- Take a look around the fascinating ruins of King Arthurs Castle
- Go on one of the many picturesque walking routes the towns have to offer
- Spend a relaxing day on the sand at one of the many beautiful beaches and coves
A quaint North Cornwall town boasting picturesque scenery and beautiful country walks, Boscastle and nearby Tintagel are ideal locations for a relaxing break. With Arthurian legend to be discovered in the castle ruins, a fascinating Museum of Witchcraft to be explored and a working mill for a real step back in time, you will certainly not be stuck for things to do.
With a variety of beaches and coves to soak up some sun or surf, Arthurian battle re-enactments and an entertaining walking festival in the summer, there is plenty to see and do. Inns and restaurants provide the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some to local cuisine during your stay. With its charming array of thatches and white washed cottages, Boscastle and Tintagel make an ideal place to relax on your holiday.
Food and Drink
A variety of culinary options greets visitors of Boscastle. For a traditional English pub, look no further than the Mill House Inn, which is nestled in a charming woodland setting and boasts slate floors and wooden tables. A vast selection of ales and an impressive menu make this a perfect place to relax after a day of sightseeing. If fine dining is more what you are in search of, the Riverside Restaurant is ideal, with freshly caught fish and locally farmed meat and vegetables on the menu and a warm luxurious atmosphere. Both Boscastle and Tintagel host a number of cafes and pubs within their town centres.
Family Attractions
Tintagel plays host to the ruins of King Arthurs Castle, which is a fascinating place to take the family, packed with medieval intrigue and legend. The famous Museum of Witchcraft is also well worth a visit, with an intriguing insight into the mystical world of Cornwall’s history of witchcraft and wizardry, boasting the largest collection of witchcraft memorabilia and regalia in the world. For a true step back in time, the Old Mill is also an interesting attraction. With the wheel still in operation, this working mill offers a real insight into how things were done in a bygone age.
Shopping
For all your grocery needs, the Spar in the centre of Boscastle should provide all you need. The diverse main shopping street is packed with a selection of stores, from the bakery and butchers to a pottery and art gallery, Boscastle is an interesting place to shop. More curious shops are Rocky Road, an earth and art gallery specialising in fossils, minerals, crystals, beads and sculptures, and Crafty, which is packed with Cornish myth and mystery, selling all sorts of items relating to witches, dragons, pixies and fairies.
History and Heritage
With references to King Arthur, the history of Tintagel is awash with fascinating stories and artefacts, most notably the ruins of his castle. With a settlement in existence before the Doomesday Book, Tintagel was one of seventeen manors belonging to the Earldom of Cornwall. Savaged by floods in the summer of 2004, Boscastle has rebuilt itself to become a truly special place to spend your holiday. Thomas Hardy met his sweetheart Emma in Boscastle during his time there as an architect (he worked on the restoration of St. Juliot Church.) He later set his novel ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’ in the town.
Beaches
Both Boscastle and Tintagel boast beautiful beaches. Crackington Haven is perfect for walks and relaxing, with plenty of rockpools to keep the kids amused. Trebarwith Sands is a haven for surfers, with good surf, restaurant facilities and lifeguards. Port Gaverne is more of a family beach, with a long expanse of sand and a sheltered cove making it perfect for younger bathers. Dog are also permitted throughout the year, should you decide to take a canine companion. There are also numerous coves along the coast to be explored during your stay.
Events and Entertainment
With such beautiful scenery, it’s no surprise that Boscastle plays host to an annual walking festival. Held every April, this charming event takes in local views, with guided historical, literary and geological walks to suit all visitors. Evening events are complimented by afternoon art and poetry sessions, perfect for relaxing after a morning spent taking in the North Cornwall landscape. For something a little more active, the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Camlann, the final battle that King Arthur took part in. Trained fighters recreate this fascinating battle from the year 537 in the first week of August each year.
Activities
One of the best ways to really appreciate the stunning North Cornwall backdrop that greets visitors is to take part in one of the many guided walks around the area. There are many differing themes, including geological walks, wildlife tours of the Camel Estuary and, a little further along the coast, the beautiful Port Isaac walk. More active pursuits come in the form of the numerous watersports that are on offer at the beaches and coves in around and between Boscastle and Tintagel. Surfing, windsurfing, kite surfing and various others are all available throughout the area.
Travel
By rail, national railway links will take you to Bodmin Parkway and from there, a bus service will take you direct to Boscastle or Tintagel. National Express run bus services to Bodmin or Wadebridge and again from here, a local bus service will take you the rest of the way. By car, the M5 and then the A30 trunk road will take you as far as Bodmin, and from then on, B roads will take you the rest of the way. Once you have arrived, a local bus service has an hourly service running along the Atlantic Highway linking Boscastle to Tintagel and Port Isaac.