Practical tips for parking in Boscastle, including the main car park, motorhomes, busy times and alternatives.
Boscastle is a small village squeezed into a narrow valley, and parking is limited. On a sunny August day the main car park can fill up by late morning, while in April or October you can usually drive straight in. This guide sets out the basics so you can plan a stress-free visit. We are about two miles away at Lower Pennycrocker Farm, so our guests drive in most days and have learned a few tricks.
Charges, payment methods and rules change from year to year, so always read the signs on the day.
The main car park
The main pay-and-display car park sits in the valley at the bottom of the village, near the National Trust visitor centre. It is the obvious place to park for:
- The harbour, which is a short, flat walk away along the river.
- The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, which has no parking of its own.
- The lower village shops, cafés and pubs.
- Walks up the Valency valley and onto the coast path.
The car park was rebuilt after the 2004 flood, when cars parked there were swept away by the river.
Paying
Most car parks in Cornwall accept card or app payment, and some still take coins. Check the machine and signs when you arrive and keep a little change just in case. National Trust members should check whether member parking applies to a particular car park; not every car park in the village is owned by the Trust.
Other parking
There is some extra parking in the upper village and at the edges of Boscastle, but spaces are limited and some roadside spots are reserved for residents. Please don't block driveways, field gates or passing places. On narrow Cornish lanes a badly parked car can block a tractor, a delivery lorry or an ambulance.
When to arrive
| Time of year | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–May | Usually easy, busier at Easter and the May bank holidays |
| June | Busier on sunny weekends |
| July–August | Very busy; arrive before 10am or after 4pm |
| September–October | Quieter on weekdays; busier during October half-term |
Early morning is the best time to visit in any month. You get a space, the light is lovely and the harbour is peaceful. Evenings are good too, especially if you are eating in the village. Our best time to visit Boscastle guide has more on each month.
Motorhomes, caravans and campervans
Boscastle is not a place to tow a caravan through. The roads into the village are steep and narrow, and turning space is limited. If you are staying with us in a touring caravan, unhitch on your pitch and visit Boscastle in your car.
Motorhomes and larger campervans should check the car park signs for vehicle size limits and charges before entering. Smaller campervans often fit in normal spaces, but read the signs carefully. If your van is large, a day without it is a good idea: walk in from a nearby parking spot or take a taxi.
Our guide to driving Cornish lanes has more advice for bigger vehicles.
Walking in from the campsite
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is about two miles from the village. Guests who like walking sometimes leave the car on their pitch and walk in using lanes and footpaths, or along the coast path, which is about half a mile from the farm. This avoids parking altogether, though the lanes have no pavements. Ask us for directions when you arrive, and see our coast path from Pennycrocker post.
Getting here by bus
Bus services link Boscastle with other towns on the north coast. Timetables vary by season, so check before you plan a day around them. A bus can be useful for one-way coast path walks, such as Boscastle to Tintagel. Our getting here page has more travel information.
Accessible parking
There are usually blue badge spaces in the main car park, close to the level path to the harbour. The route from the car park to the harbour is mostly flat, making it one of the more accessible parts of the village. The upper village is much steeper.
Quick parking checklist
- Arrive before 10am in summer.
- Have a card, app or coins ready.
- Never park in passing places or across gateways.
- Leave the caravan on site.
- Check height and length limits for vans.
- Take valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free parking in Boscastle?
The main car park is pay and display. Free roadside spaces are rare and often reserved, so plan to pay.
Can I park a motorhome in Boscastle?
Check the signs at the car park for size limits and charges. Larger vans may find it easier to leave the vehicle on site and get a taxi or walk.
Where should I park for the harbour?
The main car park in the valley, a short level walk from the harbour.
Where should I park for the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic?
The museum has no parking of its own. Use the main village car park and walk down to the harbour.
To dodge the crowds, read when Boscastle is busy and plan your visit around it.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
