The Wellington, Boscastle, The Harbour Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0AQ
Welcome To
There’s plenty to check out right on our doorstep. Boscastle Harbour and the coastal path beyond are spectacular come rain or shine; follow the trail eastwards to Pentargon, where a cliff-top waterfall cascades into the sea. You can instead follow the river and head inland towards Minster Wood, home to the peaceful Valency Valley and a Norman church. Among Boscastle’s most famous attractions is the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which hosts one of the world’s largest collections of items on the subject.
No trip to our patch of Cornwall is complete without a visit to St Nectan’s Glen and Rocky Valley. The former is where you’ll find one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the world, hidden deep in ancient woodland. The waters tumble sixty feet through an unusual hole in the rocks; it’s easy to see why this location is adorned with tales of piskies, fairies, and spirits.
Afterwards, follow the river on its journey to the sea, through Rocky Valley. The waters pass a ruined village before falling through gorge-like rocky bluffs and deep clefts, forming remarkable waterfalls along the way. Keep your eyes peeled for the valley’s mysterious labyrinth carvings – one is said to date back to the Bronze Age.
Head to nearby Tintagel and immerse yourself in the legend of King Arthur as you explore the atmospheric remains of a 12th-century castle and surrounding settlements that date back to the Dark Ages. Uncover the fabled tales that seep into every corner of this fascinating destination, which is found perched on an island beside a glorious headland. While you’re here, be sure to check out the sandy beach below the castle. It’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets and unlocks the chance to hunt for Merlin’s Cave at low tide.
Step into a real-life film set at Port Isaac. It’s most famously known as the home of ITV’s Doc Martin but has also been used as a set for Poldark, Saving Grace, and Fisherman’s Friends. While the hours away as you meander past historic cottages and along narrow alleys, otherwise known as ‘opes’, in this pretty little fishing village. Be sure to keep an eye out for their colourful names; one such example, Squeeze Belly Alley, is the world’s narrowest thoroughfare at just 18 inches wide!
The wild, unrelenting landscape of Bodmin Moor has a captivating beauty all of its own. Track down ancient stone circles, spot wild moorland ponies, and treat your eyes to some of the finest scenery in Cornwall. Among the best things to do here is a circular hike up the county’s two tallest peaks. Drive to Rough Tor car park (which is free) and summit Rough Tor and Brown Willy. Depending on the weather, you’ll be treated to outstanding, far-reaching views across Cornwall, or the atmospheric misty moorland immortalised by Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn.
This small village is tucked into the rugged coastline just west of Bude (also worth a visit). Crackington Haven sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is something of a hidden gem. Depending on the tide, the beach will either be large and sandy or pebbly, with the waves often providing good surfing conditions. There are attractive walking trails in every direction, with the coastal path leading to Pencarrow Point – Cornwall’s highest cliff.