Living in Boscastle

Boscastle boasts a strong sense of neighbourliness and a welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by its small size and scenic setting. Local life revolves around village traditions, community events, and involvement in outdoors or heritage activities. The village hall acts as a social hub, hosting craft fairs, music nights, and seasonal festivals.

Outdoor pursuits are central, with easy access to the South West Coast Path, Valency Valley woodland walks, and beautiful coastal landscapes for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The harbour remains a focal point for community gatherings, and art galleries, independent shops, and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic enrich Boscastle’s unique cultural life.

Markets and village fêtes frequently bring the community together, contributing to a strong local identity and a sense of belonging for both lifelong residents and newcomers.

Boscastle is generally considered one of the safer locations in North Cornwall. The small village character and strong sense of community contribute to a low incidence of crime. Typically, such rural areas experience low levels of anti-social behaviour and property crime, further reinforcing Boscastle’s reputation as a secure place to live and visit.

Neighbourhood policing and active local engagement help maintain safety. The area benefited significantly from community initiatives following the 2004 flood, which also saw increased surveillance and infrastructure reinforcement. Like much of Cornwall, Boscastle’s crime rate is below the national average, appealing especially to families and older residents who value peace of mind.

Parking in Boscastle can be limited, particularly during the summer months when tourism peaks. The main car park, located near the harbour, provides spaces for both residents and visitors, with additional parking on the outskirts of the village. Residential parking may require permits in busier zones, especially closer to the centre and tourist attractions.

Road access is available via the B3266 and the A39 Atlantic Highway, connecting Boscastle to major roads in Cornwall and Devon. While in the village, narrow lanes and one-way streets are common, which can pose challenges for larger vehicles or during high season. The A39 offers connections to:

• Bude – approx. 30 minutes (14 miles)
• Wadebridge – approx. 35 minutes (20 miles)
• Bodmin – approx. 50 minutes via A39/A389 (24 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A30/A38 (56 miles)

While congestion is rarely severe outside of peak visitor periods, the unique geography and historic layout mean parking management remains a community focus.

Boscastle’s selection of food and drink venues highlights its appeal as a Cornish coastal village. There are several traditional pubs, including The Cobweb Inn and The Napoleon Inn, both known for their historic charm, Cornish ales, and friendly atmosphere. Local cafés serve fresh seafood, homemade cakes, and traditional Cornish cream teas. Riverside cafés and tea rooms offer stunning views of the harbour and countryside, such as the Harbour Light Tea Garden.

Food options range from casual cafés to quality restaurants focusing on local produce and seafood. The village also has a small selection of takeaways and seasonal pop-up eateries. For more variety, residents and visitors may travel to Wadebridge or Padstow, both renowned for their food scenes. Boscastle’s nightlife is relaxed and pub-centric, reflecting its village scale. Occasional live music, quiz nights, and events at local inns make for a welcoming social scene, but late-night clubs and bars are not typical here.

School quality: Boscastle Community Primary School and other local schools receive good Ofsted ratings, and nearby secondary schools provide a solid educational foundation.

Parks and green space: There are abundant outdoor spaces, with the Valency Valley and coastal paths providing an inspiring environment for family walks, picnics, and nature exploration.

Childcare: Childcare options are found in neighbouring villages and towns, with local playgroups and nurseries accessible by short drives.

Safety: The low crime rate and community vigilance help families feel secure, and friendly local policing is present.

Family activities: The surrounding coastline, beaches, and woodlands offer a range of recreational opportunities for all ages, from sandcastle building and rock pooling to organised community events and workshops.

Boscastle is highly regarded as a pet-friendly location, especially for dog owners. Numerous walking trails crisscross the area, including the famed South West Coast Path, which showcases dramatic views and opportunities for exercise. The Valency Valley is a favourite for locals and visitors with dogs, offering shaded woods and riverside paths.

The village features a local veterinary clinic and several pet supply outlets in nearby Bude and Camelford. Most local pubs and many cafés welcome well-behaved dogs, providing water bowls and treats. The general attitude in Boscastle is very supportive of pets, and rental options often accommodate dogs and cats, reflective of rural Cornish living.

Boscastle is somewhat secluded due to its unique cliff-side location, but there are several ways to reach and navigate the area. Regular bus services connect Boscastle to Bude, Camelford, Tintagel, and Wadebridge, with additional services running between larger towns during the summer tourist peak. The nearest railway station is Bodmin Parkway, about 24 miles away, offering links to Plymouth, Exeter, and London Paddington.

The area is reached by road via the A39 Atlantic Highway, which connects to the A30 for access to larger towns and cities across Cornwall and Devon. For air travel, Newquay Cornwall Airport is roughly 29 miles (around 50 minutes) away, offering domestic and limited international flights.

Key commute times from Boscastle:

• Truro – approx. 1 hour via A39 (48 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 40 minutes via A30 (83 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A30/A38 (56 miles)
• Bude – approx. 30 minutes via A39 (14 miles)
• Padstow – approx. 45 minutes via B3314 (25 miles)

While Boscastle offers peace and seclusion, it does mean travel times to major urban centres are relatively long. However, for many, this seclusion is part of Boscastle’s appeal.

Boscastle and its surrounding area offer a range of educational opportunities for families and young people.

Primary Schools:
Boscastle Community Primary School is the main school in the village, providing a nurturing environment for local children. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018, it is well-regarded for its small class sizes and active involvement in the local community.
Nearby, Tintagel Primary School is another popular choice, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2018), and offers a similar village school experience with strong ties to local heritage.

Secondary Schools:
For secondary education, Sir James Smith's School in Camelford, located about 6 miles away, serves Boscastle students. The school is a mixed comprehensive and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023, offering a broad curriculum and pastoral support.
Budehaven Community School in Bude is another option, situated around 14 miles from the village, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2022).

Colleges:
North Cornwall is served by several sixth form providers. Sir James Smith's School has a sixth form, and Budehaven Community School provides A-levels and vocational qualifications. Truro and Penwith College in Truro, although further afield, is one of Cornwall’s principal colleges for post-16 courses.

Universities:
Boscastle does not have its own university, but students often attend the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus in Penryn or Falmouth University, both offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and located approximately an hour’s drive from Boscastle.