Its ancient harbour, though tiny and often perilous, has seen the comings and goings of thousands of ships from sail to steam. Author and poet, Thomas Hardy came here in 1870 to meet his future bride, Emma Gifford. Local churches, landmarks and ancient buildings became the setting for his novel A Pair of Blue Eyes and feature in much of his poetry. J.B. Priestley also had a home nearby. More recently, the terrible events of August 2004 propelled the village onto the world's front pages. The worst storms in living memory brought a deluge of water down the valley and through the harbour. Much of the damage has been repaired and buildings restored. The village now boasts a fine new Visitor Centre where you can learn more about Boscastle and the surrounding area. Today tourism is the mainstay of the community. The picturesque harbour is now home to a wide variety of eating places, pubs, shops and Cornwall's own Museum of Witchcraft. Spend time wandering the magnificent coast path, follow in Hardy's footsteps along the Valency Valley or enjoy a leisurely stroll on any one of a dozen or more scenic footpaths.