
With sea-view dining, wild walking and gnarly surfing, Crantock is a perfect get-away-from-it-all destination on the North Cornwall coast.
This beautiful village and parish is best known for its expansive beach on the banks of the Gannel, and is just next across the river from popular Newquay. With wonderful beauty spots, places to eat, and stunning sea views all around, Crantock has everything you need for a restorative break by the sea.
Read on for more about this popular holiday destination, or start searching through our cottages in Crantock by clicking the button below.
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The history of Crantock village
This quaint and quiet village has its origins in the fifth century when a group of Irish missionaries built an oratory where Crantock is now, and it’s believed that the parish was later named after the sixth-century saint, Carantoc.
Today, large areas of the parish are now managed by the National Trust, who ensure the beach and wild spaces around it can be enjoyed by visitors and generations to come.

Crantock Beach
The stunning sandy shores of Crantock Beach wrap around the bay and provide miles of soft sand for you, your kids and the family dog to run and play on. Visitors are asked to take extra care around the sand dunes, which are beautiful but unstable, and stick to the paths.
It’s a wonderful spot for swimming and water sports, however, it’s set on the Gannel estuary which sometimes causes strong currents. The RNLI strongly advises swimming only when lifeguards are on duty.
Good to know:
Location and parking: National Trust Car Park TR8 5RN – please note, there is a vehicle height barrier (2.1m) at the entrance and it’s open 9am-5pm (April to October)
Lifeguards: Seasonal lifeguard cover is in place (check the National Trust website for the 2025 season)
Facilities: Toilets (with baby changing) and a coffee van – more facilities including shop and pub available in the village (0.5 miles)

Crantock Beach FAQs
Is it safe to swim at Crantock Beach?
This enchanting coastal setting looks peaceful yet the waters are known to be temperamental. The RNLI strongly advise to only go swimming when you know lifeguards are on duty.
Are dogs allowed on Crantock Beach?
Yes, dogs are currently allowed on Crantock Beach all year. You’ll find plenty of wonderful footpaths and green spaces where your dog can roam too, although please keep an eye out for signs when exploring away from the beach.
How busy is Crantock Beach?
It can get incredibly busy during the height of summer as it’s a well-known beauty spot. When the tide is out there’s a large amount of sand exposed but do be prepared for a busy beach if you’re visiting during a particularly hot, sunny day.
Popular Crantock places to eat
Here we’ve detailed our three top places to eat in and near Crantock. Special mention goes to Cargo Coffee, a converted cargo lorry serving coffee and cake that’s located right by Crantock Beach, and C-Bay Bar & Bistro, a popular seafront eatery over in West Pentire offering superb views out over Crantock Bay.

Jam Jar Kitchen
Pop in at the super stylish and popular Jam Jar Kitchen for fresh smoothies, bakes just out of the oven, or to tuck into their authentic wood-fired pizzas. It’s a café and pizzeria in one and is a real favourite among locals. Please note that this café closes for winter, and opens its doors again during the spring and summer seasons.
Good to know:
- Location: Langurroc Rd, Crantock, Newquay TR8 5RB
- Opening times: 9am–8.45pm (spring and summer only – closed winter months)
- Why not try: A Camembert starter, a wood-fired pizza main (we hear the pepperoni is popular!), and wash it all down with one of their fresh smoothies

Old Albion Inn
Right in the heart of the village, The Old Albion Inn is a charming old pub that offers a warm welcome year-round. It’s a real staple of the village and filled to the rafters with history, dating back around 400 years. It’s believed to have been named after a ship built in the Gannel shipyard that’s located about a mile away.
- Location: Langurroc Rd, Crantock, Newquay TR8 5RB (on the same road as Jam Jar Kitchen)
- Opening times: 12pm–11pm (hours vary, call ahead to confirm and book a table)
- Why not try: For a real taste of the sea, tuck into a portion of their award-winning catch-of-the-day fish and chips

The Bowgie Inn
While The Bowgie Inn isn’t in Crantock itself, it’s just 1 mile down the road in nearby Pentire; it’s well worth a visit if you’re staying in the area. It’s a lovely, light, bright space with big windows, a beer garden and a good-sized terrace, so you’ll get the benefit of impressive views across the Gannel, Crantock Beach and Polly Joke Beach.
- Location: West Pentire, Newquay TR8 5SE
- Opening times: 11.00am–6.30pm daily (closing times can vary dependant on the bookings they have that day)
- Why not try: With all the classic pub offerings to suit every member of the family, we reckon a classic burger and chips wouldn’t go amiss after a cliff walk
Things to do in Crantock
Being in a stunning position by the sea, Crantock is home to a host of beauty spots and chances for adventure and escape. It’s also right by one of Cornwall’s top coastal resorts, Newquay, so you won’t be short of wonderful attractions to visit during your holiday.

Take a photo amongst the Polly Joke Poppies
This stunning sight – a field filled with red poppies against a backdrop of cliffs and sea – is an annual favourite among locals and is sure to blow you away. Found on the South West Coast Path in West Pentire, this attraction could be considered something of a hidden gem because it’s entirely dependent on the time of year, so not everyone gets the chance to experience these fields. If you happen to be heading to Cornwall around May or June, make this beauty spot a place to add to your holiday bucket list.
- Location and parking: You can choose between two privately owned, pay and display car parks – West Pentire Car Park or Polly Joke Car Park (both West Pentire TR8 5SE)
- Opening times: This section of coast path is always open, but the poppies are at their best during May or June

Surf, SUP or kayak with Big Green Adventures
For anyone in search of adventure and keen to get close to the water, Big Green Adventures enjoy sharing their love for surf and sea with visitors and locals alike – or as they put it, ‘share the stoke’! They offer equipment hire and one-off sessions in surfing, paddleboarding, Monster SUP, kayaking, bodyboarding and coasteering, great for groups, couples or families with kids eager to try something new.
- Location and parking: National Trust Car Park, Beach Rd, Crantock, Newquay TR8 5RN
- Opening times: 8.30am–5.30pm | phone ahead to book your activity

Walk the South West Coast Path
With sea and cliff views all around, don’t miss a breathtaking hike along the rugged and winding coastal path. The Crantock and the Gannel Circular Walk is a great route to follow as it leads you by the sea and across fields, before taking you back to your start point just outside the village. This circular route was 4.5 miles and considered to be easy/moderate. There are pubs in Crantock, and a café and toilets by the beach.
- Location and parking: Park up by the beach – National Trust Car Park TR8 5RN – please note, there is a vehicle height barrier (2.1m) at the entrance and it’s open 9am-5pm (April to October)
- Opening times: All year – spring and autumn are good times of year if you’re seeking less crowds and both offer the chance for good weather

Discover nearby Newquay
This is just an excuse for us to list a whole lot of wonderful attractions in one go. Newquay is just 3.5 miles from peaceful Crantock, and bursting with fantastic things to do and places to go. Meet animals at Newquay Zoo, see creatures from the deep at Blue Reef Aquarium or shop and dine your way through the stylish surf shops and cafes in the heart of the town. We have a fantastic guide to Newquay which will offer you more insight into this thriving surfing hub.
- Location and parking: Newquay has no shortage of options for parking – Harbour Car Park (S Quay Hill, Newquay TR7 1HR) and Manor Car Park (St Michael's Rd, Newquay TR7 1RA) are two Cornwall Council car parks close to the centre
Newquay cottages
Map of our top places in and near Crantock
We’ve created a map of Crantock as a way to round up all of these top beauty spots, attractions and eateries, and help you plan your trip to this ancient coastal village.
Our Crantock cottages
Escape to one of our charming cottages in Crantock. From cosy farmhouses to modern holiday lets with sea views, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect holiday home for your next North Cornwall break.
Crantock cottages