Boscastle Location Guide

Where the rushing River Valency emerges from wooded combes, we find the picturesque north Cornish village of Boscastle.

Nestled beneath the steep banks of a coastal valley and sheltered by dramatic headlands, the village’s weaving harbour is one of the county’s most idyllic scenes. Pretty little cafés and tearooms make Boscastle popular with ramblers out exploring the South West Coast Path, while the witchcraft museum, with its dimly lit corridors and curious exhibits, remains one of the village’s most popular attractions.

Things to do in and around Boscastle

Follow the coast path to Tintagel, site of iconic castle ruins perched on clifftops and steeped in Arthurian legend. Explore the ancient walkways and immerse yourselves in the myths that have inspired poets and artists for generations. Tintagel Castle is one of Cornwall’s most popular tourist attractions, and has recently opened its state-of-the-art footbridge which spans a deep gorge and reunites a long lost corridor between the castle gatehouse and its narrow courtyard. Beneath the castle lies a sea passage known as Merlin’s Cave, exposed at low tide and passing through Tintagel Island. This fabled setting is captured by former poet laureate Alfred Tennyson in his much-celebrated collection ‘Idylls of the King’ where he describes wizard and enchanter Merlin rescuing the bairn Arthur Pendragon from the crashing Atlantic waves to carry him safely ashore. Click here to discover more about Tintagel Castle and the Legend of King Arthur.

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic has been open in Boscastle for more than fifty years, even surviving the floods of 2004. Discover piskies, knockers, spriggans and the land of the Bucca when you delve deeper into the largest museum of its kind in the world. This popular harbourside attraction will easily while away an hour or two.

Saint Nectan’s Glen is a magnificent waterfall cascading sixty feet into an enchanting valley, believed to have once been the hermitage of sixth-century Saint Nectan. Legend has it, that during stormy weather Saint Nectan would chime a silver bell to ward away ships from the craggy perils off the Rocky Valley, a deep gorge renowned for its breathtaking views past the sandy shores of Bossiney Cove. The glen is also believed to be the site where Arthur’s knights were blessed ahead of their quest for the Holy Grail.

There are plenty of stunning sights to be enjoyed while out walking the Boscastle headlands. Not far from the harbour is the Pentargon Waterfall, which surges from the sheer rock face to a dazzling backdrop of furze, violets and primroses during the spring. Further along the coastal path lies The Lady’s Window, an incredible naturally-formed aperture on the Trevalga Cliffs. Another popular vantage is Warren Point, well known for its far-reaching views of the surrounding peninsula. When the conditions are right, look out for Boscastle’s famous Devil’s Bellows, a blow-hole found beneath Penally Point which jets spray halfway across the harbour mouth.

This mystical corner of Cornwall is engrained with the romance of Arthurian legends. Not far from the medieval market town of Camelford, at Slaughterbridge, is the Arthurian Centre (also believed to be The Vale of Avalon), set amid twenty glorious acres surrounding King Arthur’s Stone. The stone is considered to mark the spot where King Arthur and his arch-nemesis Mordred did battle, turning the river red with their fatal wounds.

Less than an hour’s drive away is the surfing resort of Newquay where you’ll find watersports schools, surfing academies and a whole host of family attractions. Further inland lies the romantic uplands of Bodmin Moor, famous for its rugged tors and breathtaking views.

Places to eat in Boscastle

Surrounded by National Trust Farmland and only a stone’s throw from the coast path, Boscastle Farm Shop serves breakfast, lunches, homemade cakes, pies, pasties and puddings. Perched on the clifftop, just past Pentargon Falls, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular venue.

Set on Boscastle’s idyllic harbour, The Harbour Light Tea Garden is an adorable café with an ample menu crammed with delicious snacks, light bites and treats. Its bowed roof, arched lintels and white-washed stone walls all add to the character, and on a summer’s day, the terrace garden is a lovely place to enjoy the sights and sounds of the village.

The Napoleon Inn is a 16th-century inn located in the higher part of the village where you’ll find barrel tapped Cornish ale and a menu to suit all tastes. A charming haunt for all those seeking a traditional county pub.

Tucked away on Penally Hill not far from the banks of the river lies the Cobweb Inn. Dating back to the 1700s, you’ll be treated to hearty food (including a Sunday carvery) and an array of beverages.

Overlooking the River Valency and with beautiful views towards Boscastle’s sparkling harbour, The Riverside restaurant is the place to go for some stylish cuisine and elegant dining. The restaurant sources its ingredients from local growers, farmers and fishermen and has put together an exquisite seasonal menu. It also has a beautiful tea garden where you can enjoy some alfresco dining.

Beaches Near Boscastle

Crackington Haven beach is a beautiful shingle cove backed by majestic cliffs, located between Boscastle and the seaside town of Bude. It is a Marine Conservation Society recommended beach, and there are lifeguards in operation during the summer.

The lesser-known shores of Bossiney Cove (or Bossiney Haven) tucked below the Rocky Valley gorge. This golden cove is a hidden gem found via the South West Foot Path as it weaves its way from Boscastle to the dramatic ruins of Tintagel Castle. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round.

Trebarwith Strand is a popular surfers’ haunt found at the bottom of a lush valley, sheltered by towering sheer cliffs. At low tide, the golden beach stretches to almost a mile, and there are plenty of rockpools and sea caves to explore, plus a beachside pub perfect for post-surf hot chocolates.

Overlooked by one of the prettiest villages in the Duchy, Port Isaac Beach is a small working fishing port perhaps best known as the filming location for the hit television series Doc Martin (starring Martin Clunes). This sheltered harbour is great for paddling and sandcastle building, with the bonus of the village’s cafés and tearooms close by. A little further westward around the peninsula lies the rocky shores of Port Quin, a tranquil spot regularly admired by coastal walkers and explored by kayakers.

Another of the region’s popular surfing beaches, at low tide the sands of Polzeath stretch for half a mile in all directions. The gently shelving shores make this one of the safest beaches on the Cornish north coast and the ideal place to learn to surf.

Boscastle Walks

There are lots of beautiful walks to explore in and around the timeless village of Boscastle, from the spring bluebells in Hallwell Woods to the magnificent rock arch on Strangles Beach. Walking guide specialists iWalk Cornwall have put together an enchanting and detailed list of local tracks and trails for you to enjoy.

History

Boscastle’s Elizabethan harbour walls were built by renowned seafarer Sir Richard Grenville during the 16th Century, when it was once described as “a very filthy town and il kept”…hard to believe if you go by today’s idyllic standards. The name Boscastle is believed to have its origins in the Botreaux Castle, a 12th-century motte-and-bailey fort pronounced “Botro” Castle.

For centuries, this small port was a bustling centre for merchant vessels and fishing luggers, coal and limestone among the many imports and the highly-prized Cornish slate a chief export. Ships were towed into the precarious harbour by a ‘hobbler’ boat, and once safely moored, goods were unloaded onto horse-led carts and ambled up the valley. Boscastle’s ancient trading ties are reckoned to date back as far as 2000BC and Phoenician tin merchants.

Boscastle was the setting for the Thomas Hardy novel ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’, the village one of his favourite retreats and the place where he met his first wife, Emma, who was living at the local rectory.

Where to stay

Ted’s Cottage (sleeps 5 & dog-friendly) is a pretty, stone terraced cottage with beautiful views across Boscastle, only a few minutes’ walk from the famous village centre and picturesque harbour. With both a sunny private patio and a cosy wood burning stove, it’s a lovely place to stay no matter what time of year. To find out more, view live availability and pricing and book online, click here.