The Surrounding Area

Walks

Guests have the advantage of leaving their car here to explore the local countryside and the dramatic coastal scenery. The highest cliffs in the county are here just ready to be explored. You can see seals either swimming or just lying on the rocks sunning themselves. There are several circular walks including the famous Valency Valley where you can see an abundance of wild life including Dippers and Kingfishers on a good day. For guests who would like ashorter walk we are only 3 fields away by footpath from St Juliot Church. Here you can see the new memorial window dedicated to Thomas Hardy, kindly donated by the Hardy Society and beautifully engraved in glass by Simon Whistler in 2003.

Beaches

The North Cornish coast is well known for its Surf and for those looking for beaches there are several to choose from. Heading north there are: - Strangles, Crackington Haven, Widemouth and 2 beaches at Bude.

South of Boscastle there are:- Bossiney and Trebarwith (both of these are not accessible at high tide, but great at low tide). Port Isaac, Port Quin, Polzeath and Daymer Bay. The furthest beach mentioned above is only 40 minutes by car.

Boscastle

Even after the devasting flood of August 2004, there is something for everyone, magnificent cliffs and scenery, rare seabirds, a beautiful functional Elizabethan harbour. The chance to take fishing trips, a Museum of Witchcraft, the unique Boscastle Pottery, a gentle stream with ducks bobbing in it. Historic old Cornish Cottages with sagging roofs, the Boscastle Blowhole - an astonishing feature that emits a loud booming noise, and sends a spray of water across the harbour.

Wonderful pubs full of character, some with live music in the bar on certain evenings, an abundance of eating-places, to suit every pocket. The medieval `stitches' near Forrabury Church, a relic of times past, the newly opened Visitor Center with lots more information!

Tintagel - 6 miles

Many like to believe that this was the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, or even the site of Camelot, the mythical headquarters of the Knights of the Round Table. The Castle ruins that can be seen today date from the twelfth Century. Whatever your views of this magnificent place, the steep scramble down the cliff and onto the Castle Island will leave you feeling exhilarated.

Also worth a visit, `King Arthur's Hall' a magnificent hall with over 70 stained glass windows, and a fine display of stone. In the centre of the village is the picturesque and much photographed Old Post Office, a small 17th century slate manor house that was converted to a Post Office in the 19th century. The Parish Church set on the windswept cliffs is Norman in origin and retains much of its original fabric, including the font, windows and some walls.

Camelford - 8 miles

This small, former wool town has the North Cornwall Museum & Art Gallery, both well worth a visit. On the outskirts of the town, at Camelford Station is the Historic Museum of Cycling.

Camelford lies on the edge of Bodmin Moor and many fine walks can be enjoyed from close by. Roughtor is particularly spectacular and gives far-reaching views of both the North and South coast of Cornwall - on a clear day.

Bodmin Moor

The highest points in Cornwall are Brown Willy and Roughtor which are just 15 minutes by car, from here you can see both the North and South Coast of Cornwall. There are many picturesque villages around the moor

Local Towns

Bude - 13 miles

A thriving seaside town with two beaches, and for those who like to give the beach a miss, you have the Canal to walk along side. There is an interesting museum and a wide range of shops. The Rebel cinema is only 9 miles from here.

Wadebridge - 15 miles

With its new Bypass this has become a rejuvenated town. You can hire a bike and cycle to Padstow along the Camel trail (A disused railway track) and in the opposite direction to the foot hills of Bodmin Moor. Wadebridge has a cinema and many small delightful shops.

Cornish Gardens

Lanhydrock, Cotehele, Heligan and the Eden project - All are within an easy drive from here. Details can be seen on the Gardens page.