Churchtown Cottage, Crantock, Nr Newquay, North Cornwall, England - Sleeps 4

Crantock is renowned for its beautiful large, dog friendly beach. Along with the main beach which can get busy, there are the quieter dunes at the far end of the beach where things are slightly more laid back. The river Gannel is somewhere for children to play in at low tide (adult supervision required), Surfing is available when conditions are favorable along with SUP'ing on the river when the tide is in. The BIG GREEN surf school and surf hire along with various outlets serving food, coffee and ice cream are open during the season and the beach is RNLI lifeguarded during most weeks from mid-May to October. The beach car park fills early on sunny days throughout the warmer months, so your 5 minute walk from the cottage means you can amble down at any time and not have to be up early to get your parking spot (or waste half your morning sitting on Beach Road in a hot car queueing!)

The village is now serviced with a fantastic village shop and Post Office, along with a cafe/pizza restaurant (Jam Jar) and two fantastic pubs, all within walking distance from Churchtown Cottage. The Old Albion and The Cornishman pubs both offer great food and indoor and outdoor seating. The Bowgie Inn at West Pentire, although sadly not dog friendly inside, offers amazing views across the bay and serves food and drink from lunchtime into the evening. C-Bay cafe and restaurant (The Old Crantock Bay Hotel) next door to the Bowgie serve up fabulous breakfasts, lovely lunches and evening dinners. They too boast spectacular views across Crantock Bay from inside and on their beautiful decked and lawned outdoor space. Crantock also has a Pop-Up craft shop which is open over weekends during the season, so those wanting looking for quality, locally made goodies can treat themselves without travelling into nearby Newquay or elsewhere. Check out Crantock Memorial Hall, just near the village triangle, opposite the bus stop.

Rather than travel by car or bus into Newquay, from May to September/October, you may want take a walk over to the popular little surfing town instead. Cross the river Gannel by bridge or ferry at the ‘Fern Pit’, then after a steep ascent up the steps at the other side you are rewarded with stunning views up and down river and the tempting delights of the Fern Pit Cafe right at the top (a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike). You can then take a walk around the headland to the famous Fistral Beach, known for its surfing prowess, or head straight for the main town. Outside these months, the river can still be crossed by a bridge slightly further inland at Penpol Creek. Check tide times though as this bridge is under water at mid to high tide!

If Crantock Beach isn't enough, Porth Joke (Polly Joke to the locals) is another secluded beach to the other side of West Pentire headland. It is a much quieter, more laid back vibe down there, with the closest refreshments and toilet facilities at The Bowgie or C-Bay Cafe. Still definitely worth a visit for an evening stroll or sunny day trip.

Crantock is located fairly centrally within Cornwall, which means you are never that far away from the majority of places you may want to visit during your stay. With Penzance ‘down west’ or Polperro east all around an hour drive away, there is never a shortage of beautiful Cornish places to explore and enjoy whatever the weather.

As we are dog friendly, your furry companions can enjoy many of these places with you - but always check beaches are dog friendly before travelling, many beaches on the south coast will not accept dogs especially in the summer months, so please make necessary checks to avoid disappointment.

With or without any doggo's in tow, we look forward to welcoming you in Crantock whatever time of year, we are of course very biased, but you really are guaranteed a most wonderful Cornish break here at Churchtown Cottage.