Boscastle

The village lies within a conservation area amongst some of the most beautiful countryside within the British isles, and is one of the few remaining unspoilt harbour villages in Cornwall. designated an area of outstanding beauty, the national trust own and care for the harbour and surrounding coastline.

An excellent base for touring the area, all of Cornwall or north Devon, including moorlands, sheltered wooden valleys and coastal footpaths offering magnificent views, are all on the doorstep.

With a little imagination, a walk around the Elizabethan harbour, built in 1584 by Sir Richard Grenville of revenge fame, you can almost see boats coming in to off load and pick up their cargoes which would have been loaded onto horse drawn transport and driven up the old road to be delivered to other villages in the area. before leaving the harbour listen  for the blow hole, which for an hour before and after low tide, produces amazing sounds that can be heard clear across the harbour as it throws cascades of water high into the air. walking back from the harbour past some very pretty cottages and more modern shops to the end of the car park is Valency valley. this was a much loved part of Boscastle of Thomas hardy who visited it while courting his future wife, Emma at St Juliot rectory. the Valency river winds its way down to Boscastle harbour, through the wooded valley and remains today as wild and unspoilt as when Emma and hardy sketched and picnicked along its bank. cross the river and walk up to Minster Church, which is all that remains of the monastery that used to be here.

For the sun worshippers there are many beaches and coves to visit. Bossiney beach is well worth the walk down to this delightful cove or Trebarwith bay, both with long stretches of golden sand at low tide. Widemouth bay is popular with all visitors, there are rock pools for children, soft golden sand for picnickers and sun bathers and surfing for the more energetic, with life guards to make sure everyone is safe.

Walkers are well provided for in the area with the coastal path to Tintagel, going south, or Crackington haven with some amazing rock formations, to the north. Bodmin moor is well worth a visit to see the iron age stone circles, and walk to the top of Roughtor. most sports can also be played locally, tennis in Camelford and Bude plus golfers can choose from several nearby courses.

few visitors can fail to be struck by the beauty of Boscastle and its dramatic coastline. The village offers visitors quiet and tranquillity with easy access to all parts of Cornwall returning at the end of the day to relax in the comfort of