National Trust's Boscastle

Boscastle nestles in a scenic rocky inlet on the dramatic north coast of Cornwall. Visitors usually head for the harbour but there is far more to discover in this unique place.

Once parked in our newly landscaped car park by the Gateway building take a stroll down to the Visitor Centre on the northern side of the harbour and get a flavour of the village and the varied history that has made us what we are today.

You will find many individual shops to browse for gifts and mementoes. If you are feeling peckish we have a range of hostelries where you can get a cream tea, a traditional pasty, Cornish ice cream or a pint of local ale in one of our three pubs. We have bistros, cafes and restaurants renowned for local or homemade foods, some up to AA Rosette standard.

Visit the potter demonstrating his fascinating Mochaware technique, the world famous Museum of Witchcraft housing an outstanding collection of witchcraft related artefacts, the Old Mill with its working wheel and unique shops on each floor or the artist in residence at the Old Forge.

To really appreciate of the beauty of Boscastle, take a short walk in one of four directions:

The right hand harbour footpath takes you seaward to stunning viewpoints. You can continue onwards to Pentargon Waterfall, featured in Hardy’s novel ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’.

Alternatively the left hand path also takes you seaward to a slate platform where you may view the Blowhole an hour before or after low tide.

Continue along the path noting the medieval field system, known as the Stitches, on the left near Forrabury Church or take a right for the white Lookout Tower, originally a folly, now manned by the volunteer Coastwatch team.

Inland from the harbour you can amble up Old Road beside the Wellington Hotel and admire quaint cottages and gardens with their many interesting features from days gone by. Look out for a little lane on the left for a viewpoint and the site of the twelfth century Bottreaux Castle.

Finally, follow the picturesque River Valency beyond the car park through a meadow and wooded valley, mainly owned by the National Trust.

Cross over at the wooden bridge and continue up the hillside onto Minster Church with its Norman origins or continue straight on to follow in the footsteps of Thomas Hardy until you reach St. Juliot’s Church. Walk by the Old Rectory where Hardy stayed and met his sweetheart Emma whilst he was an architect working on the church tower.

A number of activities take place during the year such as the school Duck Race, fishing and scenic boat trips, the Food and Arts & Crafts Festival, Walking Week and assorted fetes

Whether you have a couple of hours, a day, or longer there is always something for everyone in Beautiful Boscastle.