Crantock is a gorgeous little village just a stone’s throw from the sea, perfect for a beach-based Cornish holiday and even better if you’re a keen surfer. Here’s a quick run-down of some of the best beaches in the Crantock area.
Crantock beach itself faces north west with a huge expanse of beautiful golden sand, more than a mile in length, backed by massive sand dunes. The River Gannel ‘s estuary meets the sea at the north end of the beach, separating it from the scenic Pentire Headland. Locals love Crantock beach because it’s relatively remote and quieter than the beaches nearer Newquay. The car park and loos are National Trust-run and there’s also a beach shop and café open through the peak season, and a lifeguard in summer.
Polly Joke cove faces north west and offers more gorgeous sand. It’s a ten minute stroll from the car park at West Pentire so relatively quiet, but there’s easy wheelchair and pushchair access.
Porth beach offers excellent, safe seas for swimming and splashing, great for little kids. There’s an amazing blow hole towards the end of the beach, which blows up vast plumes of frothy water at mid-tide when it’s windy. There’s all the facilities you need too, including shops, loos, cafes and parking close by.
Scenic Lusty Glaze beach is privately owned, recently refurbished and offers fantastic facilities. It’s sheltered, safe and wonderfully well equipped, with things like a creche, a beach bar and restaurant, hire shop, loos, a café and a takeaway.
Fistral beach is west of Towans Head, a popular beach with holidaymakers staying in Newquay itself. It’s huge, with fine golden sand and really good surfing. The dunes provide some shelter and because it faces west, it offers some of Europe’s best surfing. There’s also a lifeguard on Fistral in summer.
Watergate bay is big and open, facing west, two stunning miles of golden sand at the foot of extremely steep, dramatic cliffs. There’s refreshments and a lifeguard all summer.
Holywell Bay is nestled in the dunes by Holywell village, a big sandy beach with large dunes which make wheelchair and pushchair access a challenge. There’s a shallow river that crosses the beach to the south, a shop, loos and a great pub, the St Piran’s Inn.
Towan beach, also known as the Town Beach, is sandy, rocky and large, the closest beach to Newquay town centre. It’s jam packed in summer, offers a little saltwater pool for safe bathing and because it’s protected by the harbour entrance, is nice and sheltered. There’s a lifeguard on watch all summer.
There are countless lovely Cornish coastal cottages to rent for fabulous beach-focused staycations. If beaches are your thing you can’t go far wrong with Cornish cottages holidays!
