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Boscastle, Cornwall

The Gaffer

The National Trust building in Boscastle, with the entrance to The Gaffer and The Clinker down the lane, closest to the lime kiln wall, Cornwall
The National Trust building in Boscastle, with the entrance to The Gaffer through the furthest door on the right, Cornwall | © National Trust/Mike Henton
The open-plan room with king-size bed, sofa and television at The Gaffer, Cornwall
A view of the coast where the River Valency flows into the sea, near The Gaffer, Cornwall

The Gaffer

This simple little apartment is in the hub of Boscastle, a picture-postcard harbour and village surrounded by walks.

Grid of 20 images
The open-plan room with king-size bed, sofa and television at The Gaffer, Cornwall
A view of the coast where the River Valency flows into the sea, near The Gaffer, Cornwall
The National Trust building in Boscastle, with the entrance to The Gaffer and The Clinker down the lane, closest to the lime kiln wall, Cornwall
The external door to the stairs that lead to The Gaffer and The Clinker, Cornwall
The entrance hall with coat hooks at The Gaffer, Cornwall
The king-size bed and wardrobe in the open-plan room at The Gaffer, Cornwall
The foldable dining table with two chairs in the open-plan room at The Gaffer, Cornwall
The sitting room area with sofa, television and dining table in the open-plan room at The Gaffer, Cornwall
The open-plan room with sofa, king-size bed and wardrobe at The Gaffer, Cornwall
The kitchen at The Gaffer, with cooker, hob, dishwasher, microwave and fridge, Cornwall
The bathroom, with shower over bath, at The Gaffer, Cornwall
The National Trust building in Boscastle, with the entrance to The Gaffer and The Clinker down the lane, closest to the lime kiln wall, Cornwall
The top of the stone lime kiln, with vegetation hanging over the wall, opposite The Gaffer, Cornwall
The shared garden of The Gaffer, The Clinker and The Lugger, with outdoor tables and chairs. It is an enclosed, lawned garden with shrubs, on top of old lime kiln, opposite the apartments, Cornwall
The shared garden of The Gaffer, The Clinker and The Lugger, with outdoor tables and chairs. It is an enclosed, lawned garden with shrubs, on top of old lime kiln, opposite the apartments, Cornwall
A view of the Valency River, running through Boscastle, and a small stone bridge crossing it, Cornwall
A view of the harbour from Boscastle, Cornwall
Crooked buildings and a bridge across the river in the village of Boscastle, Cornwall
A view of Boscastle from the harbour, Cornwall
Boscastle Harbour, with boats beached at low tide, near The Gaffer, Cornwall

© National Trust/Mike Henton

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This simple little apartment is in the hub of Boscastle, a picture-postcard harbour and village surrounded by walks.

  • Guests

    2

    Bedrooms

    1

    Acorn rating

    1What's this?

    Number of dogs welcome

    0

    Reference

    011100

    In the heart of the unspoilt village of Boscastle, The Gaffer is in a whitewashed, former pilchard cellar on the banks of the Valency River. The building also houses the National Trust café and shop, and two more National Trust holiday apartments. The National Trust second-hand bookshop is nearby. Boscastle is a bustling village with pubs, tea-rooms, restaurants and a farm shop. There’s great walking of all kinds, from level, riverside strolls through the village to trails off into the valley’s ancient woodland and out onto the cliffs for sea views. You can loop onto the South West Coast Path from here.

    Set back from the riverside, The Gaffer’s entrance is a few steps off the road, and the apartment is on the first floor towards the back of the building. The open-plan living space looks across to the wall of a lime kiln from the 1800s, a reminder of Boscastle’s past as a busy 19th-century port, with goods brought in by boat and then hauled up the steep hills that surround the village by teams of horses. The old kiln’s mossy walls attract butterflies and birds. On top of the kiln, you’ll find your enclosed cottage garden which is shared with the other apartments. It’s a lovely place to sit for the evening.

    Boscastle is teeming with wildlife. Look out for wildflowers, sea birds and the seals that bob around in and around the harbour.

    As well as the neighbouring apartments, The Clinker (sleeps two) and The Lugger (sleeps three), you’ll find Harbour View (sleeps five, dog friendly) in Boscastle overlooking the quayside. They can be booked together.

    Layout

    First floor: Hallway. Open-plan room with king-size bed, fitted wardrobe, sofa, television and table for two. Small kitchen. Bathroom with shower over bath.

    Outside space

    Shared, enclosed garden on top of old lime kiln with natural cottage planting and table and chairs for each apartment.

    What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?

    • Wi-Fi, available
    • Garden, available
    • EV charging, not available
    • Fridge, available
    • Freezer, not available
    • Microwave, available
    • Open fire / wood burner, not available
    • Television, available
    • DVD, available
    • Washing machine, not available
    • Dishwasher, available
    • Tumble dryer, not available
    • Cot & high chair, available

Things to see and do in Boscastle

Boscastle 

A sheltered natural inlet with an unspoilt harbour village

Cornwall

Fully open today
A view into Boscastle harbour and village

Boscastle Harbour walk 

Cornwall

A gentle walk around the scenic village of Boscastle, taking in the river, the ancient harbour, and the famous blowhole.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Man and two women walking with dog along path beside harbour at low tide, with village behind them

Boscastle and the Valency Valley walk 

Cornwall

Explore the cliffs above Boscastle's medieval harbour before traversing the peaceful woodland and riverside path in the Valency Valley on this wonderful walk

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)
A path cutting through dense overgrowth on either side

Exploring the area...

Pentire 

Pentire is an exceptionally beautiful headland with far reaching views and managed for wildlife.

near Wadebridge, Cornwall

Fully open today
A view out to sea of a curving headland, the Rumps, at Pentire, Cornwall

Tintagel Old Post Office 

One of the Trust's most delightful medieval buildings, enhanced by a cottage garden

Tintagel, Cornwall

Fully open today
Tintagel Old Post Office viewed from above showing its wonky roof and position in the landscape.

Port Quin 

A peaceful sheltered inlet on an outstanding stretch of unspoilt coast

near Polzeath, Cornwall

Fully open today
Canoes and kayaks on the beach at Port Quin, Cornwall

Trevose Head 

Jutting into the Atlantic, Trevose Head commands views for miles along the coast

near Padstow, Cornwall

Fully open today
Trevose Head jutting out into the Atlantic ocean in Cornwall

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