Local Area Information
Boscastle is located on the North Cornish coast. This historic harbour is protected by a natural shaped inlet and two historic stone piers. There is a blowhole which spouts when the tide level is just right. Queens head is an iconic shaped rock where many walk to to enjoy evening sunset views. The river Valency passes through the village itself, into the harbour. But follow it back to the Valency valley and enjoy walks to Minster or St.Juliot's Church, both nestled amongst the trees in their respective peaceful sanctuaries. Walk from the harbour along the cliffs, up to the lookout, to enjoy expansive views from Tintagel to Lundy Island. Stroll the village shops, picnic on the grassy banks or enjoy Michelin recommended dining at The Rocket Store. Immerse yourself in any of the three historic pubs, serving food and providing various music nights throughout the week, including folk and The Boscastle Buoys - our answer to The Fisherman's Friends.
Boscastle boasts many grade II listed buildings, quaint cottages and quirky slate roofs, an old mill (with a traditional craft Leather shop), old lime kiln, historic harbour, a private road (grassed over now), which used to give the lord of the Manor at Penally house direct access to goods coming in direct from the harbour, avoiding taxes, back in the day.
There are many options for walking. You can choose coastal to Tintagel, taking in Rocky Valley and the Labyrinths, beautiful Bossiney bay and onto Tintagel Castle. Or try the challenging stretch to Crackington Haven. Why not walk the three churches, combining valleys and cliffs, learning about Thomas Hardy or Horseshoe bats along the way.
Fancy a moorland exploration? Head to Bodmin moor, climb Roughtor for far reaching views, then you can carry on to Brown Willy and onto Jamaica Inn where Daphne Du Maurier set her novel. Alternatively, head to St.Breward and Delfi Bridge to find small sandy areas for young minds to dip their toes into the cooling streams.
In the need for beach life? Try Crackington Haven with its large sandy beach at low tide. Enjoy food from either of the two cafes, or the local pub - all with sea views. Head to Widemouth bay for more surfing and swimming opportunities, or for closer to home, Trebarwith Strand. Further afield, you have the classics: Polzeath, Daymer bay or Rock.
Many come to the area for the fine dining experiences: Rick Stein & Paul Ainsworth in Padstow, Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, Nigel Brown of Carlyon Bay, Jude Kereama of Porthleven, Kevin Viner of Ladock, Four Boys of Rock and now local lads, Freddie & Alex of the Rocket Store. Pre-booking for any of these is advised.
Cornwall is awash with historic houses and areas to visit from the National Trust, to English Heritage to Cornish Heritage sites. There are endless festivals, including the newly established Boscastle Shanty Festival in Autumn. At any time of year you may find various entertainments: Bude Jazz, Wadebridge Folk, Falmouth Tallships, Fowey arts & literature, St Ives or Porthleven Food festivals, Royal Cornwall Show, Fowey Royal Regatta, Hurling Ball, St Pirans Day, Pasty Championships, Helston Flora dance, Padstow Obby Oss, Rock Oyster, Trevithick Day, Penzance literary fest and Christmas Markets; Truro, Fowey, Padstow to name a few.
Fancy even more culture? Get your outdoor theatre needs met either at the iconic Minack theatre way down west- built into the cliffside, or Rogue Theatre, based at Tehidy woods, for wild and magical productions for both children and adults alike. If you prefer indoors, there is Hall for Cornwall in Truro, for a huge variety of events.
Don't forget the endless water based activities available, not just at the beach, but also lakes, from fishing & sailing, to windsurfing or wipeout challenges. Try Adrenalin Quarry aquapark for zipwire, giant swing, go-karting, wipe-out, axe throwing and a pop-up sauna. Pop-up giant water slides and beach based pop-up saunas also feature throughout Cornwall throughout the Summer months.
Prefer two wheels? There are plenty of cycle trails, the best being The Camel trail which goes from Wenford Bridge-Bodmin-Wadebridge-Padstow. You can cycle sections according to the energy levels of little or long legs! Hire bikes in Wadebridge or Padstow, you can add on child or even pet carriers. Other trails can be found here, including another favourite, relatively flat The Mineral Tramways trail.
Visit the iconic Eden project, not just for it's Mediterranean and tropical biomes, but the surrounding, landscaped planting, Core building with changing exhibitions, winter ice rink, summer music concerts from big named artists, or visit Hangloose to try your hand at : Zip-wire, Giant swing, skydive aerodium, sky trek & climbing.
The list goes on, especially for entertaining children: Newquay Zoo, Screech Owl Sanctuary, Birds Of Prey Centre, Seal Sanctuary, The Monkey Sanctuary, Climbing Walls. Soft Play, Escape rooms, Axe- throwing, Steam Train trips, Hidden Valley, Dairy Land, Farm & playground, Bowling, Cinema.
No matter what your interests are, Cornwall and Boscastle will provide you with a truly memorable holiday.
