Name: Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
Rating: 5.0

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0HD, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is an independent museum located in the harbor village of Boscastle, offering one of the best things to do with kids in North Cornwall. It houses the world's largest collection of items related to magic, folklore, and the occult. Families can explore thousands of curious objects, from ancient charms to modern ritual tools, in a setting that feels like a real-life Diagon Alley.

General admission is straightforward, with prices starting from £5 for children and £8 for adults. Because the museum is privately funded, every ticket goes directly toward preserving these unusual historical artifacts.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that is a little bit different, this is the perfect spot. It provides a fascinating educational day out where older children can dive into the history of social beliefs and folklore. It is a high-ranking destination for those who want to see the darker and more mysterious side of British history through interactive exhibits and storytelling.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Protective Charms: Discover a collection of everyday objects like shoes and dried cats that were hidden in walls to ward off evil.
Viking Magic: See specific artifacts related to Norse mythology and the runic symbols used for protection.
The Wise Woman’s Cottage: A detailed reconstruction showing how a local herbalist or healer would have lived and worked.
Modern Magic Gallery: See items used by 20th-century practitioners, explaining how traditions have evolved into the present day.
The Mandrake Root: A real, preserved mandrake root that looks eerily like a tiny human, often a favorite for fans of fantasy fiction.
Cunning Folk Artifacts: Learn about the "white witches" of Cornwall and the charms they created for local farmers.
The Library: While access is restricted, you can see the spines of thousands of rare occult books through the glass.
Alchemical Equipment: Strange glass vessels and tools used by early scientists who were trying to turn lead into gold.
Wax Poppets: See historical examples of dolls used for both healing and "cursing" in folk magic traditions.
The "Folklore of the Sea" Exhibit: A brand-new temporary exhibition for 2026 focusing on Cornish maritime myths and mermaid legends.

Facilities

Museum Shop: Famous for its unique selection of books, incense, and local Cornish charms.
Toilets: Public toilets are located just outside the museum in the main harbor car park.
Buggy Parking: Due to the narrow aisles and historic building, buggies are not permitted inside; carriers are recommended.
Food Options: The museum doesn't have a cafe, but the Harbour Farm Shop and The Riverside are just steps away.

What to see

Pro-Tips

Visit Early: The museum is small and can get very crowded; arriving at opening time ensures a much better view of the smaller items.
Parental Guidance: Some exhibits deal with historical persecution and include skeletons or spooky imagery; it's worth doing a quick walk-ahead if your child is sensitive.
Evening Events: Keep an eye out for their candlelight evenings, which offer a completely different atmosphere for older kids.

What Visitors Love

The Detail: Parents love how every inch of the museum is packed with interesting objects and detailed labels.
The Atmosphere: The quirky, slightly mysterious vibe is a huge hit with families who enjoy the Harry Potter or Wednesday aesthetic.
Value for Money: At under £10 per person, it is often cited as one of the most affordable high-quality attractions in Cornwall.

What Visitors Don't Like

Accessibility: The narrow walkways and small rooms can make it difficult to navigate during peak summer hours.
Not for Toddlers: Many parents note that it’s more of a "looking" museum than a "doing" one, so very young children might get bored.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adults: £8
Children (Ages 6-17): £5
Under 5s: Free

Pricing URL: https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/visit/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Opening hours 10:00 – 17:30 ( last entry 16:30 ).
Open from early April (check date with front page of website) to October 31st 2026.

Address: The Harbour, Boscastle, Cornwall, PL35 0HD, England

Post Code: PL35 0HD

Council: Cornwall

County: Cornwall

By Car: Use the main Boscastle Car Park (PL35 0HE); the museum is a 2-minute walk toward the harbor.
By Bus: The 95 bus service connects Boscastle with Bude, Tintagel, and Wadebridge.