The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic
The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic
The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic houses one of the world's largest collections of items relating to witchcraft, the occult and magic, with over 3000 objects. It has been in the picturesque Cornish coastal village of Boscastle since 1960 and is one of Cornwall's most popular museums rated highly on TripAdvisor. The Museum intrigues visitors with its collections of charms, curses, herbs and healing and sea witchcraft. Some of our most popular items are magical tools such as athames, wands and other Wiccan items, objects which were used for scrying such as black mirrors and crystal balls and our collection of protection talismans made by soldiers in the trenches of WWI. The Museum also has an extensive library with other 7000 books and an archive of documents which can be viewed online or visited by appointment. Food, drinks and dogs are NOT allowed in the museum.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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- bigfootfoodieNorth Yorkshire, United Kingdom33 contributionsScattergunLots to see at this museum though it felt distinctly underwhelming. These isles have a fascinating history of witches and folk magic and more could have been made of the social side of things. The "magic" side of things is extensively covered but lacked logical displays and order. It is as if as much stuff as possible is shoehorned in on the basis it will attract those interested. If you in the area for an hour give it a go but honestly not worth a specfic trip. There is far much more of interest in this area.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 January 2023
- donnafox88Gloucestershire, United Kingdom41 contributionsAn absolute must if you're in the areaWe visited this museum as a couple holidaying near Tintagel and i'm so glad we did! Some very fascinating things on display, all with written descriptions. You really get a feel for how these items would have been used. The museum is set in a magical setting, we visited the local cafe, and walked up to the watch tower near by. You really do feel the magic atmosphere here. The museum itself is only small, but there is so much to learn and see. Well set up and organised, and a lovely little souvenir shop near the end. Even if this museum isn't really your thing, but you're in the area, i'd definitely recommend a visit, it's well worth the money.Visited July 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 March 2023
- Chris BCrawley, United Kingdom13 contributionsWell worth a few hours of your time!Not scary, but totally fascinating and absorbing. You come away with the impression that witches were much maligned and misunderstood (I have a friend who is a practicing witch!). Very well laid out and labelled , and not cramped. I went when it was quiet, so had plenty of time to wander, read all the descriptions and absorb the atmosphere.. Some very interesting items on display, quite a lot from relatively recent times. Small but good gift shop area. Friendly and helpful staff. Well worth a visit, and very good value for money (I paid £7) and stay as long as you want. Highly recommended.Visited April 2023Travelled soloWritten 23 April 2023
- OpheliamomSalem, Massachusetts3 contributionsWonderful experience.The exhibit’s were so well curated. The staff were absolutely amazing. And knowing that we were from the states, they took extra time to help us around the town. We would highly recommend this to anyone who is in the area, even if you don’t have any knowledge of witchcraft.Visited April 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 April 2023
- Guide7180933 contributionsDefinitely recommend!Very interesting little museum with lots of information on witchcraft. There were lots of artefacts to look at and lots of information to read, so it was very easy to spend a while in the museum despite it only being small. Information was presented sensitively and respectfully, and there was even a small area for spiritual contemplation. For only £7 per person you can’t really go wrong!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 July 2023
- marcin m76 contributionsSurely not another trite touristy museum!It's not easy to avoid cliches and banality while running this kind of attraction but in this little Boscastle museum you get the feeling of seriousness - even if some of the exhibits seem to be out of this world. Everything is a bit cramped and you may feel claustrophobic but it only compounds the suffocating atmosphere which is crucial to experience this place. No matter how open-minded you are, you should find this place surely interesting.Visited July 2023Written 20 July 2023
- Appleyard1995Manchester, United Kingdom10 contributionsIf you’re in the areaGood and interesting collection to visit , if you’re in the area. If you’re into witchcraft and magic then I’d recommend if not then save the £7. Can feel cramped at peak times as there are narrow corridors and lots to read within them. Could be more welcoming, when we arrived the guy at the counter did not say a word to usVisited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 July 2023
- Laura H13 contributionsFascinating and respectfulWe enjoyed visiting the museum and the owners were very helpful In assisting me to access the upstairs due to my mobility difficulties. There is a range of objects here from a variety of paths of witchcraft and lots of educational information. I was happy to see doreen valiente honored and herbal magick showcased.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 July 2023
- amberfrances92Portsmouth, United Kingdom85 contributionsLittle quirky museum in BoscastleSmall museum in the delightful backdrop of Boscastle. The museum and exhibits are well labelled if perhaps appear slightly dated. The museum also had a strong odour when we visited-perhaps incense? Or maybe it was the exhibits themselves. Not a lot of windows in the museum and the rooms are quite small. Takes about 20mins to go through.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 August 2023
- markbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbDronfield, United Kingdom6 contributionsA fabulous and interesting placeSo many interesting objects! Lots of information and things to read about ( so much so that we took photos to read later as we were in a bit of a rush !) We live in Launceston so was especially interested in the black knotted ribbons which were found around a house in Launceston! Great value for money and helpful staff too.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 August 2023
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4.5
1,349 reviews
Excellent
862
Very good
329
Average
110
Poor
20
Terrible
28
Devon S
Devon, UK8 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Amazing place with so many artefacts you could spend the whole day in here easily if you read every articles description. So fascinating and well put together we will be back again and again. I'm shocked by some of the negative views but I guess If you're the sort of person that expects the entertainment to be all singing and dancing and force fed to you its prob not the place for you. Maybe better suited to Alton towers!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mobile473699
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Really good independent museum with some very unusual and interesting items. Friendly staff, lovely location.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loncat
Cwmbran, UK515 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Visited here whilst working n holiday in the area, and it was the day before Halloween. It’s a lovely little walk from the car park down the riverbank, to find the museum tucked away behind the National Trust cafe.
The museum looks like nothing from outside. It’s tiny. But inside it has a couple of floors with lots of exhibits. Plenty to read and see.
Down points for me is that it’s quite claustrophobic, especially if it’s busy. I had to leave quickly when it got cramped. There was a strong smell of incense/patchouli oil that overwhelmed me and made my head spin.
It’s a nice little distraction for 45 minutes or so. Wouldn’t make a trip just for it, but Boscastle is lovely if you come for the day.
The museum looks like nothing from outside. It’s tiny. But inside it has a couple of floors with lots of exhibits. Plenty to read and see.
Down points for me is that it’s quite claustrophobic, especially if it’s busy. I had to leave quickly when it got cramped. There was a strong smell of incense/patchouli oil that overwhelmed me and made my head spin.
It’s a nice little distraction for 45 minutes or so. Wouldn’t make a trip just for it, but Boscastle is lovely if you come for the day.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica
Chesterfield, UK124 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
As always an honest review...
So we came here this week as part of a trip out and exploring the local area. I have to be honest.. we were disappointed, for the price we paid to the interest and quality.
Cornwall is known for so many myth and legends, and was hoping that the museum really reflected this with some fun and appeal - especially for children, something interactive. However, it was quite lacking and seemed more like a lot of knick knacks that didn't really have the magic charm unfortunately.
So we came here this week as part of a trip out and exploring the local area. I have to be honest.. we were disappointed, for the price we paid to the interest and quality.
Cornwall is known for so many myth and legends, and was hoping that the museum really reflected this with some fun and appeal - especially for children, something interactive. However, it was quite lacking and seemed more like a lot of knick knacks that didn't really have the magic charm unfortunately.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy L W
16 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Having wanted to visit for many years i finally got there and wasn't disappointed. It was lovely to look around and very informative with everything labelled. So much to see whilst walking around. wide range of things linked to lots of different areas of witchcraft and magic. Was quite when we visited and we had time to walk around.
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justjaco
Torquay, UK20 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I love the museum. I visit for my birthday every year. Thanks so much for your preservation of precious artefacts and for keeping the entry prices reasonable. See you next year.
Know thyself ✌️
Know thyself ✌️
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gilly360
Durham, UK37 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Fantastic, fascinating little museum of the occult. Huge range of carefully chosen exhibits. Discretion rightly advised for under 16s. Some of the content is adult (still wished I'd bought a replica 'mushroom' sculpture). I was genuinely frightened by many objects- not for those of nervous disposition and the building felt very creepy! I'd have liked to spent more than an hour looking for closely. The only fault that it was a small building and felt that the museum should limit the number of visitors to reduce crowding.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maxine F
York, UK49 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Fascinating little museum in a lovely setting. Some very interesting items if that is your thing but not wheelchair friendly as it’s on 2 floors
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace O'Malley
18 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Worth a visit if you are in Boscastle. Not interesting to young children but lots of things for adults to read and enjoy. Only took us about 30 minutes to go through it all. Not pushchair or wheelchair friendly.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dylan g
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
I was looking forward to going to the museum of witchcraft but all I saw was a painted doll and dead cat . I felt disappointed and I felt it was a waste of a day ,I didn’t bother taking any photos
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs allowed in the museum
Wolf1877
Wolverhampton, UK17 contributions
No I’m afraid they are not.
WDWdd
Wakefield, UK210 contributions
Hi
We would like to visit the Museum, but it will take us about 1hr to 1 1/2 hours to get there, so were wondering if there's anything else to do within walking distance from the Museum.
And is there a time limit on the car park? (the village one, I think it's called the Cobweb)?
Thank you
Thomas S
5 contributions
There are quite a few shops to look in and if you walk towards the coast, there’s a beautiful coastal walk with incredible views! I’d recommend sensible shoes if you do the walk though as it is quite rocky, but well worth it. Also the Toby jug cafe is good for food.
I don’t think the car park has a time limit but I’d aim to arrive early as the car park fill up quickly.
Jody-Lan C
High Wycombe, UK
Is the museum suitable for kids and if so, what age?
Simon C
London, UK2 contributions
Hello,
This is always a difficult question to answer! Yes it is for children of all ages but some parents choose to not bring some in until they have seen the contents whereas others agree that there are far worse things on TV and the internet. Also, some children are not put off by seeing say, a two headed piglet, whereas as others may not like it. There is nothing gratuitous or obviously shocking at all. Sorry not to be more precise but its a very subjective subject to answer!
We hope to see you next year, MWM
ask me
Wilmington, DE3 contributions
How do I find a cunning woman
In the corn wall and how do one become one
Danielle B
Salt Spring Island, Canada29 contributions
As to how to find a cunningwoman in Cornwall, there may be individuals posting their varied services online or locally. As for how to become one, I would say years of study and practice in a variety of disciplines including but not limited to: folklore, plant medicine, astrology, the history of witchcraft and folkloric/shamanic traditions of early modern Britain. It is not a short road or a direct path, and is more of a vocation or calling rather than a career.
Hello, is this museum accessible by public transport. We are planning a visit to Cornwall (from Canada) in June 2019. We will be relying on public transport. Thank You.
Simon C
London, UK2 contributions
Hello, I'm afraid the closest station is Bodmin Parkway which is about a 40 minute drive from Boscastle. There are a number of taxi companies though who could collect you.
Regards,
Simon
Deborah C
Macclesfield, UK22 contributions
We are considering going to the museum tomorrow and for all the celebrations but we will need to travel an hour and a half to get there. Do people think it would be worth the trip? Advice welcome. Thanks.
Simon C
London, UK2 contributions
Hi Deborah,
Apologies for the late reply but there was so much to get ready that I never had a chance to sit in front of my computer and am just trying to catch up. Hopefully you did make it down as it was a truly magical event and the evening session was very moving.
Yours, MWM
Deborah C
Macclesfield, UK22 contributions
We are considering going to the museum tomorrow and for all the celebrations but we will need to travel an hour and a half to get there. Do people think it would be worth the trip? Advice welcome. Thanks.
Anthony A
Baughurst, UK479 contributions
Definitely, it is so interesting and staff so great. I also expect they will have something extra this weekend
Is this museum suitable for 11 and 9 Yr olds?
Simon C
London, UK2 contributions
Yes I would say so but it depends on their sensitivity I guess. We have much younger children who seem to be fine and find the whole place fascinating. Then others might be worried by something you would never imagine to be a problem.
Caroline C
Poole, UK25 contributions
Would a 13 year old fascinated by ghosts and spirits enjoy a visit here? Is it all reading?
998neil76
Rochester, UK26 contributions
Nope, not all reading, some fantastic objects and well thought out displays. I think they'll be fascinated by it.
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Claim your listingTHE MUSEUM OF WITCHCRAFT AND MAGIC: Tickets, Tours & Tips (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic
- The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic:
- (0.02 mi) Harbour Light, Boscastle. 2bed
- (0.02 mi) 3 bedroom accommodation in Boscastle
- (0.03 mi) The Shippen, a traditional cottage with attractive views and only a 2 minute
- (0.03 mi) Harbour Cottage, Boscastle
- (0.03 mi) HARBOUR COTTAGE, pet friendly, luxury holiday cottage in Boscastle
- Restaurants near The Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic:
- (0.01 mi) National Trust Cafe and shop
- (0.09 mi) The Rocket Store
- (0.12 mi) Bridge House Bed & Breakfast
- (0.09 mi) Boscastle Bakery
- (0.11 mi) The Riverside Restaurant