✅ Car park ✅ Restaurants & Shops ✅ Museums & Attractions ✅ Toilet ✅ Walks/Hikes
✅ Steps/uneven terrain ✅ Dog Friendly 🟥 ///perfume.slicer.trickling

In the heart of Cornwall, Boscastle, a village that danced into our itinerary on the whims of exploration, turned out to be a coastal revelation. As Mark led us towards this quaint haven, the absence of a castle atop cliffs was quickly forgiven as the true enchantment of the village unfolded.

Navigating towards the Cobweb Carpark, aptly named for its proximity to the Cobweb Inn, we entered a realm where charm and character are etched into every stone. Boscastle’s allure lies not in towering castles but in its vibrant streets adorned with delightful shops and eateries. We indulged in refreshing cider and classic fish and chips at Sharon's Plaice. To secure a cosy spot, we placed our orders at the charming little shed and chose to unwind in the delightful garden setting.

Among the treasures are The Leather Shop, The Otherworld, and The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, inviting exploration into the mystical. The gastronomic delights include The Good Stuff, The Riverside, and Toby Jug Cafe, each offering a unique blend of flavours to satisfy the wanderer’s palate.

Descending to the harbour alongside the meandering River Valency, the village revealed its dynamic character. At low tide, rock pools emerged, inviting playful wading and exploration. A venture to the cliff edge beyond the harbour rewarded us with a front-row view of the ocean's thunderous applause against the cliffs.

Boscastle goes beyond the postcard-perfect harbour. The Elizabethan quay, adorned with stone-built cottages, paints a picture of historical richness. The Willapark headland, crowned with an ex-folly turned Coastwatch lookout, beckons the curious explorer to its heights.

Embarking on nearby walks around Forrabury Stitches, we discovered the magic of surviving Celtic strip fields, a rare glimpse into a farmed landscape frozen in time. Beyond lies the half-forgotten churches of Minster and St Juliots, echoing with the whispers of Thomas Hardy's literary journeys.

A bustling commercial port in the 19th century, Boscastle was the lifeline for goods arriving by sea. A decline set in with the advent of the railway, yet echoes of its industrious past still resonate in the blacksmith's forge and lime kiln.

Venturing into the Valency Valley, once visited by Thomas Hardy, we explored a coppiced woodland, a testament to ancient woodland management. Hardy's connection with Boscastle, immortalized in stories and poems, adds a layer of literary richness to the landscape.

The white lookout tower atop Willapark served as a beacon for sailors seeking the harbour's entrance. Evidence of an Iron Age cliff castle nearby speaks of a history that dates back to 200 BC.

In the high ground of Forrabury Stitches, medieval farming practices endure in a series of 42 stitch-meal plots, showcasing a rare surviving example of Celtic crop rotation.

East along the coast lies Crackington Haven, a village rooted in maritime commerce. Traces of a donkey path remind us of the industrious days when donkeys carried the weight of sand, stone, and slate uphill for onward transport.

Boscastle is a living canvas painted with strokes of history, resilience, and coastal allure. A village that unfolds its tales with every cobbled step, it stands as a testament to Cornwall’s enduring beauty.

Footpaths around Boscastle

Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0HD - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/boscastle

What3Words - ///perfume.slicer.trickling

Link to the website I use for public footpaths - Public Footpath

I hope you found this blog insightful. If you have a specific question; ask away in the comments section.

(Note: This review is based on our personal experience and observations during our visit. Individual experiences may vary.)