Choosing between Boscastle, Tintagel and Bude for your north Cornwall break, and why a base between them lets you enjoy all three.
Boscastle, Tintagel and Bude are three of north Cornwall's best-known places, and visitors often ask which one to stay near. They are very different. Boscastle is a small, historic harbour village; Tintagel is famous for its castle and legends; Bude is a seaside town with big sandy beaches. The good news is that Lower Pennycrocker Farm sits between all three, so you do not have to choose. This guide compares them so you can plan your days.
At a glance
| Boscastle | Tintagel | Bude | |
|---|---|---|---|
| From the farm | about 2 miles | about 7 miles | about 20–25 minutes |
| Character | Harbour village | Clifftop village and castle | Seaside town |
| Best for | Walks, history, pubs | Legends, ruins, views | Beaches, surfing, families |
| Sandy beach | No | Small cove below the castle | Several |
| Rainy day | Museums, cafés | Old Post Office, shops | Castle, canal, shops |
Boscastle: harbour, valley and coast
Boscastle's natural harbour sits in a narrow inlet between high cliffs. Much of the harbour and valley is cared for by the National Trust. Walk the Valency valley to St Juliot church, climb to Willapark lookout, visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, or settle into one of the village pubs.
Best for: walkers, history lovers, couples and anyone who wants a quieter base.
Read our Boscastle harbour guide and what to do in Boscastle.
Tintagel: castle and legend
Tintagel Castle, cared for by English Heritage, is linked in legend to King Arthur. A footbridge now links the mainland to the headland, and the views are spectacular. The village has cafés, shops and the National Trust's Old Post Office. Nearby, St Nectan's Glen and Rocky Valley are well worth a visit.
Best for: families with older children, history and myth, dramatic coastline.
See our Tintagel page and St Nectan's Glen and Rocky Valley.
Bude: beaches and family seaside
Bude has several sandy beaches close to town, including Summerleaze with its sea pool. There is surfing, the Bude canal for gentle walks and cycles, and plenty of shops and cafés. Widemouth Bay, just south, is a popular surf beach.
Best for: beach days, surfers, younger children and rainy-day options.
See our Bude day trip and Widemouth Bay guide.
Why stay between all three
Staying in the countryside between Boscastle and Bude gives you:
- Easy access to Boscastle's harbour and walks.
- Short drives to Tintagel and Bude.
- Quieter evenings than a busy town, on a family farm with open views.
- The coast path about half a mile away.
Or leave the car behind: the 95 bus links Bude, Boscastle and Tintagel. See car-free days out from Boscastle.
A three-day plan
- Day one, Boscastle: harbour, Valency valley and a pub supper.
- Day two, Tintagel: the castle in the morning, then the coast path back towards Boscastle.
- Day three, Bude: beaches, the sea pool and the canal.
For more ideas, see our weekend in Boscastle itinerary and north Cornwall 7-day itinerary. For other bases in the county, read the best areas to camp in Cornwall.
Frequently asked questions
Is Boscastle or Tintagel better to visit?
Both are worth it, and they are close. Boscastle is quieter, with a harbour and walks; Tintagel has the castle.
How far is Bude from Boscastle?
About 20–25 minutes' drive from our campsite.
Can you walk from Boscastle to Tintagel?
Yes, along the coast path, a walk of around five miles.
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.
