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Port Quin, Cornwall

Doyden Castle

Doyden Castle on the Port Quin headland, overlooking the sea, Cornwall
Doyden Castle on the Port Quin headland, overlooking the sea, Cornwall | © National Trust/Mike Henton
The dining area in the sitting room at Doyden Castle has sea views, Cornwall
The double bedroom with views from three sides at Doyden Castle, Cornwall

Doyden Castle

A little fortress at the edge of the cliffs on the Port Quin headland, with sea views all around.

Grid of 20 images
The dining area in the sitting room at Doyden Castle has sea views, Cornwall
The double bedroom with views from three sides at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
Doyden Castle on the Port Quin headland, overlooking the sea, Cornwall
The path around Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The entrance to Doyden Castle is through a private tunnel, Cornwall
The sitting room at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
A coastal view from a window at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The kitchen at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The breakfast table in the kitchen at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The shower room at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The separate toilet at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The double bedroom at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The bench seating in the bedroom at Doyden Castle, Cornwall
A sign with local footpaths near Doyden Castle, Cornwall
An aerial view of Doyden Castle on the cliffs overlooking the sea, Cornwall
The exterior of Doyden Castle, Port Isaac, Cornwall
A view of the coastal cliffs near Doyden Castle, Cornwall
The area surrounding Guy's Cottage, Cornwall
Quin Cottage and neighbouring cottages, Cornwall
The exterior of Doyden Castle, Cornwall

© National Trust/Mike Henton

A little fortress at the edge of the cliffs on the Port Quin headland, with sea views all around.

At a glance

Guests
2
Bedrooms
1
Number of dogs welcome
0
Reference
011101
Acorn rating

About Doyden Castle

Be king or queen of the castle when you stay in this intriguing cliff-top fantasy fortress. It was owned by Samuel Symons, an infamous bon-viveur, in around 1830 as a place to entertain his friends. Now, it plays hosts to an eccentric one-bedroom holiday home full of quirks from its past. Inside you’ll find arched gothic windows, a cosy open fire and even the original wine bins in the cellar. 

It’s set on a secluded headland of Port Quin where you’ll be encompassed by jewel coloured ocean views. Walk down the hill to Port Quin’s sheltered inlet where you go rock pooling, kayaking or fishing. 

For longer walks you can loop onto the South West Coast Path, which runs just past the front door, and hike to the higgledy-piggledy lanes of Port Isaac. To the east, you’ll find surfing beach Polzeath and foodie hotspot, Padstow. 
 

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, not available
  • Garden, not available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, available
  • Television, available
  • DVD, available
  • Washing machine, available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, not available

Location

Accessibility

Partly walled, narrow track on approach. Close to cliffs with sheer drop. Steep stairs. Induction hob. Find more information in the Accessibility Guide. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Sitting/dining room with open fire.

First floor layout

Double bedroom with 6' bed.

Other floors layout

Cellar floor: entrance door to kitchen/diner, utility room, shower room, separate lavatory.

More information

Access: Due to the close proximity of the cliff and the sheer drop we feel that this hazard makes the cottage unsuitable for children.

The stairs within the castle are quite steep.

Driving: The partly walled track to the Castle is quite narrow in places, please take care. Arrival in daylight is advised.

Induction Hob: Please be aware that there is an induction hob at this cottage. Guests with pacemakers are advised to check with their doctor to ensure there will be no interference with their pacemaker. Guests with pacemakers are also advised to keep a distance of at least 60cm (2ft) from the hob when cooking.

Heating: Night storage heating, eco electric radiators and convector heating included.

Parking: Access by car to unload/load; at other times please park at Doyden House, a five to 10 minutes walk away.

Telephone: There is no telephone at Doyden Castle, however guests can make outgoing calls from telephone in the hall at Doyden House.

WiFi: There is no WiFi at Doyden Castle but guests can use the WiFi connection in the communal area at nearby Doyden House.

Garden: There is no garden, although it is possible to sit outside the castle.

Fire: The fire or wood burning stove will be laid with sufficient logs for the first evening.

Fire supplies: Fire making kits can be purchased at time of booking or whilst at the cottage.

The Fire making kits cost £30.00 and contain kindling, firelighters and Ash logs, enough for two evening fires.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm.

Free entry to Tintagel Old Post Office on production of booking details subject to seasonal opening hours.

Wild Escapes: Doyden Castle is featured in our new travel book, Wild Escapes, available to buy online or in National Trust shops. From rugged coastline to secluded woodland, it's filled with inspiration from far-reaching corners of the UK for your next adventure.

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