Tintagel: Mythical site of Camelot

Tintagel's connections to the legend of King Arthur, as the mythical site of Camelot, attracts thousands of tourists each year.

English Heritage says the aim is to make Tintagel more attractive for tourists and local people.

There will be extensive improvements to Tintagel Castle - one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cornwall.

TINTAGEL Occupation of the site at Tintagel castle dates back to Roman times Historians believe the castle was built in the early 13th Century by Earl Richard of Cornwall By the late 15th Century the castle was ruined and deserted Despite decades of investigation Tintagel remains a mystery, says English Heritage

The centre of Tintagel village will also benefit from the regeneration project.

Overhead cables will be buried underground, and roads will be narrowed to make streets more pedestrian friendly.

There will also be a new public square, better street lighting and improvements to shop fronts.

The overall aim is to revive the local economy by increasing the appeal and extending the season of this key tourism area.

The town already attracts an estimated 27,000 visitors a year who spend about �5.5m on local products and services.

A spokesperson for Cornwall County Council said: "There is a single aim - to enhance the visual appeal and facilities of one of the county's most famous heritage tourism sites, which has suffered a little with the march of time."

Tintagel's claim to being linked to King Arthur became more solid after an ancient stone bearing a 6th Century inscription similar to the name Arthur was unearthed at Tintagel Castle in 1998.

The castle was already the mythical birthplace of the legendary king.

For some, the discovery proved King Arthur had his headquarters, the court of Camelot, at the site.

The week-long regeneration exhibition is at the North Cornwall Visitor Centre in Bossiney Road, Tintagel.