King Arthur's Car Park
Fore Street, Tintagel PL34 0DA
King Arthur's Car Park is a private, family-run parking facility located directly on Fore Street in the heart of Tintagel, Cornwall (PL34 0DA). It serves as an exceptionally popular and highly convenient hub for visitors due to its unique status as the only Cornwall Council licensed site permitting overnight stopovers for self-contained motorhomes and campervans in the village. Boasting a massive footprint that handles everything from motorcycles to large luxury coaches, it operates 24 hours a day under closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, providing a safe and reliable base to explore the rugged North Cornwall coast.
Motorhome and Campervan Stopover Details
The facility operates on a flexible "pay and stay" system without an advance booking platform, meaning spaces are strictly first-come, first-served.
Overnight Tariffs: The designated overnight window runs from 17:00 until 10:00 the following morning with a tariff of £7.00. For daytime stays, motorhome tickets remain valid until 17:00 on the day of purchase.
Layout Options: The facility offers a combination of a large, level tarmac surface (where overnight stays remain unrestricted) and a beautifully laid-out seasonal grass field.
Capacity and Spacing Rules: The primary seasonal grass area is restricted to a maximum of 15 motorhomes or campervans, complete with clearly marked bays. To maintain comfort and proper safety margins, the operators ask guests to leave a minimum gap of two car parking spaces between vehicles. High-season demand is mitigated by a 3-acre overflow field featuring dedicated camper zones.
Restrictions: Overnight stays are limited strictly to self-contained vehicles. Traditional campsite activities (like setting up outdoor awnings or camp furniture) are prohibited, and there are no general waste bins on-site, requiring a "leave no trace" policy.
Payment Methods: Drivers can settle fees at any of the 4 red on-site pay-and-display machines using cash, contactless, or chip-and-PIN card options. Digital payments are handled seamlessly via the RingGo App utilizing location code 62800. An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system monitorscompliance.
On-Site Facilities
The car park functions akin to a continental-style motorhome "Aire," providing dedicated, paid service utilities directly to travellers:
Toilets & Showers: Secure modern cubicles housing toilets and sinks open at 06:00 daily. Entry costs 50p via card or coin. A clean, secure shower room is available on-site; short sessions cost £2.00.
Servicing Station: Essential vehicle utilities are built into the site layout. Gray water discharge is provided, alongside a dedicated black waste/toilet cassette emptying point costing £4.00. Fresh drinking water hookups are accessible via the local parking attendant. Servicing points may be locked outside of staffed attendant hours.
Dining and Hospitality
You do not have to travel far for sustenance, as the site sits amidst Tintagel’s primary hospitality strip:
King Arthur's Arms Inn: Positioned directly on the corner of the car park entrance, this traditional pub is the immediate choice for parking guests. It serves hearty home-cooked food all day, including a highly reviewed full English breakfast and evening menus ranging between £17.00 and £19.00. It features an excellent selection of local beers, regular live music nights, and offers complimentary parking passes strictly to booked overnight hotel residents.
Local Eateries: A few paces from the exit reveals a selection of local bakeries specializing in freshly made traditional Cornish pasties, cozy independent cafes, and a highly-regarded local fish and chip shop perfect for takeaway dining back at your vehicle.
Local Information & Attractions
The car park serves as a direct gateway to the historic folklore and dramatic coastal vistas of North Cornwall:
Historic Sites: Walkers can follow direct footpaths out of the village to the legendary ruins of Tintagel Castle managed by English Heritage, cross the iconic footbridge, and view the bronze "Gallos" statue. At sea level below the cliffs, Merlin’s Cave is fully accessible during low tide windows.
Village Conveniences: Directly opposite the car park entry sits the National Trust Old Post Office. The high street contains independent souvenir gift shops, a pharmacy, and two grocery convenience stores for stocking up on supplies. A local visitor center run by volunteers is nearby to assist with maps and walking itineraries.
Important Vehicle Logistics: Tintagel does not have a fuel station for petrol or diesel. The closest fueling facilities are located 5 to 6 miles away in the neighboring towns of Delabole or Camelford.
