Crantock Beach is a picturesque and popular beach located in the coastal village of Crantock, which is part of the civil parish of St Columb Major in Cornwall, England. Known for its golden sands, clear waters, and beautiful natural surroundings, the beach is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Location and Accessibility:
Crantock Beach is situated approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) southeast of Newquay and 8 miles (12.9 kilometers) northwest of St. Austell. It is easily accessible by car with a large car park nearby. During the peak season, there is a Park and Ride service available to manage traffic and parking.Crantock Beach is a stunning destination for a family holiday in Cornwall, offering a picturesque setting, a variety of activities, and numerous accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. The each at Crantock is a wide stretch of sand.
Sheltered between two headlands this is a perfect spot for family holidays
and days on the sand - Crantock beach is patrolled by lifeguards
throughout the summer and is ideal for surfing and swimming, with
plenty of rock pools and caves to explore. Hire of surf boards and
lessons are also available.
Toilets and showers
Lifeguard service during the summer months
First aid facilities
RNLI lifeboat station
Beach cafe and shop for refreshments
Disabled access with ramps leading to the beach
Lifeguarded areas with designated flags for safe swimming and water sports
A short distance around the headland is a delightful little
cove known as Polly Joke; a totally unspoilt beach with only cliffs,
ocean and sand to enjoy.
Here's a sample 7-day itinerary to help you plan your family holiday at Crantock Beach:
- **Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time
- Arrive at your accommodation in the morning or early afternoon.
- Check-in and settle into your holiday home or hotel.
- Spend the rest of the day at Crantock Beach, which is only a short walk away. Enjoy the golden sands, clear waters, and surf-friendly waves.
- Relax with a picnic lunch or grab a bite at one of the nearby cafes or pubs.
- In the evening, explore the local village and get acquainted with the area.
- **Day 2: Surfing Lessons and Newquay Zoo**
- Start the day with a family surfing lesson at the local surf school on Crantock Beach.
- After lunch, head to Newquay Zoo for an afternoon of wildlife encounters. The zoo is a 10-minute drive from Crantock Beach.
- Return to your accommodation and enjoy a BBQ dinner at your place or dine out at one of the family-friendly restaurants in the area.
- **Day 3: Padstow and the Camel Estuary**
- Take a scenic drive to Padstow, a charming fishing village known for its seafood and picturesque harbour.
- Explore the town, visit the Padstow Seal Sanctuary, or take a boat trip along the Camel Estuary.
- Have lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants in Padstow.
- Spend the afternoon on the beach or walking along the South West Coast Path.
- Return to Crantock Beach for sunset.
- **Day 4: Eden Project and Biomes**
- Visit the world-famous Eden Project, about a 30-minute drive from Crantock Beach.
- Spend the day exploring the stunning biomes, which house thousands of plant species from around the globe.
- Take part in the family-friendly activities and workshops available on-site.
- Have dinner at one of the restaurants within the Eden Project or bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds.
- **Day 5: Water Sports and Relaxation**
- Spend the morning trying out various water sports available at the beach, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or bodyboarding.
- After lunch, visit the nearby Polzeath Beach for a change of scenery and more beach fun.
- In the evening, treat yourselves to a spa treatment or a massage at one of the local wellness centers to relax.
- **Day 6: Day Trip to St. Ives**
- Drive to the picturesque town of St. Ives, approximately 1 hour from Crantock Beach.
- Explore the narrow streets lined with art galleries, shops, and cafes.
- Visit the Tate St. Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
- Enjoy a cream tea at one of the traditional tearooms.
- Return to Crantock Beach in the evening for a quiet dinner and some quality family time.
- **Day 7: Local Attractions and Departure**
- On your last day, visit the nearby National Trust property, Trerice, to explore the Elizabethan manor house and gardens.
- If the weather is good, consider visiting the Lappa Valley Steam Railway for a fun family day out.
- Before you leave, make sure to visit the Crantock Beach Café for a farewell meal with a view of the beach.
- Depart from Crantock Beach, taking with you the memories of a fabulous family holiday.
Remember to check opening times and availability for all attractions and activities before your trip. Also, the weather in Cornwall can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to have a flexible plan and alternative activities in mind for rainy days, such as visiting the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay or the Dairyland Farm World.