Boscastle is more than just a pretty harbour. It is the gateway to some of the most dramatic coastline in North Cornwall, ancient churches hidden in woods, and waterfalls that look like they belong in a fairytale. Whether you are a serious hiker or just want to poke around a museum of magic, there is plenty to fill a weekend.
Here is our curated guide to the best activities and sights in and around Boscastle.
The Boscastle Activity Map
Use this map to find the walks, activities, viewpoints, and hidden gems.
Local Tip: The coastal path around Boscastle is famously steep. If you want the views without the cardio, the walk along the River Valency is flat, beautiful, and accessible.
Our Top Picks
If you only have time for the highlights, these are the unmissable experiences that define the village.
1. The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic
This isn’t a gimmick; it is the world’s largest collection of witchcraft-related artefacts. It has been in Boscastle since 1960 and is fascinating, slightly spooky, and deeply historical.
- The Experience: You’ll see everything from cursing poppets to protective charms. It’s small but packed with information.
- Good to Know: It is incredibly popular. Visit at 10am or 4pm to avoid the bus tour crowds.
2. Explore Boscastle Harbour & The Blowhole
The medieval harbour is the heart of the village. The twin harbour walls were built to protect ships from the fierce Atlantic swells.
- The Experience: Walk the harbour walls at low tide to see the huge iron mooring rings. At mid-tide, look for the ‘Devil’s Bellows’—a blowhole under Penally Point that snorts spray across the harbour entrance.
- Good to Know: Stop by the National Trust shop and the local pottery studios (like The Old Forge) while you are down there.
3. Hike to Willapark Lookout
Look up to the headland on the left of the harbour, and you’ll see a white tower. This is Willapark.
- The Experience: It’s a short but stiff climb up the coastal path. The tower was originally a summer house, then a smuggling lookout, and is now a National Coastwatch station.
- The View: This is arguably the best sunset spot in the village.
Walks, Waterfalls & Nature
Boscastle is a walker’s paradise. Here are the three best routes.
The Valency Valley (Easy)
A peaceful, sheltered walk that follows the river inland through ancient oak woodland.
- Why go: It’s flat and sheltered from the wind. If you keep walking (about 1.5 miles), you’ll find the hidden Minster Church deep in the woods—a site of worship for 1,500 years.
Pentargon Waterfall (Moderate)
Walk north from the harbour along the coast path for about 20 minutes, and you will find one of Cornwall’s most spectacular waterfalls, plunging 120ft sheer off the cliffs into the sea.
- Why go: It is truly dramatic, especially after heavy rain. Thomas Hardy wrote poetry about this very spot.
St Nectan’s Glen (Magical)
A short drive (or long walk) towards Tintagel takes you to this sacred site. A 60ft waterfall cascades through a natural hole in the rock into a kieve (basin).
- Why go: It feels like a different world. You will need to park at Trethevy and walk through the woods to find it. Bring wellies if you want to stand under the water!
Nearby Adventures (Short Drive)
Rocky Valley
Just down the road from Boscastle, this dramatic gorge looks more like the Mediterranean than Cornwall. The river has carved a deep canyon through the slate.
- Don’t Miss: Look for the two ancient labyrinth carvings on the rock face behind the ruined mill. They date back to the Bronze Age.
Tintagel Castle
The legendary birthplace of King Arthur is only 3 miles away. The English Heritage site recently added a stunning suspension bridge that connects the mainland to the island.
- Tip: Book your entry slot online in advance—it sells out in summer.
St Juliot’s Church
A pilgrimage for literature fans. The author Thomas Hardy worked here as an architect and met his first wife, Emma, at the rectory. The church is peaceful, secluded, and steeped in literary history.
Foodie Experiences
Sometimes eating is the main event. Two spots in Boscastle qualify as “Activities” in their own right.
- The Rocket Store: Dining here is an event. It’s tiny, Michelin-listed, and serves seafood caught by the owner’s boat.
- Boscastle Farm Shop: The walk up here is worth it for the view alone. Sitting in their garden with a cream tea, looking out over the Atlantic, is one of the best “things to do” in North Cornwall.
Take a walk around Boscastle
Ready to book a table?
Now that you’ve worked up an appetite hiking the cliffs, check out our guide to the best places to eat in Boscastle.