Boscastle

Boscastle sits in a deep wooded valley on Cornwall’s North Coast, its natural harbour — one of the few on this stretch of coast — sheltered by a dog-leg entrance that was cut in 1584. The quay is lined with slate-stone cottages, boutique shops, and tea-rooms perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The National Trust preserves much of the surrounding land, offering visitors a plethora of scenic walks. From the lush fields of Forrabury Stitches to the historic churches of Minster and St Juliots, immortalized by Thomas Hardy, there’s a sight for every traveler. The town’s harbour, protected by two stone walls from 1584, stands as a testament to Boscastle’s rich history. Once a working port exporting slate and earthenware, it now draws visitors rather than cargo ships. As the only harbour within 20 miles, its unique charm makes it a must-visit. Ready for an adventure? The coastal path starts right in Boscastle, leading you through landscapes protected by the National Trust. And while the town’s heritage is steeped in trade, today it welcomes holidaymakers, making tourism its heartbeat. Come, explore, and fall in love with Boscastle’s magic.

History

Boscastle has a history that is as captivating as its scenic beauty. The village’s name is believed to be derived from Botreaux Castle, a Norman fortress that once stood nearby, though little remains of this structure today. The castle played a pivotal role in the region’s defense during the medieval period, and its legacy is still felt in the town’s name. The harbour, which is one of Boscastle’s most defining features, has been central to its history. Constructed with two protective stone walls in 1584, it became a lifeline for the community. In the centuries that followed, the harbour facilitated trade, with Boscastle exporting slate, earthenware, and other local products, while importing essentials like limestone and coal. This trade network connected Boscastle to regions far beyond Cornwall, making it a significant port of call. One of the most notable figures associated with Boscastle is the renowned author, Thomas Hardy. He was deeply inspired by the village and its surroundings. The churches of Minster and St Juliots, in particular, feature in his works, with the latter being the setting for his novel “A Pair of Blue Eyes”. Hardy’s association with Boscastle has forever linked the village with literary history, drawing fans of his work to this Cornish gem. However, not all of Boscastle’s history is steeped in tranquility. In 2004, the village faced a significant challenge when it was hit by a devastating flood. A sudden and intense rainfall led to the Valency and Jordan rivers overflowing, causing significant damage to properties, roads, and the historic harbour. Thankfully, with resilience and community spirit, along with national support, Boscastle rebuilt and restored, emerging stronger than before. Today, while Boscastle thrives primarily on tourism, its rich history is evident at every turn. From its ancient harbour to the literary landmarks and the tales of resilience, Boscastle stands as a testament to Cornwall’s enduring spirit and its place in the annals of British history.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of places to stay in and around Boscastle. There are many holiday homes which offer that quaint Cornish cottage vibe as well as some more homes with a modern twist. There are also hotels and some bed and breakfasts in the area. Some are within walking distance of the village and harbour but others a little bit more remote, but this may just be exactly what you are after from your Cornish retreat.

Beaches

Boscastle beach sits in the village on the harbour and is a great day out for the whole family. It is not a large beach but you have the harbour there to explore and you will see boats. You also have the village right there with amenities such as toilets and food and drink and a local shop for supplies. Tintagel Havens beach and Merlin’s cove are just 3 miles away from Boscastle and this is a great day out. This dog-friendly beach is amazing once you get down to it. There is a waterfall and a cave to explore and it is a lovely place to swim and explore the sandy beach. It is slightly difficult to get down to the beach though so please be aware if you have small children or people with limited movement. Trebarwith Strand Beach is easier to get to and is around 4 miles from Boscastle, this beach has a long stretch of golden sand and is dog friendly. This would be the best place if you wanted to try any water sports and there is a lifeguard service here at peak times. This is a brilliant place to take the family.

Things to Do

Of course one of the main attractions of Boscastle is the harbour and the beach. You can have a beach day down there or you can simply walk around and explore the harbour. There is also access to the coastal walking paths and National Trust land which is beautiful and popular for hiking or dog walking but please take care and keep dogs on leads if you are walking around the coasts. Boscastle also has a witch museum which is very popular with the locals and tourists. The Museum of Witchcraft is down by the harbour and has the largest collection of Witchcraft-related artefacts in the world. You can learn about healing, fortune telling and a whole lot more and also find out about modern witches and what festivals they celebrate throughout the year. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Close to Boscastle you also have St Nectans Glen which is less than 2 miles away. This 60ft waterfall is just gorgeous and provides dramatic backdrops for photos. The pool of water beneath it is magical and there is even a meditation room. Just 3 miles away you also have Tintagel Castle, one of the most famous places in Cornwall as this is where the legend of King Arthur was born. This is a must-see if you are in this area of Cornwall. It is beautiful and dramatic, with layers of Arthurian legend running through the rock itself.

Eating & Drinking

There is quite a lot of variety in Boscastle for food and drink considering it is only a small village. You can choose whether you would like traditional Cornish pub food, like in the Napoleon Inn and the Cobweb Inn where you can have either lunch or dinner. The National Trust cafe, the Toby Jug Cafe, the Harbour Light Tea Room and the Boscastle farm shop all provide more lunch and snacks and all with a view. You can also get the world-famous Cornish pasty from the bakery in Boscastle of course. The Riverside restaurant will provide more of a fine dining experience using fresh local produce. Annually in September Boscastle has a food, arts and crafts festival so please be aware if you are booking around this time. It is a great way to see all the local produce and art that Boscastle has to offer.

Getting Here

Driving to Boscastle is fine as there is a car park which holds 240 cars, this is open 24 hours so you can use it whenever you like. There is very limited parking on the roads so do plan to use the car park when you visit with a car. There is also a bus that goes through the town and stops in Boscastle so you can visit by bus too.