Boscastle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Boscastle which includes a coastal town, a river or creek and a bridge
Boscastle showing rugged coastline and general coastal views
Boscastle showing a coastal town, a house and a river or creek
Boscastle which includes rocky coastline and boating
Boscastle showing a coastal town, a house and a river or creek

Marvel at the picturesque terrain around the sheltered inlet harbor and learn about witchcraft, a vanished castle and devastating floods.

Boscastle is a scenic village with undulating grassy hills overlooking an active harbor. Although it once played a key role in importing limestone and coal, this old port town is now a sleepy commune with scenic walking paths. Embark on a hike around part of the South West Coast Path, a long-distance trail that extends for 630 miles (1,014 kilometers) from Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall, all the way to Dorset.

The town’s name is synonymous with the devastating flash floods of 2004, which destroyed much of its infrastructure and trapped residents on roofs. Chat to locals to hear first-hand accounts of how cars and buildings were swept away in the disaster.

Stroll through the natural harbor, which is set at the confluence of three rivers and the sea, and soak up the pleasant scenery. Follow nature trails that lead through wooded areas and along the meandering Valency River. Nearby, the Lookout vantage point offers excellent views of the craggy headlands.

Among the most fascinating sites in town is the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which recounts the history of spells and curses across Europe. Peruse strange objects such as poppets and pricking tools and learn about Freemasonry, Wicca and other types of folk magic.

Wander through town to encounter quaint buildings such as a bakery, souvenir shops, pottery galleries and whitewashed cottages. Also in town is the former site of the old Botreaux Castle, from which the settlement takes its name. Only scant ruins of the hilltop castle remain.

The town is on the northern coast of Cornwall, 32 miles (51 kilometers) north of Newquay. Buses connect the village to other parts of the region, including the towns of Bude and Tintagel. Summers are warm and winters are mild and stormy here, though rain is common throughout the year.

Boscastle has stunning natural surrounds, an unusual museum and a harbor that is among the most scenic in Cornwall.

Wellington Hotel

Wellington Hotel

3 out of 5
The Harbour, Boscastle, England
The price is ₹12,047 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹12,047
₹14,457 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Boscastle. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (198 reviews)
"The staff were wonderful! The room was great. Overall an excellent experience."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Wellington Hotel
YHA Boscastle - Hostel

YHA Boscastle - Hostel

4 out of 5
Palace Stables, Boscastle, England
The price is ₹5,764 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹5,764
₹6,917 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hostel in Boscastle. Enjoy a garden and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tintagel Castle and Museum of Witchcraft are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
"The check in is only between 5-8:30pm. I arrived at 9pm and luckily I called beforehand and the reception lady waited for me. The staff is very friendly. Everything was very clean. The kitchen is big and can allow 3 groups cook at the same time. The surrounding is serene. The river in the front provides ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

YHA Boscastle - Hostel
Camelot Castle Hotel

Camelot Castle Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Camelot Castle, Tintagel, England
The price is ₹15,060 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹15,060
₹18,071 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Tintagel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (386 reviews)
Gorgeous hotel
"The staff were very good, room was excellent. Was let down by breakfast on day 2, the restaurant was full despite taking bookings for what time, and they forgot about my food, probably because I was in the great hall on my own."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Camelot Castle Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bay Retreat Villas

Bay Retreat Villas

4 out of 5
St Merryn Park, St Merryn, Padstow, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Padstow. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Watergate Bay Beach and Padstow Maize Maze are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (67 reviews)
"Fabulous dog friendly accommodation. Clean with easy access to the 5 beaches in north Cornwall. On site dining which is dog friendly. Secure garden which is grassed with a bench and seats. Ideal location."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Bay Retreat Villas
Frankaborough Farm Holiday Cottages

Frankaborough Farm Holiday Cottages

3.5 out of 5
Broadwoodwidger, Lifton, England
Stay at this spa cottage in Lifton. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Roadford Reservoir and Dingles Fairground ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Loved the accommodation,location and the owners were fantastic. Well worth staying here."

Reviewed on 5 Jun 2025

Frankaborough Farm Holiday Cottages
Atlantic Surf Pods - Campsite

Atlantic Surf Pods - Campsite

2 out of 5
Atlantic Highway, Bude, England
Stay at this campsite in Bude. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Harlequinns Leisure and South West Coast Path Section 10 Trailhead ...
"lovely place for getaway, quite and safe"

Reviewed on 4 Sep 2023

Atlantic Surf Pods - Campsite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Boscastle

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The walk along the coast path is fantastic - takes around 2.5 hours so carry plenty of water and a snack!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice village with lovely views if you walk out to the coastal path.

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