How to enjoy Boscastle with children, from harbour adventures and short walks to beaches and rainy-day plans.
Boscastle is a brilliant place for children. There are boats to watch, a blowhole that booms across the harbour, rivers to paddle in, woods to explore and a spooky museum. And within a short drive are sandy beaches, rock pools and castles. Our family has run Lower Pennycrocker Farm, about two miles from Boscastle, for more than 80 years, and we love seeing families return summer after summer. Here are our ideas for a family day in and around the village.
For tips on the camping side of things, read our camping with kids in Cornwall post and our family camping page.
In Boscastle village
Harbour adventures
Walk from the car park down beside the river to the harbour. Children love spotting fish in the river, counting boats and watching the tide come in or out. Keep a close eye near the quay edge and slipways, which are slippery and unfenced.
The blowhole
Around low tide, when there is some swell, the sea blasts out of a cave below Penally Point across the harbour mouth with a huge boom. It is unpredictable, which makes waiting for it exciting. Watch from the paths, never from the rocks. Our Boscastle harbour guide explains where to look.
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Older children often find the museum fascinating, with its charms, potions and stories. Some displays cover dark themes, so parents of younger or sensitive children may want to look round first. See our museum guide.
Short walks
- The Valency valley: a shady woodland path beside the river. Walk 20 minutes upstream and back for an easy outing.
- Willapark: a short but steep climb to the white lookout tower. Hold hands near the cliff edge.
Beaches and rock pools nearby
Boscastle does not have a sandy beach of its own, but there are great ones nearby:
- Crackington Haven: a sheltered cove to the north with sand at low tide, rock pools and a café. See our Crackington Haven page.
- Trebarwith Strand: a big sandy beach near Tintagel at low tide. Read our Trebarwith Strand guide before you go, as the tide covers the sand completely.
- The Bude beaches: wide sands, a sea pool and lifeguarded beaches in the summer season.
Always check tide times and swim at lifeguarded beaches between the red and yellow flags.
Days out within a drive
- Tintagel Castle: clifftop ruins, the footbridge and legends of King Arthur. See our Tintagel page.
- Bodmin Moor: open spaces, ponies and tors to climb.
- The Camel Trail: a flat, traffic-free cycle path, great for families.
Rainy-day ideas
Rain happens, even in summer. When it does:
- Visit the museum in Boscastle.
- Explore the National Trust visitor centre.
- Head for indoor attractions further afield.
- Go storm-watching from a safe spot, then warm up with hot chocolate.
See our rainy day ideas for North Cornwall.
Safety tips for families
- Cliffs: keep children close and on the path. Cliff edges are unfenced.
- Tides: check tide times before going to beaches. Tides come in quickly and can cut off coves.
- Sea: only swim at lifeguarded beaches, between the flags.
- Sun: the sea breeze can hide how strong the sun is. Use sun cream and hats.
- Lanes: country lanes have no pavements. Hold hands and walk in single file.
Making the most of camping with kids
At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, children have space to run, fields to explore and sea views from the pitch. We don't have a play area, so bring a ball, a kite and some outdoor games. Children aged five and over are £5 a night; please mention any under-fives when you book. Showers are free, and you park beside your pitch, which makes unloading easy.
What to pack for a day out
- Waterproofs and a warm layer for everyone, even in August.
- Wellies or old trainers for rock pools and streams.
- A bucket, a net and a little guidebook to seashore creatures.
- Snacks and water, as some beaches have no café.
- Sun cream, hats and a beach shelter for windy days.
- A small first aid kit with plasters for scraped knees on the rocks.
A family day plan
- Morning: beach at Crackington Haven while the tide is out.
- Lunch: picnic or café.
- Afternoon: Boscastle harbour and the blowhole at low tide.
- Evening: back to the campsite for a barbecue and stargazing.
Kids' Boscastle checklist
Turn your trip into a game. Can your children spot:
- A boat in the harbour?
- The white lookout tower?
- A seal or a seabird?
- The blowhole in action?
- A fish in the river?
Frequently asked questions
Is Boscastle good for children?
Yes. There's a harbour, a blowhole, a river, woodland walks and a museum, with beaches and castles a short drive away.
Is there a beach in Boscastle?
Not a sandy one. Crackington Haven, Trebarwith Strand and the Bude beaches are within a short drive.
Is the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic suitable for children?
Many children enjoy it, but some displays cover adult themes. Parents can preview it first.
How much do children pay at Lower Pennycrocker Farm?
Children aged five and over are £5 per night. Please mention any children under five when you book.
With very young children, try our toddler-friendly days out near Boscastle.
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.
Coming over the Easter school holidays? See Easter holiday camping in Cornwall for dates and booking tips.
