North Cornwall is home to some of the prettiest destinations in the UK. Newquay and Bude are often favourites, and Tintagel makes for a magical day out – both the village and its famous castle are steeped in Arthurian legend.
A 10-minute drive from Tintagel, there’s also a lesser-known village I’d recommend to anyone looking for a seaside escape: Boscastle. I was lucky enough to visit the small harbour village on holiday a few years ago, and I’ve dreamed about it every summer since.
It’s ideally located for tourists planning to explore the stunning coastline, and the village is like nowhere I’ve been before. Whether you’re planning a summer holiday or keen for a winter escape, here’s what I loved about my visit – and what TripAdvisor reviewers say.
Boscastle
Boscastle boasts plenty of Cornish charm thanks to the natural harbour (pack a swimsuit), clifftop walks, and tea rooms. We stayed in the village and loved our daily walks around the picturesque harbour. The views are hard to beat.
On TripAdvisor, one fan says: “This is so beautiful and peaceful. The scenery is stunning… It has such a unique feel to it. Well worth staying or visiting it won’t disappoint.”
Another writes: “We have been coming back to Boscastle as a family for over 25 years and the harbour is still breathtaking.”
I’ll never forget the fun we had swimming in the harbour, splashing about in the beautiful blue water, before watching families jumping off the harbour wall as we enjoyed ice cream.
There’s another fascinating side to Boscaslte too. It’s long been associated with witchcraft. Once you’ve dried off, I’d recommend a visit to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
On TripAdvisor, a reviewer writes: “Superb museum. Informative and thought provoking. Some parts are potentially scary for younger children. Also quite narrow rooms if really busy. Well presented exhibits for those into witchcraft or just interested. Staff very helpful. We booked tickets prior to the visit which I’d suggest as it gets really busy.”
Tintagel
Just down the road, Tintagel is a must-see for King Arthur fans. We loved exploring the village, and we were just as impressed by our visit to Tintagel Castle (English Heritage).
Perched on the rugged clifftops, walking among the castle’s ruins feels like stepping back in time. It’s easy to see why it’s said King Arthur was conceived there. A place of legend and myth, the atmosphere is palpable, and the views are second to none.
On TripAdvisor, one reviewer says: “Tintagel Castle is simply breathtaking. Standing there, surrounded by such rich history and incredible scenery, you can’t help but feel a gentle sense of awe. The ruins, the cliffs, Merlin’s Cave – it’s magical, especially when the tide is low and you can explore more closely.”
However, they add: “For me, as someone who is neurodivergent, it was a little overwhelming at times because it’s such a popular tourist attraction. I think if I’d been able to visit alone or at a quieter time, the experience would have felt different – though perhaps more isolated, so it’s hard to say.”