Crantock

Large sandy beach at the mouth of the Gannel estuary near Newquay, backed by dunes (The Kelseys), popular with families and surfers.

Beach & safety

Water quality: Good

Lifeguard: RNLI lifeguards, summer season

Hazards: Estuary currents at the Gannel mouth; Rip currents in surf; Soft sand/dune erosion areas

Amenities: Car park · Cafe/shop · Toilets · Foot ferry across the Gannel in summer

Dogs

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Family

Large, gently shelving sand, dunes to explore, and the Gannel estuary for rockpooling - a strong family beach.

Fishing

Crantock is two fisheries in one: shifting surf gutters on the open beach and the Gannel edge. Bass, dogfish and small-eyed ray use the clean surf, while bass, mullet and winter flounder use channel seams and drop-offs. Flooding tides around dawn, dusk and darkness are the strongest general window.

Species reported: Bass, Lesser-spotted dogfish, Flounder, Grey and golden-grey mullet, Small-eyed ray

Crabbing

not recommended — No protected family line-crabbing edge was verified. The Gannel's strong currents, shifting sand and tide-dependent crossings make generic crabbing promotion inappropriate.

Access & parking

Direct from the beach car park at Crantock village. Sat-nav: TR8 5RN. Get directions →