Tucked away in Cornwall, Boscastle is a tiny village with its own island, The Meachard, a dramatic, wave-battered rock where absolutely no one lives
Tucked away on the rugged north coast of Cornwall lies Boscastle, a charming little village with an unexpected secret: its very own uninhabited island. Just offshore sits The Meachard, a jagged hunk of rock rising from the sea, mysterious, dramatic, and completely deserted.
Boscastle itself is a picture-perfect fishing village, complete with a winding harbour, historic cottages and stunning coastal walks. It’s a favourite for artists, walkers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape .
The Meachard is uninhabitable, lashed by waves and home only to seabirds and the odd curious seal. At low tide, it’s possible to glimpse more of its dramatic shape from the coastal path.
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Though no one lives on The Meachard, it’s long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Some even call it “the sleeping dragon” because of its distinctive shape from a distance.
Boscastle is also steeped in myth and magic, it’s home to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic , one of the most unique attractions in the UK. The village has a long history of folklore, spells, and Cornish legend.
The area was famously hit by devastating floods in 2004, but the village has been lovingly restored and still retains its quaint charm. Walk along the harbour wall for dramatic views of the sea, and The Meachard in the distance.
For walkers, the South West Coast Path offers stunning cliffside routes around the village. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seabirds, and even the occasional basking shark.
Local pubs like The Cobweb Inn serve up hearty Cornish fare and local ales in cosy, low-ceilinged rooms. After a day exploring, there’s no better spot to tuck into fish and chips by the fire.
The Meachard may not be reachable, but it adds a wild and romantic quality to Boscastle’s already enchanting atmosphere. It’s the sort of place that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Legend has it smugglers once used the area for secret landings, with caves and crevices dotting the coastline. It’s easy to imagine pirates pulling in under cover of darkness with The Meachard watching silently offshore.
Boscastle is perfect for a quiet weekend away, with guesthouses and B&Bs nestled among the hills. There’s no shortage of cream teas, artisan shops and sea views to keep you entertained.
Wild, windswept, and delightfully eerie, The Meachard adds a touch of drama to Boscastle’s postcard-perfect charm. It’s proof that even the smallest villages can hold the biggest surprises.
Interestingly enough, “Meachard” is thought to come from the Cornish word meas kerthe, meaning “place of thickets”, though today, not a soul lives there. It remains nature’s fortress, untouched and unclaimed.
For those chasing quiet beauty, folklore, and rugged coastal views, Boscastle and its silent sentinel island offer something truly special. Just don’t expect any neighbours.