast is £40pp pn for standard rooms; or from £75pp pn for four-poster or 'special' rooms (named after illustrious former guests including Ava Gardner and Noël Coward). Dinner from £12.50 a head.