Merlin's Cottage

Four-bedroom cottage in the centre of Tintagel, set up for groups of up to eight with two ensuite bathrooms and sea views from the upstairs rooms. The South West Coast Path runs past the door, and Tintagel Castle sits a 10-minute walk away on the headland.

A king bedroom with ensuite shower sits on the ground floor for guests who would rather skip the stairs. Upstairs there are two further doubles (one ensuite) and a twin that can be made up as a king on request. The lounge has an open fire; a separate games room holds a pool table, darts and table tennis for wet afternoons.

Outside, the enclosed garden has a private hot tub, a BBQ and seating, with off-street parking on site. Trebarwith Strand for surf and rockpooling is two miles south, and Bossiney Cove drops to a sandy beach at low tide just north of the village.

The 14th-century Old Post Office (National Trust) and the footbridge across to the castle ruins are both in the village. Boscastle harbour is four miles north along the coast road.

Best for multi-generational groups who want games-room evenings and a hot tub. Less good for couples after a quiet bolthole - the games room and sleeps-eight layout point to bigger groups.