About
Crantock Beach is a stretch of golden sand at the mouth of the Gannel estuary close to Newquay, backed by dunes and the grassland of Rushy Green. Once busy with sailing ships carrying supplies, the Gannel is now a haven for curlews and oystercatchers, and a ruined limekiln survives at Penpol Creek. At the southern end, below the headland of Pentire Point West, the deep cleft of Piper's Hole shelters seabirds; at low tide you can explore the cave and hunt for rock carvings more than 100 years old. West Pentire and the slopes above Polly Joke burst with wildflowers in early summer. Reviewers love the choice between the open sea and the calmer river channel, with seasonal lifeguards watching swimmers and paddleboarders. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year under close control. Tips from visitors: watch the tide, as the river fills fast and currents are strong, and arrive early at peak times, when the car park fills.
Check today’s timesSee all times
- CountrysideDawn to dusk
Opening times may change at short notice.
The beach and countryside are open dawn to dusk.
The Trust currently warns that adverse weather has created large, sheer drops on the beach; take care and follow local signs.
Seasonal RNLI lifeguard cover. Currents are unpredictable, so check the safety information before swimming.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
The beach is free for everyone. Parking at the Trust car park is charged separately for non-members.
ParkingFree for members
Non-members pay to park.
Parking details
National Trust members and Blue Badge holders park free; members scan their card for a ticket. Non-members pay £2.50 up to 1 hour, £5 up to 4 hours or £9 all day. The machines take coins only (no notes) and need exact change; JustPark location code 80552 also works, and the Trust suggests downloading the app first as mobile reception is patchy.
The car park can get extremely busy at peak times; if it is full, use an alternative private car park (charges apply to all) or come back later.
A 2.1m height barrier at the entrance is open 9am to 5pm from April to October and closed overnight, with no out-of-hours opening.
Non-member prices · Cars
- Up to 1 hour£2.50
- Up to 4 hours£5
- All day£9
JustPark location code
80552Enter this code in JustPark to pay, or at the machine. Members park free after checking in.
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