In contrast with the National Trust tea rooms, ice cream stands and coastal path, this little museum, dedicated to the nations’ love of the magical and mystical, is a must-see for visitors seeking something a little different from their day by the coast.
The museum of Witchcraft was created by Cecil Williamson back in 1951, initially in Stratford-upon-Avon but after local outrage moved to the Isle of Man, before finally opening in Boscastle in 1960. Over the years he collected and curated a fabulous collection of magical objects, before selling the museum in 1996 to Graham King, who famously oversaw the burial of supposed witch Joan Wytte whose skeleton had been on display in the museum for many years.
As well as expanding the collection to the size it is today, the owner was also the first to raise the alarm when floods hit Boscastle in 2004 and as a result managed to save most of the museum’s objects.
Today, the museum is home to some 3000 objects and over 7000 books, drawing visitors from all over the world. It takes about an hour to explore this unique spot; each small room crammed with artefacts and oddities to marvel at, with everything from the world of Wicca through to the mysterious occultist Aleister Crowley. A truly fascinating place.
The museum is open daily from 1st April to 31st October, Monday to Saturday 10.30am – 6pm and Sundays 11.30 – 6pm (last entry is at 5pm). They also have special late-night candlelit evenings – visit the website for dates.
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The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, The Harbour, Boscastle PL35 0HD | 01840 250 111 | museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk
