Tintagel Castle

 

Tintagel Castle is a magical ruined castle in Cornwall, England.  People say that this castle is where King Arthur (of the Round Table fame) was born.  What remains of the castle is perched high on cliffs by the sea – and has spectacular views.

To get to the castle you have to negotiate about 100 steep steps – so it isn't for everyone.  But if you get the chance do go and see it.

 

Unfortunately there is an admission fee.  Oh for the days when heritage buildings/castles etc were free!

The land on which the castle stands is owned by the Duke of Cornwall ie Prince Charles but the castle is administered by English Heritage.

Top 10 places I have visited – not including in NZ

Oops – there are actually 12.  In alpha order:

Bermuda – pink sand, lots of golf courses, great architecture, great weather and those shorts…

Cruising around French Polynesia – on the MS Paul Gaugin, 6 star, amazing, great stops, leisurely and lovely

 

Devon and Cornwall – lovely coastline, ruins, clotted cream, nice seaside towns like Bude and Penzance

French river/canal cruising – on a hotel barge, calm, tranquil, great food and wine, interesting places to visit.  Try to research who the fellow passengers are likely to be – I ended up with mostly Americans which was a mixed blessing.

Las Vegas – completely OTT but see it to believe it, have to do it once.

Loire Valley – chateaux everywhere you look, river views, little villages but too many tourists.

Martha’s Vineyard – a classy part of the US.  Picturesque island reached by ferry from Woods’ Hole. 

 

Monte Carlo – the Casino, grand hotels, grand yachts, conspicuous consumption

New Caledonia – a slice of French culture so close to NZ.  Nice beaches, good food and a wonderful cultural centre Tjibaou

Paris – of course, the Ile St Louis, Musee d’Orsay, Montmartre, Notre Dame, La Defense

Provence – the Pont du Gard, Avignon, Rocamadour, Les Baux and so much else.

Vatulele, Fiji – this was many years ago because I now have political qualms about visiting Fiji post coup/s.  Great all inclusive resort.  You have your own stretch of beach.  If you want something, you put your flag out and a little boat comes to you.  Communal dining optional but a lot of fun.  At night the staff go off duty and you are just left with an open bar which makes for some interesting cocktails.