Luxury self-catering accommodation in Boscastle

This natural inlet has a strong maritime background, sitting right on the coast and at the mouth of various rivers. The Elizabethan quay is set into a circle of steep cliffs, a backdrop of classic stone cottages and tiny, winding streets give the place a picture-postcard feel. If you can tear yourself away from your luxury self-catering holiday home, history is abundant in the surrounding areas; look out for the Forrabury Stitches, remains of ancient Celtic field strips once used to divide the land. Pop a pasty in your backpack and set off on a coastal walk for stunning views to north and south.

The cliff stroll to Tintagel, a few miles south, takes in old mills and an iron age cliff castle, while the castle at Tintagel itself is popular with sword-brandishing children game enough to scramble up the steep access path and burst through the old gate; in the cliff below an artist has carved the face of legendary Merlin as a fitting memento. Beachgoers can relax at Crackington Haven, just to the north of Boscastle, a sandy stretch of bay with rock pools to explore when the tide is out. Time your visit for the Budelicious Food Festival and stock up on local goodies.