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Crantock Beach
An expanse of golden sand, great for sandcastles and surfing
North Cornwall coast, near Newquay, Cornwall
Important notice
Following spring tides and wintry weather, we’re asking visitors to take extra care around the dune system at Crantock beach. Please stay clear from the base of the sand cliffs and do not allow children to play near them.
Opening times for 2 May 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Car park height restriction barrier (2.1m) in place. Barrier open Easter to October, 9am until 5pm. Sorry, no out of hours opening service.
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Ticket type Gift aid Standard Whole day (from 1 March 2024) £9.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Car park
Can get extremely busy during peak times of year. If the car park is full please use an alternative private car park (charges apply to all) or come back another time. There is a vehicle height barrier (2.1m) at the car park entrance which is open from 9am until 5pm, April to October. The barrier is closed overnight with no out of hours opening service.
Kiosk
Cargo Coffee (not National Trust) offer hot and cold drinks, fresh sandwiches and sweet treats from a quirky truck on the beach. Available April to October.
Dogs
Dogs welcome all year but under control, particularly around other visitors and on Rushy Green. Dog poo bins in car park. Water available when staff present.
Toilet
Toilets and baby change in car park
Blue Badge parking. Uneven ground with steps to the coastal path. Patchy phone signal. Vehicle height restriction barrier (2.1m) when staff not present.
Designated parking
Steps/uneven terrain
Access to beach level in part but uneven and soft underfoot. Steps and uneven paths to the south west coast path
By road
From Newquay take the A3075 towards Goonhavern. Take right turn following local signage. Height restriction barrier at Crantock car park (2.1m), open when car park is manned (9am-5pm April to October).
Parking: National Trust car parks at Crantock (TR8 5RN; SW789607), Porth Joke (SW776599) and Holywell (TR8 5PF; SW767586). Parking free for National Trust members, National Trust for Scotland members and Blue Badge holders. Pay and display machines don't accept card payment, notes or issue change. You can also pay using PayByPhone. We suggest downloading the App before you visit as mobile reception can be patchy. Prices for non-members: £2 up to 1hr, £4 up to 4hrs, £8 all day.
Sat Nav: Use TR8 5RN.
On foot
On the South West Coast Path, which runs through the National Trust car park and across Rushey Green (at the back of the beach and dunes).
By train
Nearest station Newquay 4 miles (6.4km). On a branch line.
By bus
Go Cornwall service number 85/85A between Newquay and Truro. Bus stop is by the round garden in Crantock village - approximately 1/2 mile from the beach.
By ferry
A small seasonal ferry runs across the Gannel for foot passengers. More information can be found at www.fernpit.co.uk.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Crantock Beach
Crantock Beach is very popular and can be extremely busy throughout the day during peak times. Find out more about what to consider when planning your visit.
Eating at Crantock Beach
Cargo Coffee (not National Trust) offer hot and cold drinks, fresh sandwiches and sweet treats from a quirky truck on the beach. Easter to October. Here is a link to their Facebook page. Check here for current opening information.
Article
Visiting Crantock Beach with your dog
Crantock Beach is a one pawprint rated place, and a great place for a walk with your dog. Take a look at these top tips to make the most of your visit.
Highlights
Beach
Popular beach, an expanse of golden sand backed by dramatic dunes. Unpredictable currents so please note safety information.
Rushy Green
An undulating grassy plateau beyond the dunes. Criss-crossed with footpaths, but look out for sheer edges to the dunes.
West Pentire
A headland south of Crantock Beach. The farmland is managed as a nature reserve for plants and wildlife.
Gannel Estuary
Heading inland from the beach and an important habitat for wildlife, particularly birds such as curlews and oystercatchers.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Crantock Beach
Explore Crantock Beach and the surrounding area, with plenty to do on your visit from a relaxing walk to surfing amongst the waves. Find out how to make the most of your time and information on staying safe.
Top trails
Trail
Cubert wildlife walk, Cornwall
Discover plenty of opportunity to spot flora and wildlife in every season on this varied walk along the National Trust's coastline near Newquay.
Trail
Cubert Common walk
Explore an easy 1-mile trail at the National Trust's Cubert Common in Cornwall and discover a wealth of nature and wildlife across open grassland. Look out for wildflowers and skylarks with sounds of the ocean to accompany you on this walk.
Eating
Eating at Crantock Beach
Seasonal refreshments are available at Crantock Beach. A concession (not National Trust) offers a takeaway selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, homemade cakes, pastries and ice cream.
Places to stay
The West Wing
Live in the historic house of Trerice where views extend over the gardens and countryside.
Skipper's Cabin
A cosy shepherd’s hut in a secluded valley close to Porthcothan beach.
Trescore
Cosy up against the log burner in this two-bedroom coastal retreat as the sun descends below the horizon.
Porth Mear Cottage
This traditional Cornish cottage has views for miles over countryside and out to Trevose Head.
Porth Mear Barn
A converted stone barn for 6 people, in a rural setting by the South West Coast Path.
About Crantock Beach
Close to Newquay, this feels like a different Cornwall: Crantock Beach is a long stretch of golden sand sitting at the mouth of the Gannel estuary.
The beach is backed by dunes, with the wildlife-rich grasslands of Rushy Green rising up behind them. At the far end of the beach is the headland of Pentire Point West. This small stretch of coast and the slopes above Polly Joke beach are popular in early summer for their amazingly vibrant displays of wildflowers.
There are walks to enjoy taking in the Gannel and Crantock village, or you could follow the South West Coast Path for far-reaching views along the coast beyond West Pentire.
Once busy with sailing ships carrying supplies, the Gannel estuary is now a haven for wildlife and a ruined limekiln can be seen at Penpol Creek. At the southern end of the beach the deep cleft of Piper's Hole is a sanctuary for seabirds. At low tide you can explore the cave and see if you can spot the rock carvings that are more than 100 years old.
Our work
Article
Our work at Crantock Beach
Crantock Beach is part of over 780 miles coastline that the National Trust cares for. Take a look at some of the work that takes place to protect these areas for future generations.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Crantock Beach.