Quieter places to discover in north Cornwall near Boscastle: hidden coves, wooded valleys, waterfalls, old churches and moorland.
Tintagel, Port Isaac and Padstow get the headlines, and they deserve a visit. But some of the best days in north Cornwall are spent in quieter places that many visitors drive straight past. Here are some of our favourite lesser-known spots near Boscastle, where Lower Pennycrocker Farm is based.
Please treat these places kindly: park considerately, take litter home and keep dogs on leads near livestock.
Pentargon waterfall
Just north of Boscastle, a stream drops over the cliff into a dramatic cove. You view it from the coast path, a short walk from the village. See the Pentargon waterfall walk.
The Valency valley and St Juliot church
A wooded valley walk inland from Boscastle leads to St Juliot church, where the writer Thomas Hardy worked as a young architect and met his first wife. It is close to the farm. See the Valency valley walk and Thomas Hardy and St Juliot.
Forrabury Stitches
Above Boscastle, the Forrabury Stitches are an unusual surviving pattern of old strip fields on the headland, with sea views from the church nearby. See Forrabury Stitches and church.
Rocky Valley
Near Tintagel, Rocky Valley is a short walk through a narrow, rocky gorge down to the sea. Nearby St Nectan's Glen has a waterfall in the woods and charges for entry. See St Nectan's Glen and Rocky Valley.
Millook
A tiny cove between Crackington Haven and Widemouth Bay, reached by a steep, narrow lane. It is known for the dramatic zig-zag folds in the cliff rock. The lane is not suitable for caravans or large vehicles.
The Strangles
A remote beach south of Crackington Haven, reached by a steep cliff path. It is wild and often almost empty. See The Strangles.
Port Quin
A tiny, quiet cove west of Port Isaac, with a coast path walk between the two. See Port Quin and Port Gaverne.
Golitha Falls and Minions
On the south-east edge of Bodmin Moor, Golitha Falls is a series of cascades in ancient woodland, and nearby Minions has standing stones and old mine buildings. See Golitha Falls and Minions.
Rough Tor
Less visited than the coast, Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor gives huge views across the moor. It is about 6 miles from the farm. See camping near Bodmin Moor.
Finding your own quiet spots
Go early or late in the day, visit in spring or September, and explore on foot. Our north Cornwall day trips from Boscastle guide covers the bigger outings, and things to do near Boscastle lists more ideas nearby. For a quiet place to stay, see quiet camping in Cornwall.
Combine hidden gems with bigger days out
Many of these places sit close to bigger attractions. Rocky Valley is a short drive from Tintagel; Port Quin is a walk from Port Isaac; Millook is on the way to Widemouth Bay. Pair one well-known stop with one quiet one for a balanced day.
Frequently asked questions
Where is quiet in north Cornwall?
Smaller coves, inland valleys and Bodmin Moor are usually quieter than the main harbours, especially early in the day.
Are these places suitable for children?
Valley walks and Rough Tor can suit older children. Some coves are reached by steep paths, so check routes first.
Can I get to Millook by caravan or motorhome?
No. The lane to Millook is very steep and narrow; park elsewhere and walk.
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.
