Crantock Beach

Newquay

Crantock Beach in Newquay is a picturesque stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and the scenic Gannel Estuary, ideal for surfing, swimming, and relaxing in a tranquil setting.

Sandy

Yes

Yes

No

Crantock Beach

Crantock Beach, nestled on the northern coast of Cornwall near Newquay, is a captivating destination renowned for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. This expansive stretch of golden sand, bordered by rolling dunes and the tranquil Gannel Estuary, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you are looking to surf the waves, take a leisurely swim, or simply bask in the scenic surroundings, Crantock Beach provides a picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle. Its unspoiled charm and diverse landscape make it a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a quintessential Cornish coastal experience.

Newquay epitomises the quintessential Cornwall holiday experience, offering a plethora of attractions to delight every visitor. With its picturesque beaches, breathtaking vistas, renowned surf spots, diverse culinary scene, and top-tier art galleries, Newquay is a destination that leaves visitors yearning for more. It's no surprise that people return to Newquay year after year, captivated by its charm and endless array of delights.

About Crantock Beach

Crantock Beach is a stunning coastal gem located near the vibrant town of Newquay in Cornwall. This expansive beach boasts a wide stretch of golden sand, framed by dramatic sand dunes and the gentle flow of the Gannel Estuary. Renowned for its unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance, Crantock Beach offers a peaceful retreat for visitors of all ages. The beach is perfect for a variety of activities, from surfing and swimming to beachcombing and picnicking. With its rich wildlife, scenic walking trails, and breathtaking views, Crantock Beach provides a perfect escape into nature. It is also steeped in history, with the nearby village of Crantock offering charming pubs and a historic church. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Crantock Beach is a must-visit destination on the Cornish coast.

Crantock Beach offers excellent swimming conditions, with its clear, gently shelving waters providing a safe and enjoyable experience for swimmers of all ages. The beach is lifeguarded during the summer months, ensuring an added level of safety for families and individuals alike. The calm waters near the estuary are perfect for a relaxing dip, while more adventurous swimmers can venture out to explore the deeper areas of the bay.

Crantock Beach is a popular spot for surfing and various water sports, thanks to its consistent waves and spacious shoreline. Surfers of all skill levels can enjoy the beach's reliable surf breaks, with the best conditions typically found at low to mid-tide. In addition to surfing, visitors can partake in bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, making Crantock a versatile destination for water sports enthusiasts.

For the convenience of visitors, Crantock Beach is equipped with well-maintained toilet facilities located near the main car park. These amenities include accessible toilets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a comfortable visit to the beach. The facilities are regularly cleaned and open throughout the day, providing essential services for families and individuals spending time at the beach.

At low tide, Crantock Beach reveals an array of fascinating rockpools teeming with marine life. These natural pools are a delight for children and adults alike, offering the chance to discover crabs, starfish, anemones, and other sea creatures up close. The rockpools provide a wonderful educational experience and are a favourite activity for families exploring the beach.

During low tide, Crantock Beach transforms into a vast expanse of sand, exposing extensive areas perfect for beach games, walking, and exploring. The receding waters uncover rockpools and hidden coves, offering a unique opportunity to observe marine life and explore the beach's geological features. Low tide is also an ideal time for surfing, as the waves tend to be more consistent and suitable for all skill levels.

At high tide, Crantock Beach becomes a smaller, more intimate space, with the waves lapping close to the dunes. While the sandy area is reduced, high tide provides excellent conditions for swimming and bodyboarding in the deeper waters. The changing tides also create dynamic landscapes, allowing visitors to experience the beach's beauty in different ways throughout the day.

Crantock Beach Address

Crantock Beach
Crantock
Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 5RN

Map of Crantock Beach

Crantock Beach

How do you get to Crantock Beach

Reaching Crantock Beach by foot is a delightful experience, especially for those who enjoy scenic walks. From Newquay, you can take the South West Coast Path, which offers stunning views of the coastline and the Gannel Estuary. The walk is approximately three miles and includes some challenging sections, but the breathtaking scenery makes it worthwhile. For a shorter walk, there are well-marked footpaths from the village of Crantock, leading directly to the beach through picturesque countryside and dunes.

Driving to Crantock Beach is straightforward and convenient, with ample parking available near the beach. From Newquay, it's a short drive of around ten minutes. Follow signs for Crantock and once in the village, look for signs directing you to the beach parking. The National Trust operates a large car park close to the beach, which is free for members. During peak times, the car park can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.

Public transport offers a convenient way to reach Crantock Beach without the hassle of parking. Several bus services run from Newquay to Crantock village. The most frequent is the 85/85A bus service, which operates regularly throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. From the bus stop in Crantock village, it’s a short and pleasant walk to the beach, taking you through charming local scenery.

Crantock Beach General Information

Beach Type: Sandy

Dog Friendly: All year round

Public Toilets:Conveniently located near the entrance to Holywell Bay Beach, the public toilets are well-maintained and accessible. They provide essential facilities for visitors, including separate units for men, women, and disabled individuals. The presence of these amenities ensures a comfortable beach experience for all.

Accessibility: There is no wheelchair access and very limited access for those with mobility issues.

Lifeguard Cover: Daily 14 May – 25 September
Weekends and October half term 1 October – 30 October
Patrol times 10 am – 6 pm

Crantock Beach FAQs

Are there any facilities or amenities at Crantock Beach?2024-05-16T15:13:45+01:00

Crantock Beach has basic facilities including toilets and seasonal beachside cafés. For more amenities, such as shops and restaurants, you can visit the nearby village of Crantock or Newquay.

Are there lifeguards on duty at Crantock Beach?2024-05-16T15:12:46+01:00

Yes, lifeguards are on duty at Crantock Beach during the summer months, from May to September, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and water activities.

How do I get to Crantock Beach by public transport?2024-05-16T15:14:48+01:00

You can reach Crantock Beach by taking the 85/85A bus service from Newquay, which stops in the village of Crantock. From the village, it’s a short walk to the beach.

Is Crantock Beach dog-friendly?2024-05-16T15:12:21+01:00

Yes, Crantock Beach is dog-friendly year-round, making it an ideal spot for visitors who want to bring their pets. However, please keep your dog under control and clean up after them to maintain the beach’s cleanliness.

Is there parking available at Crantock Beach?2024-05-16T15:13:11+01:00

Yes, there is a large National Trust car park close to the beach, which is free for National Trust members. During peak times, it is advisable to arrive early as the car park can fill up quickly.

Is there wheelchair access to Crantock Beach?2024-05-16T15:14:27+01:00

Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access and very limited access for those with mobility issues, making it challenging for visitors who require such facilities.

What activities can I do at Crantock Beach?2024-05-16T15:14:04+01:00

Crantock Beach is perfect for a variety of activities including swimming, surfing, sunbathing, beachcombing, and exploring the dunes. It’s also a great spot for walking and enjoying the scenic views of the coastline and estuary.

Weather At Crantock

Check the weather forcast for Crantock Beach. Check our weather forcast for the next few days.

Tide Times At Crantock

Planning a beach day at Crantock Beach? Don’t forget to check the tide times today! These are today's tides for Crantock

14 August 2025

Time Type Height
03:19 low 0.69m
09:14 high 6.6m
15:35 low 0.97m
21:37 high 6.71m

15 August 2025

Time Type Height
04:01 low 1.09m
09:57 high 6.26m
16:19 low 1.41m
22:24 high 6.26m

View full 7 day tide times.

Copyright 2025 © Tides Today. By using this data, you are agreeing to the Terms and Conditions


Go to Top