The main routes from the M5 to Boscastle and Lower Pennycrocker Farm, via the A30 or the A39 Atlantic Highway, with tips for towing and avoiding peak traffic.
Most of our guests drive to Lower Pennycrocker Farm, near Boscastle, at least part of the way on the M5. This guide explains the two main routes into north Cornwall from the end of the motorway, how long they take and how to handle the last few miles. For the final turns to our gate, use our getting here page, which has the route from the A39 step by step.
Route 1: A30 via Okehampton and Launceston
This is the route most satnavs choose from the south and the Midlands.
- Leave the M5 where it ends near Exeter and join the A30 west.
- Follow the A30 past Okehampton and Launceston, across the north of Dartmoor and into Cornwall.
- Just past Launceston, leave the A30 for the A395 towards Camelford.
- Follow the A395 west across the edge of Bodmin Moor to the A39 Atlantic Highway.
- From the A39, turn off towards Boscastle and St Juliot and follow the lanes to the farm.
From the end of the M5 the drive is about 60 miles and usually takes around one hour and a quarter in normal traffic. It can take much longer on busy summer Saturdays.
Route 2: A39 Atlantic Highway via north Devon
This route suits people coming from the north, especially via the M5 at Tiverton (junction 27) and the A361 North Devon Link Road.
- Take the A361 towards Barnstaple.
- Join the A39 towards Bideford and continue south-west through north Devon into Cornwall.
- Follow the A39 past Kilkhampton, Bude and Wainhouse Corner.
- Turn off towards Boscastle and St Juliot.
This route is more scenic, but slower in places, and it passes Bude's supermarkets and the fuel station at Wainhouse Corner, handy for stocking up. See shops, fuel and supplies near Boscastle.
The last few miles
Whichever way you come, the final stretch is on narrow Cornish lanes with passing places. Please:
- Drive slowly and be ready to stop.
- Reverse to the nearest passing place when needed. The driver nearest one usually reverses.
- Expect tractors, cyclists, walkers and horses.
- Use the What3Words reference happen.violinist.inserted, which takes you to our gate.
Our post on driving Cornish lanes explains passing-place etiquette.
Towing a caravan
If you are towing, plan to arrive in daylight and during reception hours (9am–7pm). Avoid the busiest Saturday mornings in summer if you can. Our touring caravan tips cover packing, weight and arriving on a grass pitch.
When traffic is worst
The A30 and A39 are busiest on summer Saturdays, the Friday afternoon before a bank holiday, and the start and end of school holidays. If your dates are flexible, travel midweek. See bank holiday camping in Cornwall and Cornwall school holiday dates.
If you are running late
Reception is open until 7pm. If you are delayed, ring us on 07967 605392. Our arriving at Lower Pennycrocker Farm page explains what happens when you get here.
Not driving?
Boscastle is served by the 95 bus between Bude and Wadebridge. Read car-free days out from Boscastle for how the local buses work.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from the M5 to Boscastle?
About an hour and a quarter from the end of the M5 near Exeter in normal traffic, and longer at peak times.
Should I use the A30 or the A39?
The A30 is usually quicker from Exeter. The A39 suits people coming from north Devon or wanting to stop in Bude.
Are the roads near Boscastle suitable for caravans?
Yes, with care. The last miles are narrow lanes with passing places.
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.
