This is where I spent my New Year. Doyden Castle is a folly on cliffs at Port Quin, Cornwall. The 'castle' was built in about 1830 by a local bon-viveur called Samuel Symons as a place to entertain his friends - drinking, gambling and feasting!

Doyden is high on cliffs that are close to Port Quin which was a derelect fishing village of about 5 old cottages (as far as I could make out). The cottages were abandoned many many years ago when all of the men were killed at sea (probably whilst fishing) and the women left in anguish.

Unfortunately I have a crappy camera and most of the pics are a bit dark but it does show just how stormy and dramatic it was there. We had sea storms and high winds that would rob you of breath should you venture out onto the cliffs.

It was fantastic!

This picture is quite dark but it shows the stormy sky. It was taken from Doyden House where we had to park our car as the thin, muddy track up to the castle is as wide as a car and a bit on the scary side (apparently one car went over!). The lone rock is called 'Mouls Rock' and is a breeding place for sea birds. Only interesting bird we saw was a Kestrel (apart from the usual gulls of course)
Don't worry, the pictures improve :)
The castle is built on three levels. The entrance is thru a tunnel to an underground kitchen, wine store, bathroom and toilet. The ground level is basically just a living room with large open fire and the top level is a large bedroom for three people. The floors were made of slate.
I only had one grumble. The coastline is very dramatic and has many long walks. Unfortunately, the walk goes straight past the castle and is like a bloody beacon to the shiny faced ass-holes in their knitted bobble hats who like to spend their time hunched miserably against the lashing wind and rain. They would climb all around the place and press their stupid faces against the window only to be surprised to see my grimacing face staring back at them!
It was a real shit to have to come back to reality. I've got to write a stinking essay on socio-biological something or other now...... I feel so grumpy. We had to leave Doyden 3 days early as Phoe's Dad was playing up about looking after the dogs.
This picture doesn't do the rough sea justice. It was really angry with huge waves smashing up the rocks dramatically all the time we were there
Myself and my best pal Phoe stood (blokeless) on the cliffs at midnight, toasting our good fortune and watching the fireworks from either side of the headland. It was fantastic and magical. I will never forget my stay at Doyden Castle