Attractions and Places To See around Crantock - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Crantock include a mix of expansive beaches, historic sites, and dramatic coastal landscapes. The village, situated on Cornwall's north coast, is characterized by its sand-dune-backed shores and the tidal River Gannel. Visitors can explore natural features, cultural landmarks like the Norman Church, and sections of the South West Coast Path. This area offers diverse experiences, from water sports to historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Crantock
- The most popular attractions is Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations, a viewpoint that features an iconic stretch of coastline with granite rocks. A narrow staircase leads to the extensive sandy beach at low tide, though swimming is prohibited due to strong currents.
- Another must-see spot is Holywell Cave, a natural monument. At low tide, this cave under the southern cliffs of Kelsey Head reveals a colorful ceiling and limestone pools, requiring sturdy shoes for exploration.
- Visitors also love Mawgan Porth Beach, a family-friendly beach. This large sandy beach offers stunning clifftops and is a quieter alternative to busier areas, with lifeguards present during summer months.
- Crantock is known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and coastal walks. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from beaches and headlands to ancient churches and tidal rivers.
- The attractions around Crantock are appreciated by the komoot community. With 168 upvotes and 117 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations
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Mawgan Porth Beach
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There are pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes nearby and it is a Sunday Times award winning beach.
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Cligga Head Coastal Cliffs and Ruins
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Huer's Hut
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Named after the Huer, an important figure in the pilchard fishing industry that once thrived in Newquay. The Huer would watch out from his high vantage point for the shoals of fish to arrive in the bay and then call out to the town by shouting 'Heva, Heva'. The seine boats with their long nets would be launched at once but then had to rely upon the Huer for directions. Holding 'Furze bushes' in his hands the Huer would direct the boats so they could first locate and then surround the fish.
At first just an oval shape building, a forecourt with five foot walls was later added to its seaward side. The original door facing more towards the habour was blocked up and a new doorway made opening on to the forecourt.
Owned by the Lord of the Manor Col. Treffry it was leased to the Council in 1906 for 983 years at the cost of one shilling per year. When the Council took pocession they converted it into a public shelter by widening the doorway and considerabley reducing the height of the forecourt walls. Today the now Grade II listed building has iron gates locked across the doorway and can no longer be use for shelter
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Holywell Cave
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful section of the SWC Path between Perranporth and St. Agnes. The walk to St. Agnes is about 8km long, with no major climbs but fantastic views.
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Site of Alfred Nobel's Munitions Factory. Active during WWI & WWII, mostly filling grenades and other explosives. I would recommend looking up the talking history clip on BBC Sounds. Also the site of Tungsten mining during the same time.
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The steps have probably been closed for a while, as have all beach access at Porthcothan Beach. It's hard to tell from the highlights. The panorama is gigantic, but unfortunately there is no swimming break...
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Mawgan Porth is a much quieter alternative to the very busy Newquay. With gorgeous sand and stunning clifftops, its surprising that it doesn't get more crowded when it's only 4 miles from Newquay. Even at high tide there is a lot of sand and life guards are present during the summer (May till September). One for an evening run as the sunsets here are stunning. There are pubs, restaurants, shops and cafes nearby and it is a Sunday Times award winning beach.
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While running along along Cligga Head you will find some cracking coastal views, but also some interesting evidence of the mining history. You are running in the shoes of the miners who would take this path to work.
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While hiking along along Cligga Head you will find some cracking coastal views, but also some interesting evidence of the mining history. You are walking in the shoes of the miners who would walk along this path to work.
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Breathtakingly beautiful rocks of the Bedruthan Steps. Unfortunately, access to the NT car park has been closed for some time due to a rock slide. From the viewpoint and the surrounding cliffs you can still enjoy the view of the rocks and the beach.
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These rocks on the beach are a great spot. They invite you to marvel, climb and take photos. Unfortunately the access has been closed for a while due to a rock slide. The National Trust café upstairs has the best cream teas and a nice shop next door.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and beaches can I explore around Crantock?
Crantock is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the expansive Crantock Beach, ideal for swimming and watersports, or the unspoiled Porth Joke (Polly Joke) cove, known for its natural beauty and potential seal sightings. The tidal River Gannel is popular for paddleboarding and birdwatching. Don't miss Pentire Point East and West for superb views and wildflowers, or the intriguing Pipers Hole cave on the west side of Crantock Beach. For a family-friendly option, Mawgan Porth Beach offers a quieter alternative with stunning clifftops.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Crantock?
Yes, Crantock has a rich history. Explore Crantock's Norman Church (St Carantoc's Church) with its ancient carved bench ends and stained glass. The village also features St Carantoc's Well and the Round Garden, believed to be the site of St Carantoc's original chapel. You can also see remnants of shipbuilding history at Penpol Creek, including quays and a lime kiln. Further afield, Cligga Head Coastal Cliffs and Ruins offer insights into the area's mining past, and Huer's Hut provides a glimpse into the pilchard fishing industry.
What outdoor activities can I do near Crantock's attractions?
Crantock is a fantastic base for outdoor activities. The South West Coast Path runs directly through Crantock, offering numerous walking routes with breathtaking clifftop views. Crantock Beach is excellent for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and bodyboarding, with lessons often available. You can also explore the unique Holywell Cave at low tide. For more specific routes, consider the running trails around Crantock or cycling routes that explore the wider region.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Crantock?
Absolutely. Crantock Beach is ideal for families, offering safe swimming with RNLI lifeguards during summer, sandcastle building, and various watersports. Mawgan Porth Beach is another excellent family-friendly option, known for its large sandy area and lifeguards. For a unique adventure, exploring Holywell Cave at low tide can be an exciting experience for older children, provided sturdy shoes are worn.
What are some popular walking or hiking trails near Crantock?
Crantock is situated directly on the South West Coast Path, offering many walking opportunities. Popular sections include routes towards Penpol and Newquay, or south towards West Pentire and Porth Joke. For easier walks, you can find several easy hikes around Crantock, such as the loop from Crantock to Porth Joke Beach or Holywell Cave. These trails offer stunning coastal views and varied terrain.
What is the best time to visit Crantock?
The summer months (June to August) are popular for enjoying Crantock's beaches and watersports, with lifeguards typically on duty at Crantock Beach and Mawgan Porth Beach. Spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather for coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, with fewer crowds. Early summer is particularly beautiful for seeing vibrant poppy fields on West Pentire Headland.
Where can I experience dramatic coastal views and rock formations?
For dramatic coastal views and iconic rock formations, visit Bedruthan Steps Rock Formations. This iconic stretch of coastline is known for its granite rocks and breathtaking scenery. While a narrow staircase leads to the sandy beach at low tide, swimming is prohibited due to strong currents. Another spot for impressive coastal vistas is Pentire Point East and West, which frame Crantock Beach.
Can I go surfing or do other watersports in Crantock?
Yes, Crantock Beach is well-regarded for its surfing conditions, and you can often find surf lessons and equipment hire available. Beyond surfing, the beach is also suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and bodyboarding. The tidal River Gannel is another popular spot for paddleboarding and swimming.
What is unique about the area's geology or natural phenomena?
Crantock offers several unique geological features. The expansive sand dunes backing Crantock Beach are a notable natural phenomenon, though visitors should stick to designated paths due to their unstable nature. Pipers Hole, a deep cleft in the cliffs on the west side of Crantock Beach, contains a cave with a carved outline of a female figure. Additionally, Holywell Cave is known for its colorful ceiling and limestone pools, formed by natural processes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Crantock?
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse natural beauty, from the expansive sandy beaches to the dramatic clifftop views. The opportunity for various outdoor activities, especially watersports and coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, is highly appreciated. The historical sites, such as Crantock's Norman Church and the intriguing Holywell Cave, also add to the rich experience. Many find the area a quieter, yet equally stunning, alternative to busier coastal towns.
Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known spots near Crantock?
Porth Joke (Polly Joke) is often considered a hidden gem, an unspoiled cove nestled between Holywell and Crantock, entirely surrounded by National Trust land. Pipers Hole, with its cave and historical carvings, is another intriguing spot that reveals itself at low tide. For those interested in local lore, the legend of the 'Lost City' of Langurroc, said to be buried beneath the sand dunes behind Crantock beach, adds a mystical element to the area.
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