Top 4 Caves around St. Endellion
Best caves around St. Endellion are primarily sea caves carved into the rugged North Cornwall coastline, particularly within Port Isaac Bay. The parish of St. Endellion, while inland, is close to the coast, offering access to unique geological features. These caves are formed by the erosion of Atlantic waves exploiting natural weaknesses in the rock formations. Many are only accessible from the water, providing opportunities for coasteering or sea kayaking tours.
Best caves around St. Endellion
- The most popular caves is Tintagel Castle and Merlin's Cave, a castle that has been linked to Arthurian legends since Geoffrey of Monmouth mentioned it. Merlin's Cave, located beneath Tintagel Castle, can be explored at low tides.
- Another must-see spot is Lundy Hole Natural Rock Arch, a viewpoint that features a collapsed sea cave. All that remains is the entrance to the cave, which now stands on the water like an archway.
- Visitors also love Merlin's Cave and Merlin's Face Carving, a cave made famous by Alfred Lord Tennyson's Arthurian "Idylls of the King". This cave can be accessed for free at low tide, even if not visiting the castle ruins.
- St. Endellion is known for sea caves, collapsed sea caves, and caves accessible at low tide. The variety of caves offers exploration opportunities for those interested in coastal geology and natural formations.
- The caves around St. Endellion are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 200 photos shared and over 200 upvotes from users.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Tintagel Castle and Merlin's Cave
Highlight • Castle
For opening times of the café, exhibitions, further details and admission fees see here: english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/tintagel-castle
Tip by
Tintagel Castle
Highlight • Castle
There are plenty of amenities in the village, with cafes, pubs, bakeries and places to stay. Tintagel's Cornish name, Tre war Venydh, means 'Village on the Mountain'.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Merlin's Cave and Merlin's Face Carving
Highlight • Cave
Tip by
Trevone Bay
Highlight • Natural
There are toilets, a cafe and a shop at the beach and just a short step inland Trevone has plenty more facilities to offer. It is a good place to park and walk round the coastline to Padstow.
Tip by
Lundy Hole Natural Rock Arch
Highlight • Viewpoint
Lundy Hole can be reached after a short walk (about 15 - 20 minutes) from the car park of the same name. On the way you still pass Markham's Quay, a bay visible from above.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more caves around St. Endellion.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around St. Endellion
Tips from the Community
Even at low tide, there is still water in the cave. In some places you can balance along the edge and you may have to take your shoes off. A group played and sang mystical/Celtic music for us. It suited this place perfectly 👍.
8
0
Wildly romantic! Like in Rosamunde Pilcher films🥰 Small ruin with sea and Arthurian legend
0
0
"Merlin's Face" The carving was completed in February 2016 by local craftsman Peter Graham, who described the work as a "temporary intervention" that would be eroded by the weather. Mr Graham hoped the carving would capture people's imagination and said he had received "overwhelming support" from visitors to the site.
3
0
How much poorer would European literature be if he didn't exist: MERLIN (according to Wikipedia, the Welsh origin of the name is Myrddin or Merddin) is one of the biggest stars in the sky of mythology. Together with the heroic King Arthur, he has conquered a permanent place in the collective memory of people - at least in the fantasy world of countless authors who have told his story over and over again for centuries, and above all in their ever-fascinating readers or listeners. Daniela has already briefly mentioned in her article the historical connection between this hiking highlight with the beautiful name "Merlin's Cave" and the person of the legendary magician. And the main thing is, of course: the myth lives on!
6
1
Dogs are allowed on most Cornish beaches in the off season. For exact dates go to https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/animal-welfare-and-enforcement/dogs-on-beaches/.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of caves can I explore near St. Endellion?
The area around St. Endellion is primarily known for its dramatic sea caves carved into the North Cornwall coastline, particularly in Port Isaac Bay. These are formed by the relentless action of Atlantic waves. You can also find notable caves like Merlin's Cave, located beneath Tintagel Castle, and caves at Trevone Bay.
Are there any historically significant caves in the region?
Yes, Merlin's Cave, situated beneath Tintagel Castle, is famously linked to Arthurian legends, having been mentioned in Alfred Lord Tennyson's 'Idylls of the King'. Exploring it at low tide offers a glimpse into this mythical past.
What are the accessibility considerations for exploring caves near St. Endellion?
Many of the sea caves are only accessible from the water, often requiring coasteering or sea kayaking tours. Some, like Merlin's Cave, can be explored on foot at low tide, but may involve steep climbs and uneven terrain. Always check tide times and weather conditions before visiting coastal caves.
Are there any family-friendly caves or coastal areas with caves?
Yes, Trevone Bay is popular with families and features plenty of rocks and caves for children to explore. It also has facilities like toilets, a cafe, and a shop nearby, making it a convenient option for a family day out.
What unique geological features can I expect to see in the caves?
The sea caves in Port Isaac Bay are formed by erosion, exploiting natural weaknesses in the Devonian and Carboniferous rock formations. You can observe impressive rock formations, arches, and the sheer scale of caverns like Cathedral Cave (north of Tridents in Port Isaac Bay), which is large enough for sea kayaking groups to paddle inside.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves around St. Endellion?
The best time to visit coastal caves is generally during calmer weather conditions, typically from late spring to early autumn, when sea conditions are more favorable for water-based access or exploring at low tide. Always check local tide tables and weather forecasts before planning your trip.
What outdoor activities can I combine with a visit to the caves?
The dramatic coastline offers excellent opportunities for coastal walks, such as the South West Coast Path. You can also enjoy cycling on routes like the Camel Trail, with options for touring bicycle, gravel biking, and MTB trails. Coasteering and sea kayaking are popular ways to explore the more remote sea caves.
Are there any collapsed sea caves or natural arches to see?
Yes, Lundy Hole Natural Rock Arch is a notable example of a collapsed sea cave. You can view it from above, where the entrance to the cave now stands as a beautiful archway over the water, offering a unique natural spectacle after a short walk from its car park.
What do visitors enjoy most about the caves in this area?
Visitors often highlight the dramatic coastal scenery, the sense of adventure, and the unique geological formations. For Merlin's Cave, the connection to Arthurian legends and the experience of exploring it at low tide are particularly cherished, with some even enjoying mystical music played by groups inside.
Are there cafes or pubs near the cave exploration spots?
Yes, areas like Trevone Bay offer cafes and shops directly at the beach. The village of Tintagel, near Tintagel Castle and Merlin's Cave, also has plenty of amenities including cafes, pubs, and bakeries.
What essential gear should I bring for cave exploration?
For coastal cave exploration, especially those accessible at low tide, sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. A torch or headlamp is highly recommended for exploring darker sections of caves like Merlin's Cave. If considering water-based access, appropriate safety gear for coasteering or kayaking is necessary.
Most popular routes around St. Endellion
Most popular attractions around St. Endellion
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around St. Endellion:
