A simple two-day itinerary for a camping weekend near Boscastle, with timings, wet-weather alternatives and tips for avoiding the crowds.
A weekend is enough time to fall for Boscastle. This itinerary is written for campers staying at Lower Pennycrocker Farm, about two miles from the harbour, but it works for anyone. It mixes the village, the coast path and Tintagel, and includes swaps for wet weather. Arriving on Friday? Our arrival guide covers check-in and finding us.
Friday evening: settle in
- Pitch up, then take a short evening stroll along the lanes to stretch your legs.
- If you arrive in good time, drive down to Boscastle for supper at a village pub. See Boscastle pubs.
- Stock up on supplies on the way in: see shops, fuel and supplies near Boscastle.
Saturday: Boscastle harbour and the Valency valley
Morning. Head into Boscastle early, before the car park fills. Walk out along the harbour to the harbour mouth, then climb to Willapark lookout for the view up and down the coast. See Boscastle harbour guide.
Late morning. Coffee and a pasty in the village, then visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. See Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
Afternoon. Walk up the wooded Valency valley towards St Juliot church, where Thomas Hardy worked as a young architect and met his first wife. See Valency valley walk and Thomas Hardy and St Juliot.
Evening. Back at the farm for a quiet evening and, if it is clear, the sunset and stars. See sunsets and stargazing.
Sunday: Tintagel and the coast path
Morning. Drive to Tintagel, about seven miles away, and visit the castle early. Then explore the village. See our Tintagel page.
Afternoon. Choose one:
- Walkers: take the 95 bus or drive back, and walk part of the coast path between Tintagel and Boscastle via Rocky Valley. See the Boscastle to Tintagel walk.
- Families: head to Trebarwith Strand at low tide, or rock pooling. See Trebarwith Strand.
- Relaxed: visit St Nectan's Glen. See St Nectan's Glen and Rocky Valley.
Late afternoon. Pack up and head home, refuelled on the A39.
What to pack for the weekend
- Walking boots or sturdy trainers for the harbour paths and the Valency valley.
- Waterproofs and a warm layer, even in summer, as the wind on the clifftops can be cool.
- A torch for the walk back to your pitch after dark.
- A day bag with water, snacks and a phone.
- Cash and a card for parking, cafés and pubs.
Our post on what to pack for camping in Cornwall has full season-by-season lists.
Wet-weather swaps
- Swap the coast path for the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic and village cafés.
- Visit Tintagel's Old Post Office or the shops instead of the castle headland.
- Try a drive to Bude for the castle heritage centre, shops and cafés.
See rainy days in north Cornwall.
Tips for a weekend
- Go early to the harbour to beat the crowds: see when Boscastle is busy.
- Pack layers and waterproofs whatever the forecast.
- Book ahead for summer weekends and bank holidays.
Couples' weekend? See couples camping in Cornwall. Staying longer? Try our north Cornwall 7-day itinerary.
Planning a short break
For more on two- and three-night stays, including a three-night plan with a bigger day trip, see short camping breaks in Cornwall.
Frequently asked questions
Is a weekend enough for Boscastle?
Yes, for the harbour, the valley and Tintagel. Stay longer to explore beaches and the moor.
How far is Tintagel from Boscastle?
About seven miles from our campsite by road.
Where should we eat in Boscastle?
The village has several pubs and cafés. See our Boscastle pubs guide.
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.
