I loved the walk up to the harbour, walking next to the picturesque houses.
Despite being a quiet, little town, the place was buzzing.
There was a group singing sea shantys.
It didn’t seem to matter that the sky was kind of overcast. The colours on the boats and sea still popped without any filters on the camera.
The pictures look peaceful and calm, but the wind was whipping up around the harbour!
A stop at Boscastle is definitely worth it, even for an hour or two to enjoy the harbour.
I can also recommend visiting Strangles beach and Dingles Fairground nearby!
We stayed in at a great Airbnb in Holsworthy if you’re looking for a place to stay!
History of Boscastle
Boscastle is a picturesque harbour village on Cornwall’s rugged north coast, nestled in a steep valley where the River Valency meets the Atlantic. Its name derives from Bottreaux Castle, a 12th-century motte-and-bailey fortress built by the de Botreaux family, though only earthworks remain today. The harbour itself was developed in 1584 by Sir Richard Grenville to support fishing and trade, and by the 19th century, Boscastle was a bustling port importing coal and limestone and exporting slate.
The village is steeped in folklore and literary history. Thomas Hardy visited in 1870 to restore St Juliot’s Church, where he met his future wife Emma Gifford. Their romance inspired several poems and novels. In 2004, Boscastle was devastated by a flash flood, prompting the UK’s largest peacetime rescue operation. The village has since been sympathetically restored. Today, Boscastle blends natural beauty, artistic charm, and maritime heritage, making it one of Cornwall’s most enchanting destinations.
10 Interesting Facts About Boscastle
- The harbour is protected by two stone walls built in 1584.
- Boscastle was the only safe harbour for 20 miles along the north Cornwall coast.
- The village’s name comes from the Bottreaux Castle, now a grassy mound.
- Over 9 million troops passed through Boscastle during WWI.
- The 2004 flood swept away 50 cars and damaged over 100 buildings.
- Thomas Hardy met his wife Emma Gifford here while restoring St Juliot’s Church.
- The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic holds one of the world’s largest occult collections.
- The Valency Valley inspired Hardy’s novel A Pair of Blue Eyes.
- The Forrabury Stitches are medieval strip fields still farmed today.
- The Devil’s Bellows blowhole creates a horizontal waterspout at low tide.
Things to See and Do at Boscastle
- Explore the Harbour and Blowhole
Walk along the Elizabethan quay and watch the Devil’s Bellows in action. The blowhole erupts an hour before or after low tide. - Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Discover over 3,000 artefacts related to folklore, paganism, and witchcraft. It’s one of Cornwall’s most intriguing museums. - Walk the Valency Valley
Follow the river through ancient woodland to St Juliot’s Church. Hardy fans can visit Emma’s memorial and the etched glass window. - Climb to Willapark Lookout
Hike to the white tower on the headland for panoramic views and a glimpse of Cornwall’s smuggling past. - Browse Local Shops and Galleries
Find handmade pottery, crystals, and Cornish gifts in Boscastle’s independent boutiques. - Enjoy a Cream Tea at Boscastle Farm Shop
Relax with local treats and sea views just outside the village. - Visit the Wellington Hotel
Dine or stay in this 16th-century coaching inn, rumoured to be haunted and once frequented by Hardy. - Join a Coastal Walk
Follow the South West Coast Path to Tintagel or Crackington Haven for dramatic cliffs and sea views. - Attend the Boscastle Festival
Held in October, this event celebrates local food, crafts, and music. - Explore the Forrabury Stitches
See one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval field systems, still in use today.
Practical Information for Visiting Boscastle
- Location: Boscastle, Cornwall PL35 0HD, England
- Opening times: Village open year-round; museum and shops vary seasonally
- Entry: Free to explore; museum ~£5 adults
- Parking: Pay-and-display car park near the harbour; fills quickly in summer
- Accessibility: Harbour paths mostly level; coastal trails and blowhole area uneven
- Dogs: Welcome on leads; restrictions in some indoor venues
- Food: Pubs, cafés, and farm shop offer local fare
- Toilets: Available near car park and harbour
- Nearby: Tintagel Castle, St Nectan’s Glen, Rocky Valley, Crackington Haven
- Official website: National Trust – Boscastle
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