How to visit ALL of Cornwall’s castles for just £24
Cornwall is home to some of the most impressive castles in the country, from medieval Norman strongholds to Tudor coastal fortresses.
Visiting them individually can add up quickly, with entry to Tintagel Castle alone priced at £20.
But there’s a way to see every English Heritage castle in Cornwall for just £24 a year – and at the same time support a small Cornish charity doing vital work to protect the county’s heritage.
About Cornwall Heritage Trust
Cornwall Heritage Trust is a small, independent charity set up in 1985 to preserve and strengthen Cornwall’s heritage for future generations.
The Trust owns and manages 18 historic sites across the Duchy, ranging from Iron Age villages to holy wells, and works closely with local communities to keep these places cared for and accessible.
The charity funds school transport grants so Cornish children can visit museums and historic sites, runs youth ranger programmes, and supports the Cornish language through bursaries and cultural events.
They are currently leading campaigns like the Castilly Henge Appeal, aiming to save one of Cornwall’s most important Neolithic ritual sites from disappearing under vegetation.
When you join as a member, your money goes directly towards this work, and you also unlock one of Cornwall’s best-value heritage passes.
The castles included
Membership with Cornwall Heritage Trust gives you free entry to English Heritage sites within Cornwall. That includes:
- Tintagel Castle – The dramatic cliff-top ruins tied to the legend of King Arthur. The new bridge makes access easier and the views are among the best on the Cornish coast. See my full guide here.
- Pendennis Castle – Built by Henry VIII to defend the Fal estuary, with additions used right up to the Second World War. See my full guide here.
- St Mawes Castle – Smaller than Pendennis but equally important, guarding the other side of the estuary with its clover-shaped bastions.
- Restormel Castle – A rare circular shell keep, surrounded by countryside near Lostwithiel.
- Launceston Castle – A Norman motte-and-bailey site with a commanding keep overlooking the town. See my guide to Launceston here.
On their own, visiting these five would cost over £63 in standard adult admission. With Cornwall Heritage Trust membership at £24, you can walk into all of them for without paying extra, saving nearly £40!
Other membership benefits
Alongside the castles, Cornwall Heritage Trust members also enjoy:
- 50% off entry at Geevor Tin Mine, King Edward Mine, PK Porthcurno, Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum and the Arthurian Centre.
- Free entry or discounts at the 18 sites directly owned or managed by the Trust, such as Treffry Viaduct, Carn Euny and Trethevy Quoit.
- Discounts on tickets to the annual Awenek! Heritage Festival and other special events.
- A bi-annual magazine, newsletters, and members-only events.
- For families: a children’s activity book full of archaeology and Cornish culture-themed puzzles.
Cornwall Heritage Trust vs. English Heritage Membership
While English Heritage manages sites across the country, including Cornwall’s castles, Cornwall Heritage Trust is focused entirely on Cornwall.
English Heritage membership gives you access nationwide, but it costs considerably more at £72 a year for adults.
Cornwall Heritage Trust membership, at £24, is a local alternative.
It covers the same English Heritage sites within Cornwall and directly supports projects that protect Cornish monuments, traditions and communities.
If your interest is mainly in Cornwall, it’s the most cost-effective and locally beneficial choice.
However, you can see my full English Heritage review here.
Why your £24 matters
By joining, you aren’t just securing cheap access to Cornwall’s castles — you’re helping to keep Cornwall’s unique history alive. Recent projects supported by CHT members include:
- Making the Crib Hut at Treffry Viaduct safe from invasive vegetation.
- Running the Lowena project, wellbeing days for care-experienced young people.
- Supporting postgraduate research into Cornish history and culture.
CHT membership is one of the simplest ways to give back to Cornwall while enjoying its most famous historic landmarks. For just £24, you’ll be able to explore every castle in Cornwall and know your money is helping protect the county’s heritage “rag onan hag oll” — for one and all.
Click here to go through to Cornwall Heritage Trust’s website!
