Tintagel Castle Footbridge and Landscape

Project Description

The historical significance of Tintagel Island and its castle is steeped in myths and legends surrounding King Arthur, accentuated by the site’s dramatic coastal erosion and challenging access routes. Visitors have historically faced considerable obstacles, primarily relying on over a hundred steep steps to reach the castle ruins that dramatically overlook the cliffs.

The primary objective of the Tintagel Castle project was to restore connectivity between Tintagel Island and the North Cornwall mainland, significantly improving accessibility. This endeavour involved the design and construction of a new footbridge intended to function as a land bridge reminiscent of the early medieval period. This innovative approach aims to enhance the visitor experience while honouring the site’s rich historical context.

Given that the land is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, obtaining Royal approval was also an essential consideration in the successful realisation of this project.

Details of Our Involvement

In 2014, Nicholas Pearson Associates initiated feasibility studies that informed the proposed enhancements. The following year, an international design competition was launched by English Heritage to identify a bridge designer who could conceive an innovative structure that would respect the stunning landscape and the site’s cultural heritage.

The design competition winners were Ney & Partners with William Matthews Associates. Their stunning 72m long, twin cantilevered design, joins the two sides of the Castle.

The key tasks we undertook to secure planning permission for their design included:

Stakeholder Engagement: Extensive consultations with local stakeholders and the public ensured that the design resonated with community interests and heritage values.

Site Analysis: An in-depth evaluation of the landscape character, ecological setting, and archaeological context was conducted. This analysis informed decisions on the design’s type, layout, and material use, ensuring sensitivity to the site’s unique attributes.

Visual Integration: Verified views of the proposed bridge and footpaths were produced from various vantage points, allowing planners and stakeholders to visualise how the bridge would fit seamlessly within the landscape. These views considered perspectives from local hotels, coastal pathways, aerial positions and both island and mainland viewpoints.