The Wellington Hotel
Steeped in history dating back to the 16th century, The Wellington is one of Cornwall’s oldest coaching inns. Overlooking the picturesque village of Boscastle, this iconic establishment has hosted famous guests such as Thomas Hardy and King Edward VII. Today, it combines its historic charm; featuring thick stone walls and heavy oak beams with modern comforts, making it a landmark stay just a short walk from the medieval harbour.
We stayed here on 22/02/26
To celebrate our wedding anniversary, we booked a wonderful one-night stay at the Wellington Hotel, taking advantage of a fantastic deal of £84.50 (30% off). We stayed in Room 7, one of the premium double/turret rooms at the front of the hotel, and the package included a delicious breakfast.
This was my second visit to the Wellington. My first stay was a couple of years ago in a much smaller room, well before the extensive refurbishment you see today. As a lover of historic hotels, there is something truly special about this place; the history is palpable, and St Austell Brewery has done an incredible job with the restoration.
The turret room was very spacious and well-equipped with a TV, fridge, kettle, and a Nespresso machine; with plenty of tea bags and coffee pods provided. There was ample space for our clothes and two very comfortable wingback chairs that were perfect for relaxing in.
Breakfast was a highlight of the deal. We enjoyed a tasty full english, and there was also a great continental selection of cold meats, cheeses, fruit, yogurt, breads, cereals, and juices to help ourselves to. We also made use of the new pool table in the bar, which was a fun addition.
With parking conveniently located right outside and a team of friendly, helpful staff, we had a thoroughly enjoyable stay. I have no doubt we’ll be returning in the near future.
Accommodation
The Wellington offers a variety of rooms that reflect the building’s historic character while providing contemporary luxury. From classic doubles to grand suites, each space is designed for comfort and relaxation. Guests can enjoy:
- Individually decorated en-suite rooms
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and modern entertainment
- High-quality linens and locally sourced toiletries
- Family-friendly and dog-friendly options available
Dining & Tea Garden
The establishment is well-known for its culinary offerings and has received a prestigious VisitEngland Breakfast Award. It is a perfect spot to refuel after exploring the rugged North Cornwall coast.
- The Restaurant: Serves an evening menu featuring locally caught fish and meats sourced from nearby producers.
- The Tea Garden: A highlight of the property, the terraced garden overlooks the river and is a popular spot for traditional Cornish cream teas, homemade cakes, and informal lunches.
Our Top Picks
For an authentic experience, we recommend spending an evening in the Long Bar. With its open fire and selection of local real ales, it captures the true essence of a Cornish village pub. If you are a literature enthusiast, ask about the Thomas Hardy suite / turret room, where the famous author stayed during his visits to the area.
Key Details
- Location: The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0AQ
- Parking: The hotel provides limited on-site parking for guests. Additionally, there is a large public car park nearby which is convenient for visitors during busier periods. See below for our Boscastle parking guide.
- Check-in: From 3:00 PM; Check-out: By 11:00 AM
- View on Google Maps
Accessibility
As a historic 16th-century building, The Wellington has some structural limitations, including narrow corridors and stairs to most bedrooms. However, they do offer specific accessible room options on lower levels; it is highly recommended to contact them directly to discuss specific requirements.
JV’s Top Tip – I highly recommend booking a turret room if they are available.