Holiday rentals in Crantock

Located two miles south of England’s surfing capital of Newquay — one of the most famous spots in Cornwall — Crantock is a small village and beach that feels a world apart. While that big, lively resort with its nightlife and shopping is just on the other side of the Gannel Estuary, Crantock is a mild-mannered enclave of thatched cottages, an ancient pub, a church, and a surf shop. Behind the village is Crantock’s gorgeously unspoilt beach, where turquoise water, rock pools, dunes, and caves conjure a slice of coastal heaven. There’s good surf here, too, with lifeguard cover from late May to September, as well as a nice cafe. Plenty more similarly lovely coves lie along the South West Coast Path, including pristine Polly Joke, then the wider Holywell Bay, popular with swimmers and surfers. You’re in a great position here for exploring this magnificent county.

Summer is a heavenly time to be in Cornwall, when the weather is glorious and the beaches are as nice as any in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Wildflowers fill the grasslands of Pentire Point West in spring, and fields of brilliant red poppies bloom in June and July. However, many prefer the lack of crowds and bigger surf waves of the off-season. In winter, stronger winds and bigger swells attract committed wave jockeys. The hire shop at the beach rents winter wetsuits. Famous spots nearby are very busy in peak season, especially during school holidays, but there’s always somewhere to escape to in Crantock. Summer festivals include the mega Boardmasters Surf, Skate and Music Festival in August on Fistral Beach, and Tunes in the Dunes at Perranporth.

The Gannel Estuary

Between the West Pentire Headland and Crantock, and the Pentire headland and Newquay on the other side, runs the Gannel Estuary, a shallow tidal river where schooners and barges once carried cargoes of coal and timber. On this south side, a footpath runs beside a strip of beach, fun for families. Spot wading egrets, trout skipping through the water, and evidence of old boatyards and moorings.

Piper’s Hole

A crevice in the rocks at the southern end of Crantock Beach is abundant with seabirds, and at low tide it’s possible to explore a cave here to see some 100-year-old rock carvings of animals and a human profile.

Concrete Waves

Skateboarders should go for a session at this superb skatepark in Newquay, considered one of the best in the United Kingdom. And best of all, it’s free! Even if you’ve never pulled an ollie, it’s a fun spot to watch the local talent perfect their tricks on the street run, bowl, stair set, and retro-style pool.