Short answer: The best pubs in Tintagel are the King Arthur's Arms (log fire, big plates), The Olde Malthouse (4.6 from 1,299 Google reviews) and the family-friendly Cornishman Inn, all on Fore Street. For a sea view, drive to Port William at Trebarwith Strand. The Horseshoe Inn at Tresparrett is the village local, so ring ahead before you go.
Tintagel's pubs cluster along Fore Street, a few minutes' walk from the Old Post Office and the lane down to the castle, which means most visitors choose one with the castle still in their legs. This guide to the best pubs in Tintagel works through them in the order you are likely to need them: the Fore Street trio, the cliff-top pub at Trebarwith Strand, and a proper village local a few miles inland. One thing catches people out: the village is small, so in the off season it pays to check kitchen times before you walk down.
The King Arthur's Arms is the pub most visitors walk into first. Its hotel listing rates 4.4 from 3,668 Google reviews, and the separate restaurant listing rates 4.7 from 94. Reviewers describe a warm log fire, peg solitaire on the tables, large portions of beef stew with horseradish dumplings, steak pie and hunter's chicken, plus gluten-free choices and a long list of drinks. One calls it slightly more expensive than some places but good quality. Reviewers also mention campervans using the car park, so ask the pub before you plan on staying overnight. If you want the "classic Tintagel pub" experience, this is it.
Further along Fore Street, The Olde Malthouse has 4.6 from 1,299 Google reviews. Reviewers praise a wagyu burger, slow-cooked belly pork, crab pasta, lamb kofta and a vegan fish and chips, and several mention Tintagel Brewery ales on the bar. Book ahead for weekend evenings, because reviewers describe it as busy. It also has rooms, and the staff come in for praise in several reviews.
The Cornishman Inn is the more down-to-earth choice, rated 4.1 from 948 Google reviews. Reviewers mention a back patio with a view over the old church, a beer garden, a playground behind the pub and mackerel dishes at fair prices. It also has rooms. It suits a family lunch where you do not want to fuss.
Port William stands on the cliff top above Trebarwith Strand, a short drive south of the village. It rates 4.4 from 2,021 Google reviews. Reviewers describe plenty of outdoor seating above the beach, window seats with sea views, catch of the day and pork belly, and a building large enough for big groups. If you want a window seat, ask when booking, as a couple of reviewers say they asked and got one. Pair it with a beach visit: our guide to beaches near Tintagel explains Trebarwith Strand and the tide, and the sunset guide to where to watch the sunset in Tintagel covers the best evening light.
The Horseshoe Inn at Tresparrett, between Tintagel and Boscastle, is a village local rated 4.6 from 102 Google reviews. Reviewers describe local Tintagel ales kept well, good-value pub food, a jukebox and a welcoming landlord, and say it feels more like a village pub than a tourist one. It is a small place with limited opening, so ring ahead to check days, food service and whether it takes cards before you drive out. Tintagel Brewery ales also turn up on bars beyond the village, including the Fore Street pubs above.
The Cornishman Inn has a playground behind the pub, which helps with children, and a reviewer at Port William says staff made their dog very welcome. Policies differ from pub to pub and from room to room, so ask when you arrive. For dog-friendly coffee stops, see our list of the top dog-friendly coffee and coastal spots in Tintagel.
Yes. Reviewers praise crisp fish and chips at The Olde Malthouse, and the King Arthur's Arms serves traditional pub dishes such as steak pie and beef stew. For dedicated guides, read our pages on fish and chips in Tintagel and the best Sunday roast in Tintagel.
Match the pub to the moment. After the castle, with tired legs and hungry children, the Cornishman is the easiest: free car park, playground, no ceremony. For a Saturday night out, book The Olde Malthouse. For a fire and a quiet pint on a wet afternoon, the King Arthur's Arms. For a view you will remember, go to Port William and ask for a window. For a quiet evening with locals, the Horseshoe Inn, with a phone call first and a plan for the drive back. Winter changes things. Kitchen hours can change in the off season, so ring ahead or eat earlier than you would in summer. Our guide to Tintagel Castle in winter explains what the castle itself does at that time of year.
Boscastle is a short drive up the coast and has a different set of pubs. Napoleon Inn is on the hill above the harbour (4.6 from 791 Google reviews) and Cobweb Inn is by the bridge (4.4 from 1,582). Our guide to the best pubs in Boscastle covers them.
Fore Street is a through road with limited spaces, so use a car park and walk. Our Tintagel parking guide lists the options. The Tintagel Old Post Office, a National Trust property on Fore Street, is a landmark for finding your way. For the village overall, see the Tintagel town page, and for something to do before pub o'clock, read what to do in Tintagel besides the castle.
The Olde Malthouse has 4.6 from 1,299 Google reviews and is praised for its food, while the King Arthur's Arms is the classic Fore Street pub with a log fire. Port William has the best view.
Port William at Trebarwith Strand, on the cliff top above the beach. Reviewers mention window seats and outdoor seating overlooking the bay.
A reviewer says staff at Port William made their dog very welcome. Policies at the other pubs vary, so ask on arrival.
Its opening is limited, so ring ahead to check days, food service and whether it takes cards.
Reviewers mention campervans using its car park, but ask the pub about availability and charges before you plan on it.
Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change, so check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.
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