OUR Spotlight On column takes an in-depth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as some lesser known spots.
This week we’re shining the spotlight on Boscastle, a small village buried deep in a valley on the north coast of Cornwall.
Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor, recently visited and said: “This charming village was labelled the UKs version of Salem, Massachusetts, by an American travel guide.
“And it’s not just the eerily moody scenery where raucous waves collide with the cliffside that makes this place so spooky.
“Boscastle has strong historical links to the art of witchcraft with witches supposedly selling the wind to sailors by tying knots in ropes – you can learn all about that at the Witchcraft Museum (more on that below).
Here are some of the other top tips of things to do and where to stay.
MUST SEE
The area may seem pristine and peaceful today, but in 2024 severe flash flooding wreaked havoc on Boscastle, tearing through buildings and causing an estimated £50million worth of damage.
It’s not hard to see how the devastation was caused when you take a short stroll to the harbour wall blowhole, otherwise known as The Devil’s Bellows.
The natural phenomenon is best observed an hour either side of low tide from a walking path along the coast, near Penally Point.
The blowhole effect is created when crashing water from a ferocious sea is forced through a small cavernous tunnel, before being spurted out the other end.
BEST VIEW
Walks are plentiful in this part of the world, with many coastal routes passing straight through Boscastle.
Less than a 30-minute stroll from the village centre, you’ll find Pentargon Waterfall.
Not only is the view of the waterfall impressive on its own, the surrounding fields are spectacular too. The high position gives you a great vantage point.
HIDDEN GEM
Tucked behind the National Trust Cafe sits a diddy museum entirely dedicated to witchcraft – and although its position in the village is hidden, its story is well known across Cornwall.
Crammed full of bizarre artefacts from jarred pigs heads to voodoo dolls of infamous dictators, the attraction is both extremely bizarre and wildly fascinating,
The museum was first opened in 1960, but has dramatically expanded its collection since then. You’ll retrace the tales of olden day witches and their links to tarot, and unearth spells and potions including charms to make a person more fertile.
RATED RESTAURANT
The Rocket Store is reason enough to visit Boscastle on any Cornwall holiday.
Overlooking the flowing River Valency, it stars in the Michelin Guide – although some are hoping it may earn its first Michelin star soon, so you best get down there before it fills out.
The restaurant is tiny and the menu changes every day according to what seafood has been caught that morning.
Oysters feature regularly, dressed in citrus-y sauces (these cost three for £10 last year). Smaller plates and veggies normally cost £15 and under while larger meatier plates of hake or lamb can cost between £25 to £30.
Think local produce served in an unfussy setting.
BEST BAR
On a sunny day, few spots are better for an ice-cold pint than The Wellington, whose raised outdoor decking area is set just back from the river.
If you’re not much of a booze drinker, head to Boscastle farm shop, instead, which does a cracking cuppa, served alongside glorious views.
HOTEL PICK
The Wellington pub has a small number of boutique and handsomely decorated bedrooms which were renovated only last year.
The place has a cosy, rural atmosphere, thanks to large padded armchairs and tartan bedding with plump cushions scattered about the place.
Possibly the best thing about it is knowing that bed lies only a few paces from the bar.
Rooms cost from £145 per night on a B&B basis. See wellingtonhotelboscastle.com.
