A seasonal guide to the wildlife of the north Cornwall coast near Boscastle, from choughs and seals to seabirds and clifftop flowers, with tips for watching responsibly.
The cliffs between Crackington Haven, Boscastle and Tintagel are wild, high and remote, and that makes them good for wildlife. You do not need to be an expert to enjoy it: a pair of binoculars and a walk along the coast path, about half a mile from Lower Pennycrocker Farm, is enough to start. This guide covers what to look for and when, and how to watch without causing disturbance.
Cornish choughs
The chough is Cornwall's emblem bird: a glossy black crow with a bright red, curved bill and red legs, and a loud 'chee-ow' call. It disappeared from Cornwall as a breeding bird in the twentieth century, then returned naturally to the Lizard in 2001 and nested there in 2002. Since then numbers have slowly grown, and in 2026 choughs were reported back at Tintagel Castle.
Where to look: short grassy clifftops and grazed slopes along the coast path, where they probe for insects. Watch for their acrobatic flight along cliff edges.
Grey seals
Grey seals live along the north Cornwall coast and can sometimes be seen from clifftops, bobbing in the water or hauled out on rocks below. Look down into quiet coves from a safe distance, especially at lower tides.
Please remember: never go close to seals on a beach, and do not approach them in the water. Disturbance can cause them to stampede into the sea and injure themselves, and pups may be separated from their mothers.
Seabirds
In spring and early summer, the cliffs are busy with nesting seabirds. Look out for:
- Fulmars, gliding stiff-winged along the cliff face.
- Gulls of several kinds, around harbours and cliffs.
- Gannets, plunge-diving offshore on calmer days.
- Peregrine falcons, which hunt along the cliffs.
Late summer and autumn can bring passing seabirds offshore, particularly after strong westerly winds.
Dolphins and other sea life
Dolphins and porpoises are sometimes seen off the Cornish coast. A calm sea and a high viewpoint give you the best chance. Rock pools at low tide also reveal anemones, crabs, small fish and seaweeds: see rock pooling for tips with children, and beach safety and tides.
Clifftop flowers through the season
| Months | What to see |
|---|---|
| April–May | Thrift (sea pink), bluebells and spring squill on cliffs and banks |
| June–July | Sea campion, foxgloves and wildflowers in the hedges |
| August–September | Heather and gorse colouring the clifftops |
| October | Autumn colour in the Valency valley |
Cornish hedges along the lanes are full of flowers too. See spring camping in Cornwall.
Good places to look near Boscastle
- Willapark lookout, at the harbour mouth: see Willapark lookout.
- The Valency valley, for woodland birds and riverside wildlife: see Valency valley walk.
- The coast path to Tintagel: see the Boscastle to Tintagel walk.
- National Trust land around Boscastle: see National Trust in Boscastle.
Watching wildlife responsibly
- Stay on the path, and keep well back from cliff edges.
- Keep dogs on leads near cliffs, livestock and nesting birds.
- Use binoculars rather than getting closer.
- Do not fly drones near seabird cliffs or seals.
- Put back rock-pool creatures where you found them, and turn rocks back over gently.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you see choughs in Cornwall?
On clifftops around the coast. In 2026 they were reported back at Tintagel Castle, not far from Boscastle.
Can you see seals near Boscastle?
Grey seals are sometimes seen from clifftops along this coast. Keep your distance.
When is the best time for wildflowers on the coast path?
Spring brings thrift and bluebells, and late summer brings heather and gorse.
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.
