The Vale of Avalon
Slaughterbridge, near Camelford, Cornwall - formerly the Arthurian Centre
The Vale of Avalon, Slaughterbridge, Camelford, Cornwall, PL32 9TT | 01840 213947
The legendary site of King Arthur's last battle
The Vale of Avalon sits in a quiet river valley at Slaughterbridge, just outside Camelford in North Cornwall. Its centrepiece is King Arthur's Stone, a 6th-century inscribed stone - a Scheduled Ancient Monument - standing beside the River Camel. Local tradition identifies the surrounding fields as Camlann, the legendary site of King Arthur's final battle against his son Mordred around AD 540, an association first written down by Geoffrey of Monmouth in 1136 and retold ever since.
Beyond the stone and battlefield, the 16-acre grounds hold a genuinely varied mix of history: a 13th-century longhouse and the remains of the deserted medieval village of Melorn, Lady Falmouth's 18th-century garden with its restored quartz-cobble mosaic, a heritage orchard planted with old Cornish apple varieties, and the more recent Muse Garden, a contemplative space inspired by 18th and 19th-century garden design and Arthurian artistic interpretation. An exhibition room brings the Arthurian legend and the site's archaeology together with information boards and displays for visitors of all ages.
It's a gentle, walkable day out rather than a big-ticket attraction - woodland and riverside trails link the various points of interest, with a licensed tearoom serving homemade cakes, a gift shop, a children's play area and picnic spots dotted around the grounds. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome throughout.
Opening Times & Ticket Prices
Adult £6.50
Child (over 4 years) £4.00
Concession (students/seniors) £5.00
Family ticket (2 adults + up to 4 children) £20.00
English Heritage and National Trust members get a 20% discount; Cornwall Heritage Trust members get 50% off. Group rates are available on request, and entry is free during Heritage Open Days.
Did you know?
The manor at Slaughterbridge was historically known as "Guerdevalan" - meaning "Place of Apples" - which is why the site's heritage orchard was planted with old Cornish apple varieties as part of its restoration.
Visitor Information
Parking
A car and coach park is available on site, a short walk from the entrance.
Facilities
A licensed tearoom, gift shop, toilets, picnic area and children's play area are all on site, alongside the exhibition room.
Disabled Access
Grounds include woodland and riverside paths that may not suit all mobility needs - contact the centre directly to discuss access before visiting.
Things to Do Nearby
- King Arthur's Great Halls - Tintagel - Arthurian stained glass and a laser light show, around 10 minutes' drive away.
- Tintagel Castle - the English Heritage clifftop ruins traditionally linked to Arthur's birth.
- Museum of Witchcraft and Magic - Boscastle - the world's largest collection of witchcraft-related objects.
- Camel Trail - a traffic-free cycling and walking route starting nearby in Camelford.
- Boscastle Harbour - a picturesque National Trust harbour village on the North Cornwall coast.
Nearby Places to Stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Website
For current opening dates, ticket prices and events, visit the official Vale of Avalon website directly, or view a live copy below.
Visit thevaleofavalon.co.ukPage last updated: 21 August 2026