Would you please share your favorite site(s) in Southern England related to the King Arthur legend. This would be a trip for 10-year-olds and two accompanying adults. Also, any tips, comments, and extras are welcome.
Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Tintagel! It's in Cornwall, so... south west. Way west. But oh so worth it. Here's the Wikipedia entry, for reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tintagel_Castle And here's a local site, specifically about days out with the kids: http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/family-fun/Tintagel_Castle/2261 If I'd visited when I was 10, I would have been enchanted. It isn't touristy - there aren't any medieval reenactments - it's just a glorious ruin in glorious countryside - magnificent! Glastonbury (Somerset) is strongly associated with Arthur. Is King Arhur buried near the abbey? Many would say yes! Here's there site: http://www.glastonburyabbey.com/ There are costumed guides available in Glastonbury... if that appeals to your child, it might be a nice option. Please do not confuse the town, the tor (hill) and the abbey with the festival. The festival is probably not completely appropriate for a 10-year-old - going to Glastonbury to explore the Arthurian legends IS. Stonehenge (in Wiltshire) gets mentioned in association with Kind Arthur, but it was built LONG before even the potential of his reign. (One chronicler says Merlin built it. Hah!) Nevertheless, it is awesome. There's even a walking path from Avebury to Stonehenge, which might appeal - or you can always get a coach tour, which could be handy with a child (restroom on the bus, no whining on a long walk). What a fun trip this will be!!!
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
It's a twenty mile hike from Avebury to Stonehenge. Most people won't want to make the round trip in one day.
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
Winchester : a "Round Table' hangs on the wall of the Great hall of Winchester castle in the middle of town. Purported to be original and real- actually dates from 13th century. Huge. Worth seeing. For the adults, Winchester cathedral is worth visiting, set in water meadows alongside a river with ducks (and as i recall) narrow fotbridges across the river. Good pubs/inns in town for lunch. Easy train ride from London
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1863 posts
Add Cadbury Hill and Dozmary Pool. Dozmary is near Jamaica Inn and is a good stop if the weather is atmospheric but not very interesting if the day is bright and sunny and it's surrounded by sunbathers. You need to be able to imagine the arm clad in white samite coming up from the pool. (Watch parts of Excalibur.)
There are also sites in Brittany---Brocalinda with the golden tree, supposedly associated with Merlin.
Posted by
San Jose, CA, USA (Bath, UK for 2010)
79 posts
I would definitely plan a stop in Glastonbury, which is where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are allegedly buried. A hike to the Tor is a must - is supposed to be the Island of Avalon, now not an island due to better water management. It is one of my favorite stops anyway - great mix of Christian and Pagan intrigue, and the Abbey is a fun place for kids to run around.