The Riverside

The Riverside Overview

First Impressions

Honestly, The Riverside caught me off guard in the best possible way. You know how some places just feel right the moment you walk in? This four-star gem sits right on the harbor in Boscastle, and I mean literally — you can practically touch the water from some windows. The building itself has that weathered Cornish charm that you can’t fake, all stone and character, but inside it’s been thoughtfully updated without losing its soul.

The Location Magic

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of coastal hotels, but this spot is something special. You’re positioned right where the River Valency meets the sea, with the famous Boscastle harbor spread out below you. The couples who rave about this place (apparently giving it a 9.8 for romance) aren’t wrong — there’s something almost cinematic about watching the boats bob in the harbor while you’re having your morning coffee. Plus, you can walk to the Museum of Witchcraft in about two minutes, which is either a selling point or completely irrelevant depending on your interests.

The Room Experience

My room had this perfect balance of cozy and comfortable that’s harder to achieve than you’d think. The windows — and this is key — actually open properly so you can hear the water and get that fresh sea air without the stuffiness you sometimes get in older buildings. The beds are genuinely comfortable (I’m picky about this), and there’s enough space to spread out without feeling like you’re rattling around in a massive suite. What I appreciated most was the attention to small details — proper reading lights, enough outlets, and blackout curtains that actually work.

Breakfast Worth Mentioning

The breakfast situation here is actually impressive. They do a proper Full English that doesn’t feel like it came from a heat lamp, but what surprised me was how well they handle the vegetarian and vegan options — not just an afterthought, you know? I watched them pack breakfast to go for some hikers heading out early on the coastal path, which is a nice touch when you’re in an area where people actually want to get outside and explore. The dining area overlooks the harbor, so even if you’re not a morning person, the view makes it worth getting up for.

Why Guests Love It

There’s this perfect storm of factors that makes The Riverside work so well. You’re in the heart of one of Cornwall’s most photogenic villages, but you’re not dealing with the crowds you’d get in St. Ives or Padstow. The staff genuinely seems to know the area — they’ll point you toward the less obvious coastal walks or tell you when the tide’s right for exploring the rock pools. And honestly, for a four-star place, it doesn’t feel pretentious or overly polished. It’s just a really solid, well-run hotel in an absolutely stunning location that happens to be perfect for couples but works just as well if you’re traveling solo or with friends.

Facilities