Boscastle 

The ancient port of Boscastle on the North Cornwall coast makes the perfect base for a holiday. With nearby beaches and picturesque clifftop walks and paths through unspoilt natural woodland relaxing is easy to do. The village has shops, pubs and restaurants all within easy walking distance of the house, in fact once you park up you may not feel the need to use your car again for the whole holiday.


TOSH - The Old Store House - is surrounded by National Trust land, with their tea shop  just across the stream from the cottage. so the peace and beauty of the harbour is guaranteed. 

Places to Eat in Boscastle

Nestled in the dramatic North Cornwall coastline, Boscastle offers a delightful array of dining options, from fresh seafood shacks and cosy pubs to farm-fresh cafes and traditional tea rooms. Whether you're after a quick harbour-side bite or a leisurely meal with local ales, there's something for every palate. We've focused on spots within easy reach of the village and TOSH, with a nod to those rewarding hilltop treks. All details are current as of autumn 2025—do check websites for seasonal hours.


The Rocket Store – Tucked opposite TOSH across the stream, this intimate seafood bar and restaurant champions hyper-local catches from their own boat in Boscastle Harbour. Expect a daily-changing blackboard menu of pristine oysters, lobster, and seasonal produce from nearby farms. Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised, it's a true coastal treat—book ahead for evenings. therocketstore.co.uk


Stroll towards the harbour to the National Trust Visitors’ Centre, complete with their charming shop and the National Trust Cafe. This historic spot serves light bites, cream teas, and soups in a quirky, pilchard-scented setting—perfect for a rainy-day refuel. Open daily until 3:30pm (takeaway from 3pm). nationaltrust.org.uk


The Good Stuff at Harbour Light – Overlooking the bustling harbour, this independent gem is essential for any visit. Speciality coffees, seasonal local dishes like crab sandwiches from Boscastle's fresh pots, and homemade cakes make it a relaxed hub. Open evenings on Fridays and Saturdays too. Tuesday–Wednesday closed; otherwise 10am–3:30pm. thegoodstuffcafe.co.uk or @theharbourlight on Instagram

Don't miss the lovely local ice creams by the bridge on our side of the harbour—handmade scoops that melt away the sea spray.


Boscastle Farm Shop – A short uphill hike north of the village (Hillsborough Farm, PL35 0HH), this award-winning haven rewards with panoramic views and guilt-free indulgences. Late breakfasts, pasties, and calorie-free cakes in their sea-view cafe, plus deli delights to take home. Open daily from 10am—worth every step from TOSH! boscastlefarmshop.co.uk


The Riverside Hotel & Restaurant – Riverside serenity with an à la carte menu of Cornish classics and veggie options. Guests rave about the views over the Valency and consistently superb service—ideal for lunch or dinner. Open daily 9am–10pm; book via their diary. riversideboscastle.co.uk


The Wellington Hotel (The Welly) – Just steps from TOSH, this locals' favourite has emerged from a Spring 2025 refurbishment with a fresh, transformed look across its interiors and outdoor spaces. Now fully open and buzzing, it's popular for hearty pub grub, real ales, and live music—check notices for upcoming events. wellingtonhotelboscastle.com


The Cobweb – The village's iconic pub, buzzing with character across its bars, family room, and upstairs restaurant. Reasonably priced comfort food, real ales, and live tunes most Saturday evenings from 9pm. A must for that authentic vibe. cobweb-boscastle.co.uk


The Napoleon Inn – Climb Old Road beside the Wellington to this crossroads gem—steep but scenic, with cask ales on display and a cosy, historic interior that quenches any thirst. Top-rated for pub lunches and characterful suppers. napoleoninn.co.uk


Toby Jug Cafe – A wee haven of warmth with stellar breakfasts, friendly faces, and all-day cafe fare. Highly rated for its homely charm—perfect post-hike fuel. toby-jug-cafe.co.uk


Bridge House Tea Room – By the bridge, indulging in elevenses, lunches, afternoon teas, and arguably Cornwall's finest coffee. Cream teas and cakes shine here, all in a 5-star hygiene-rated spot. bridgehouse-boscastle.co.uk


Fine Dining Within a 20-Mile Radius of Boscastle

Boscastle's enchanting position on Cornwall's wild north coast places it within easy reach of some of the region's most acclaimed culinary destinations. Within a 20-mile driving radius (focussing on spots up to about 18 miles for practicality), you'll find a cluster of Michelin-starred seafood havens and innovative kitchens drawing on hyper-local ingredients. Expect tasting menus, pristine catches, and farm-fresh flair—perfect for elevating a day trip. Details current as of October 2025; reservations essential, especially weekends. Distances are approximate road miles from Boscastle centre.

  • Outlaw's Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac (13 miles, 20-min drive) – Nathan Outlaw's intimate 1-Michelin-star gem in a former fisherman's cottage. Casual yet refined seafood-focused tasting menus (6-10 courses) showcase day-boat fish like turbot and red mullet, paired with crisp whites. Cosy, no-frills vibe with harbour views. Open Wed-Sat evenings; £95-£125pp. outlaws.co.uk
  • Outlaw's New Road (formerly Restaurant Nathan Outlaw), Port Isaac (13 miles) – Another Outlaw masterpiece, holding 1 Michelin star for its bold, ingredient-led seafood plates. Think razor clams with seaweed beurre blanc in a sleek, modern space. Tasting menu £145pp; lunch and dinner Thu-Sat. A step up in elegance from its sibling. outlaws.co.uk
  • St Tudy Inn, St Tudy (12 miles, 20-min drive) – 1 Michelin star for this rustic-chic pub's seasonal British tasting menus (£85pp for 7 courses), blending foraged finds, estate-reared meats, and Cornish veg. Warm fireside dining with an acclaimed wine list. Open Wed-Sun; book ahead for the inn's rooms too. sttudyinn.com
  • The Tartan Fox by Adam Handling, St Tudy (12 miles) – Fresh 2025 entrant with Michelin Plate recognition, offering inventive Modern British fine dining in a revamped village pub. Signature dishes like hand-dived scallop tartare shine in a 5-course menu (£75pp). Cosy tartan accents and local gins. Thu-Sat evenings. https://www.tartanfoxpub.co.uk/
  • Four Boys, Rock (18 miles, 30-min drive) – Buzzing 1-Michelin-star spot in a former RNLI station, specialising in small-plate seafood feasts with Asian influences (tasting menu £110pp). Highlights: native lobster with yuzu. Waterfront terrace for summer; open daily. A lively contrast to Outlaw's precision. fourboyscafe.co.uk 

The Dining Room at The Pavilion, Rock (18 miles) – Elegant 1-Michelin-star seafood-centric tasting menus (£125pp) in a chic beach club setting, using Camel Estuary oysters and line-caught fish. Refined yet relaxed, with sunset views. Dinner Thu-Sun; lunch weekends. thediningroomrock.co.uk

  • St Enodoc Hotel Restaurant, Rock (18 miles) – Michelin-recommended for its contemporary Cornish cuisine, with 5-7 course menus (£95pp) featuring estate-grown produce and Atlantic seafood. Elegant dining room overlooking the golf links. Open daily; pairs well with an overnight stay. enodoc-hotel.co.uk
  • The Stepping Stone, Wadebridge (16 miles, 25-min drive) – Rising star with Michelin Plate for refined, seasonal small plates (£65pp set menu) in a riverside nook. Local beef tartare and pollock highlight the hyper-regional focus. Intimate and affordable fine dining. Wed-Sat. thesteppingstonewadebridge.co.uk

For the true epicure, Port Isaac's Outlaw duo steals the show—just a short, scenic drive along clifftop lanes. If venturing slightly further (24 miles to Padstow), add Paul Ainsworth at No.6 for its 1-star magic. These spots embody Cornwall's seafood soul—book via their sites and let the tides dictate the menu.

Things To Do In Boscastle

Boscastle is one of the most attractive places to stay in Cornwall. It is actually quite a large village, spreading up the valley with lots of interesting cottages and other items of interest to see. The jewel in the crown is, of course, the harbour – and you are lucky enough to be staying in one of the nicest cottages in it!
Much of the harbour area is owned by the National Trust, who also own a number of cottages and other properties in and around the harbour. Development is very rigorously controlled, which means that the harbour area is not radically different to the way it looked a century ago. The restrictions on business development, traffic etc., mean that the harbour is normally a peaceful place – even when the tourist season is at its peak. It often surprises visitors how few people can be seen, even when the car park is full of cars and coaches. This is probably due to the wealth of footpaths leading from the harbour and up through the village, which seem to effortlessly soak up visitors.

Village walks
Most visitors want to explore the area on foot to enjoy sights such as the ocean views and the Valency valley. Ordnance maps and a mounted map on the landing have been provided to help visitors to get their bearings, but to start you off, here are a few ideas for walks that you way wish to try.

The Grassy Bank
This is our name for the very gentle walk that runs along the valley side opposite TOSH. Its proper name is Green Cut. If you walk towards the harbour, cross the lower bridge and climb the short slope to the right of the Harbour Light you will reach a small clump of cottages. A path is signposted just before you reach the cottages which doubles back along the valley side. It’s a gently rising grassy path, with several benches to allow you to sit and enjoy the views to the south, back towards TOSH. A real sun-trap on a sunny day. If you follow the path to the end, you join the Bude road about 100 yards above the newsagents.
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The Queen’s Head
If, instead of doubling back along the Grassy Bank, you continue past the cottages on the right-hand side of the harbour, you can follow the path right to the entrance of the harbour, to the Queens Head, so called because from certain angles it resembles the head of Queen Victoria. It’s more properly called “Profile Rock” If you climb to the cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic a bit to the right of the Queens Head, there is a slate bench offering fantastic views both inland and over the ocean. A birdspotter’s dream, and a great place for photography. On a calm day you may spot the harbour seal or even a sunfish – with its spookily shark-like dorsal fin.
If you’re feeling ambitious you can head along the coast path from here towards Crackington Haven.
As the crow flies, it’s not too far but be warned, the ravines that run into the sea mean that what appears to be an easy walk can be quite challenging due to the sharp drops and equally sharp climbs out of each ravine. The views are stunning, though.

The Lookout Tower and Forrabury Church

If you leave the cottage and walk towards the harbour, keeping to the left hand side, there is a path which leads easily along the water’s edge and along the cliffs towards Tintagel. It is a bit steep in parts, so sensible shoes are recommended, but there are some benches to allow a rest and a chance to enjoy the views. This is a great place to watch the sun go down.

If you follow the path along the cliff you have the option to walk up to the lookout tower which was recent re-opened and is staffed part time by volunteers, helping to keep the coastline safe for fishermen and sailors. If you look inland to the left you will see Forrabury Stitches. These are conserved strips of farmland dating back for centuries. If you follow the path to a natural T-junction at the corner of the Stitches, you have the choice of turning right, along the coast towards Tintagel, or left towards the village, where a gate leads you through the churchyard.
If you take this option, a nice downhill walk will take you to Old Road and back to TOSH in the harbour.