8 Amazing Things to Do in Boscastle, Cornwall
Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Lauren Allen
Located in the North of Cornwall, Boscastle is one of the most enchanting villages in the county. This photogenic spot was the first place I visited in the region and I was blown away by its unique charm.
Unlike places like St Ives and Padstow, Boscastle isn’t as popular with tourists. This means you’ll be greeted with a more relaxed vibe and the chance to get away from the crowds.
Furthermore, there are also a lot of cool things to do in Boscastle. Lastly, the village is near a lot of Cornwall’s most popular locations, so you can easily add this interesting location to your Cornish itinerary.
Read more: Best places to visit in Cornwall
Things to do in Boscastle
1. Visit The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
As one of the most popular things to do in Boscastle, visiting the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is well worth doing. The museum showcases a lot of interesting historical exhibits.
If you have a particular interest in spooky attractions like this, you will want to leave a few hours spare to truly take in all of the information available.
2. Snap some photos
Wander down the backstreets to appreciate some lovely Cornish homes. These charming streets lined with cobblestones make for some fab photo opportunities. Especially on a sunny day!
3. Hike the Boscastle Harbour walk
A national trust walk, hiking the Boscastle Harbour, is a stunning way to kill some time. Despite only being a 40-minute route, walkers could easily spend an hour or more admiring the beautiful views and snapping some photos. This scenic hike allows walkers to appreciate wildlife, lovely views of the sea and much more.
4. Admire Boscastle Harbour
After checking out the harbour from above, walk down to the village to admire it up close. During our visit, we were greeted by a lovely lady and a very happy dog. Playing fetch with such a cutie in the sunshine was a lovely way to end our time in Boscastle.
5. See some amazing art at The Old Forge Gallery
Despite being one of the smallest art galleries in Cornwall, The Old Forge is also one of the most impressive. The stunning art pieces, created by a lady called Helen, look like photographs at first glance. It’s only when you get closer that you realise they are, in fact, paintings. For fellow art lovers like me, this place can not be missed!
6. Go shopping
Cornwall is home to a large number of shops which sell a variety of products such as clothes, home decor, books, gifts and souvenirs. Boscastle is no different. If you’re in the mood to shop, give yourself an hour or so here to find some goodies.
What shops are in Boscastle?
There are several shops in Boscastle which cater to different shoppers, including:
Things: A fab shop to check out for gifts, jewellery, home decor and much more.
The National Trust: A must-visit for lovers of books, adventure items, cushions, throws, kitchenware, clothing or stationery.
Regatta: A shop for those who truly appreciate the great outdoors, selling a selection of equipment, clothing and shoes.
7. Treat yourself to some Cornish Tea
You simply can’t visit Cornwall without enjoying at least one Cornish tea. With such a relaxed vibe, Boscastle is one of the best spots to do this. Some of the best places to eat in Boscastle are the Harbour Light Tea Garden and Bridge House Tea Room.
8. Buy yourself a local souvenir from Boscastle Pottery
Situated just across the road from the car park, Boscastle Pottery is another must-see for those who appreciate crafts. Boscastle Pottery is a family-run business that has been going since 1967.
If you’re on the hunt for a unique souvenir, consider buying something here. The large shop sells handmade magnets, teapots, ornaments and much more. As such, there is something for everyone.
Furthermore, don’t leave without having a chat with maker Roger. This friendly chap is happy to talk about his making process. As a designer myself, it was extremely interesting to hear him talk passionately about his craft. If you have time, definitely stick around for conversation.
How to get to Boscastle
Like most places in Cornwall, the easiest way to get to Boscastle is to drive. Situated on the north coast, the duration of your drive will depend entirely on where you are staying.
From central locations such as Truro, you can expect to arrive in Boscastle in around an hour. However, if you’re staying as far out as Porthcurno, the journey is closer to two.
Whilst there are buses, these take more than double the time it takes to drive. As such, I would advise against this. Especially if you are looking to see as much of Cornwall as possible.
Why is Boscastle famous?
Aside from being a beautiful Cornish village, Boscastle has become known for its devastating flood. Back in 2004, storms and heavy rain caused burst banks at two local rivers. Thankfully, nobody lost their lives. However, homes and businesses in the village were left flooded or destroyed.
Thankfully, Boscastle has been built back up into the lovely village and community it once was. There are now also measures in place to avoid further flooding. This means that Boscastle is well worth a visit on your road trip through Cornwall.
Is Boscastle worth visiting?
Boasting charming cobblestoned streets, interesting museums, and some lovely shops, Boscastle is without a doubt worth visiting. Personally, it was our first stop of many during a week in Cornwall and I was taken aback by its beauty and unique history.
If you have longer than a few days in Cornwall, make sure you squeeze in at least an hour or two in Boscastle!
How long to spend in Boscastle
With so much to see and do in Boscastle, you could easily spend half a day here, if not longer. However, if you are short on time, two hours is enough to pop into some shops and appreciate one or two of the local attractions.
Does Boscastle have a beach?
There are a large number of beaches near Boscastle in Cornwall. These beaches include Bossiney Cove, Tintagel Beach and Crackington Haven.
Places to visit near Boscastle, Cornwall
To make the most out of your time in Cornwall, I recommend visiting a few places a day. Even more so if it is your first time in the area. Doing so allows you to tick many incredible spots off your Cornish bucket list and admire the true beauty of the county.
Planning your time realistically with a map means you can head to nearby spots easily. As such, some of the closest places to visit near Boscastle are:
Tintagel
Located five miles away from Boscastle in North Cornwall, thousands of visitors hit up this popular village each year. Many travellers to the area explore Tintagel Castle.
Whilst there, they pay a visit to Merlin’s Cave. This has become one of the most popular things to do near Boscastle and shouldn’t be missed if you have an interest in historical castles, stunning landscapes or impressive architecture.
Furthermore, you can also check out the Old Post Office or discover more about King Arthur at the Great Hall.
Can you walk from Tintagel to Boscastle?
The Boscastle to Tintagel walk is 3.4 miles long and situated along the South West Coast Path. It takes around 70 minutes, so although it is definitely possible to walk between the two locations, it takes quite a while.
If you are on a tight schedule, it would be best to drive. However, if you are exploring Cornwall at a slower pace, the walk shouldn’t be an issue.
St Nectans Glen
For those looking to get out in nature, St Nectans Glen is a must-see in Cornwall. After checking off all the best things to do in Boscastle, head off on the 10-minute drive towards this stunning waterfall. This spot is one of the best places to visit in Cornwall, with many visitors describing it as ” full of tranquillity”.
Bude
Fancy hitting up the beach? Then Bude is one of the best spots to do so in the area. Located around 25-minutes from Boscastle by car, you could easily pop to Summerleaze Beach for sunset after a day of exploring nearby areas such as Tintagel and St Nectans Glen.
Port Isaac
Situated just a 25-minute drive from Boscastle, Port Isaac is one of the most beautiful fishing villages in England. This photogenic location on the Cornish coast is a must-see for photographers and artists. If you are a keen creator, make sure you don’t forget to carry your camera or art supplies. You would truly regret it!
What are your favourite things to do in Boscastle, Cornwall? Or are you yet to visit this quaint village? Let me know in the comments section below!
