Crantock beach is a National Trust beach just outside Newquay. The river Gannel runs through the sand, with crystal clear water that glows a stunning turquoise under the sun. It’s is dog friendly all year round and there are seasonal RNLI lifeguards situated at two points; one on the Gannel and one overlooking the sea.
The beach is family friendly, however there can be strong currents, so stick to the designated swimming areas between the red and yellow flags. You can hire surf equipment from the Big Green Surf School, who are based in the car park. It’s free to park at Crantock if you’re a National Trust member, however their day rates are reasonable for non members too.
It’s a bit of a scramble to get to the beach, as you have to navigate the sand dunes! There is a flatter walk round if you don’t fancy a climb, however it’s a very sandy beach and can be uneven underfoot. If you’re letting your dog off lead in the sand dunes, be prepared for grass seeds and burs! Woody ran off in search of birds to chase and came back covered in prickles and thorns!
There are toilet facilities in the car park and local amenities near by. Crantock village is a short walk away, with pubs, cafés and gift shops. If you’d rather a long walk with your dog, you can follow the coastal path to Holywell Bay. In summer poppy fields are in full bloom along the walk, making the perfect backdrop for photographs. The walk is just under 5 miles and takes you past plenty of dog friendly beaches.
Woody and I love visiting Crantock on summer evenings. He enjoys chasing seagulls across the sand dunes like a nutter. I on the other hand prefer relaxing in the sand and taking in the stunning views. I am envious of whoever lives on the cliff face the other side, waking up to views of the Gannel each day must be such a treat!
Just a 10 minute drive and you’re in Newquay, which is an incredibly dog friendly and surf obsessed town. In summer Newquay hosts the famous Boardmasters, a surf, skate and music festival on the beach. It can get quite busy at this time of year but Crantock always retains a sense of peace, tranquility and calm.
If you’re looking for a piece of the Caribbean in Cornwall, look no further than Crantock. The sand is so fine and golden here and the dunes add a tropical feel to the beach. With so much sand to enjoy at both high and low tide, Crantock is a great place to spend a day with family and friends.
Crantock is dog friendly all year round. Woody always has plenty of new friends to play with whenever we visit. The beach is secluded and set back from the carpark by sand dunes. This is ideal for Woody, as he loves to run and I’m always worried he might get hurt if a beach is too close to the road. It also means he can’t run too far, so when he’s over excited and off chasing seagulls I know he’s still be nearby.
Have you visited Crantock beach? If so, what did you think?
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