Boscastle

Boscastle (Cornish: Kastel Boterel) is a spectacularly located fishing village and tourist attraction on the coast of North Cornwall. The oldest and most attractive parts of the village surround the cliff-bound harbour and extend up the river valley. The more modern part of the village rises up the steep valley sides surrounding the harbour and valley.

Get in

By bus

First Kernow Bus 95 from Bude or Wadebridge.

By road

Boscastle can be found on the B3263 5 miles north of Camelford, 3 miles NE of Tintagel. Nearest trunk road A39 at Camelford.

Parking can be paid for by debit or credit card as they have a modern pay & display parking machine.

Get around

The village is small with all amenities within walking distance.

See

The main things to see in and around Boscastle are the village and harbour, (especially at sunset) nestling in a spectacularly steep sided narrow valley, together with the surrounding cliffs and coastal scenery, most of which is accessible via the Cornish Coastal Path (see below). Specific attractions are:

• The Lookout. This vantage point gives unrivalled views of the harbour entrance and some of the most rugged coastline in England. To get there, follow the harbour quayside and then walk up the footpath to the left. (updated May 2018)
• 1 Warren Point. A vantange point to the east overlooking the sea and the small island of Meachard. (updated May 2018)
• 2 Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, The Harbour, PL35 0HD (Located alongside the harbour), ☏ +44 1840 250111, museumwitchcraft@aol.com. Apr-Oct: M-Sa 10:30AM-6PM, Su 11:30AM-6PM. The museum houses the world's largest collection of witchcraft-related artefacts and regalia. The museum has been in Boscastle since 1960 when it was founded by Cecil Williamson, though it was badly affected by the 2004 flood.  

Do

• Walk the Cornish Coastal Path

Buy

Both the National Trust and Museum of Witchcraft have gift shops for those looking for local souvenirs.

• 1 Boscastle Pottery, The Old Bakery, The Bridge, PL35 0HE, ☏ +44 1840 250291. A family pottery producing original Mochaware. 

Drink

• 1 Cobweb Inn, The Bridge, PL35 0HE, ☏ +44 1840 250278. Large free-house pub that sells local ales from Tintagel, St Austell, Rock and Newquay. The exterior stairwell banisters have a cobweb theme. (updated Jun 2018)

Sleep

Budget

• 1 Boscastle Youth Hostel, Palace Stables, PL35 0HD, ☏ +44 1629 592700. Check-in: 5PM, check-out: 10AM. Run by the Youth Hostels Association of England & Wales. from £14. (updated Jun 2018)
• 2 Pennycrocker Campsite, Lower Pennycrocker Farm PL35 0BY (off B3263), ☏ +44 7967 605392. Clean welcoming caravan and campsite. Adult £10 pn, hook-up £5. (updated May 2022)

Mid-range

• 3 The Old Rectory, St Juliot, Boscastle PL35 0BT, ☏ +44 1840 250225. Charming B&B with four rooms. Thomas Hardy stayed here when he was restoring the local church, and met his wife Emma. Open Feb-Oct, no children under 12. B&B double from £80. (updated Jul 2020)

Splurge

• 4 Boscastle House, Doctors Hill, Boscastle, PL35 0AS, ☏ +44 1840 250654, relax@boscastlehouse.com. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Boutique B&B. 2-night minimum stay. £100-130. (updated Jun 2018)
• 5 The Old Parsonage B&B, Forrabury, PL35 0DJ, ☏ +44 1840 250339. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Beautiful Georgian house, 5-star B&B, 5-minute walk across flower-strewn ancient farming 'stitches' to the south west coast path and close to Boscastle harbour. 5 spacious, stylish and comfortable rooms with luxury en-suite. Definitely the place to stay. £100-130. (updated Jun 2018)
• 6 Wellington Hotel, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0AQ, ☏ +44 1840 250202, info@wellingtonhotelboscastle.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A 17th-century hotel at the old harbour, in a castellated stone building with a bar and restaurant. 14 rooms, including two turret rooms. £60-200. (updated Jun 2018)
• 7 Pendragon Country House, Old Vicarage Hill, Davidstow, Camelford PL32 9XR (On A395), ☏ +44 1840 261131. Stylish small hotel in Victorian Rectory, rattling with antiques, fine dining. B&B double £110. (updated Jul 2020)

Stay safe

Watch your step on some of the cliffs as the rocky ground is uneven.

Connect

As of May 2022, Bude has 4G from all UK carriers, but coverage is patchy out of town. 5G has not reached this area.

Go next

• Tintagel, with its ruined castle and reputed connections to King Arthur, is about 5 miles (8 km) away, either by foot along the coastal path or by road.