Location
Things to do in the area
The seaside village of Crantock lies on the North Cornwall coast just five miles west from the popular resort of Newquay.
Crantock is a haven for families with the village changing very little over the years, and retaining much of its period charm. It is also a great place for those that love to surf or walk with the beach and South West Coast Path within easy reach.
No matter what time of the year you visit, Crantock is guaranteed not to disappoint. The village has an excellent village shop selling a variety of day-to-day essentials, a few different gift shops and two great pubs, which are open all year round. The award winning Trevilley Farm is also nearby for picking up local produce.
The pubs in Crantock are The Cornishman and The Old Albion, both serve good food and local ales. Alternatively, The Bowgie Inn on West Pentire and The Smugglers Den in Cubert two miles away are recommended. From Easter to the end of September visitors can also take advantage of the Crazy Nook Café that serves breakfast, lunch and tea; in the summer bring your own wine or beer and enjoy a lazy afternoon in their garden. The café also has an art gallery to the rear selling local crafts.
Talland Croft is ideally located for exploring some of Cornwall’s most popular attractions. Within a 45-minute drive of the house is The Eden Project, St Michael’s Mount, Roseland Peninsular and St Ives. There are also several National Trust managed estates within easy reach for guests to explore with many of them offering activities for all the family to enjoy.
For guests not looking to do a lot of driving during their holiday, Crantock runs a regular bus service to many of the local North Cornwall coastal towns and villages, including Newquay and Truro. Alternatively, the Gannel provides direct access to Newquay for those looking to walk to the nearby surfing haven, and you can combine the walk with lunch at The Fern Pit Café, where crab is one of their specialities.
There are several beaches that guests at Talland Croft can enjoy. Crantock beach itself is within easy walking distance and is perfect for families, with lifeguards on duty from mid-May through to the end of September. Children are sure to love the soft golden sand, which is great for building sand-castles, or alternatively at low tide the rock pools provide the ideal playground.
Dog friendly all year round, Crantock beach is also a good destination for surfers and bodyboarders, with waves suitable for both beginners and those with a little more experience. A surf school is located at the beach for those looking to learn or improve their skills. To save on luggage, surf boards, canoes and paddleboards can be hired at the beach.
The wide beach is backed by a series of sand dunes so is nicely sheltered for both sunbathers and walkers. At low tide take a stroll round to the nearby West Pentire.
Another beach just round the peninsular from Crantock is Polly Joke Beach. One of Cornwall’s best, the dog friendly beach is well-worth a visit. However, it is worth noting Polly Joke can only be reached on foot with limited parking nearby. The easiest route to access the beach is by walking from Seaspray.
Things to do locally
Surfing and other water sports
Surfing conditions along the North Cornwall coastline are some of the best in the world. For the more experienced surfer, Fistral Beach in Newquay is ideal with some of the best competitions held here throughout the year. Alternatively, Crantock has some excellent sets for both beginners and those with experience in the waves. There are also lessons available at the beach, as well as a handy beach shop to hire surfboards, wetsuits and other items.
Golf
The nearest golf course is located in Newquay, which is a home to an 18-hole course. The course has wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean and is great for all golfers no matter what level of experience they have.
Other courses include those at Holywell Bay and at Treloy.
Walking
The South West Coast Path is easily accessed from the house and is an excellent way of exploring the coastline. The path links many of the nearby villages and beaches and is full of excellent scenery and wildlife. Alternatively, guests can also stroll along the estuary or along the Gannel to Newquay.
Trerice
The Elizabethan manor house Trerice is located just a short drive away from Crantock and is managed by the National Trust. Set in a 20 acre estate the house is a wonderful place to spend a few hours. Wander around the gardens or have a light lunch in the café. The house is also home to a collection of antique lawnmowers!
Newquay Zoo
There are a range of animals at Newquay Zoo, including tropical birds, monkeys and big cats. The award-winning zoo also has a selection of trails, face painting, a children’s play area and a maze.
Blue Reef
Cornwall’s largest aquarium is Blue Reef, which is located in Newquay. Highlights at the aquarium include the clown fish and sharks. The aquarium is also home to a large turtle rescue centre.
Perranporth
The traditional seaside village of Perranporth is just a few miles drive from Crantock and is famous due to its links to the Poldark novels and TV series. The beach at Perranporth is more than two miles long and was the inspiration behind Hendrawna beach; although busy in the summer, guests can normally find a peaceful spot towards the northern end.
Truro
A 30 minute drive from Crantock is Truro, one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations for shopping. The city is packed full of history, including cobbled streets, Georgian architecture and a cathedral, which blend in beautifully with today’s shops and restaurants. The city is also home to some gorgeous parks and Lemon Quay where a number of events are held.
The Eden Project
Within easy reach of Crantock in Cornwall’s award winning Eden Project. The three biomes feature plants from around the world and are a great place to visit no matter what the weather.