Vale of Avalon

About the museum

The Vale of Avalon, which was formerly called the Arthurian Centre, stands at Slaughterbridge beside the River Camel in North Cornwall. The site covers about 16 acres and is run by a family business. It is dedicated to the stories behind the King Arthur legends in Cornwall, set alongside local history and folklore. The area next to the centre is traditionally known as Camlann, the legendary place of Arthur’s last battle.

The best-known object is a 6th-century inscribed stone on the river bank, often called King Arthur’s Stone. It is understood to be a memorial to high-status British leaders of the Tintagel and Camelford area. The manor on which the site lies appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 under a name that means “place of apples”, which the owners link to the legend of Avalon. The site was brought to wider attention in 1136 by Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Other features include the remains of a 13th-century longhouse and Lady Falmouth’s garden, an 18th-century garden laid out around the stone. Cobbles of this garden were uncovered during path repairs, and archaeological work began in 2004. Visitors can also follow a 500-metre route through woodland and fields beside the river. An indoor exhibition, updated after more than twenty years of research, tells the story, and the site forms part of King Arthur’s Cornwall Discovery Trail.

Highlights

• Sixth-century inscribed stone known as King Arthur’s Stone
• Indoor exhibition on the Arthurian legends in Cornwall
• Camlann, the traditional site of Arthur’s last battle
• Ruins of a 13th-century longhouse and Lady Falmouth’s 18th-century garden
• 500-metre woodland and riverside walk with children’s play area

Permanent exhibition

• Indoor exhibition on King Arthur in Cornwall – Boards and displays explain the Arthurian legends, the archaeology of the site and Cornish history and folklore.

Admission & discounts

Prices as published on the website while the site is closed. Members of English Heritage and the National Trust receive a 20% discount. Entry is free on the Heritage Open Days when the site takes part.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is set in natural riverside landscape, and access is limited for visitors with mobility or health problems because of the terrain. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

The site presents itself as a family day out, with a children’s play area, a wooden fort and a den-building area, plus quieter spots such as the Muse Garden.

Getting there & parking

The site is on the B3314, half a mile west of the A39 at Collans Cross and half a mile east of the B3266 at Camelford Station. Use postcode PL32 9TT for satellite navigation or follow the brown tourist signs. It is about 10 minutes from Tintagel and Boscastle.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Licensed tearoom serving homemade tea and cake, a gift shop, toilets and a picnic area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit