Boscastle

(Cornish: Kastell Boterel) is well worth a visit, 5 miles along the coast from Tintagel. The name of the village derives from Bottreaux Castle, of which few remains survive.

The village of Boscastle has the only natural harbour for 20 miles along the coast, protected by two stone harbour walls built in 1584 by Sir Richard Grenville (of HMS Revenge). The oldest parts of the village surround the harbour, which once exported slate, and extend up the valleys of the Rivers Valency and Jordan. More modern buildings creep up the steep stone banks and hills surrounding the harbour and valleys.

Much of the land in and around Boscastle is owned by the National Trust, including both sides of the harbour, For instance Forrabury Stitches, high above Boscastle is divided into ancient "stitchmeal" cultivation plots, and large areas of the Valency Valley, known for its connections to Thomas Hardy

A flash flood on 16 August 2004, caused extensive damage to the village, but much of this was repaired by the following year.