About 20 minutes down the coast is another of our favourite local beaches: Crackington Haven. Crackington Haven is a beautiful cove with some spectacular scenery around it. Walk along the coastal path in either direction to take in the views. Beware the hills though – they are vicious! You can walk to Cam Beak, the point at the south of the cove, a longer walk with lots of steep climbs and drops. The climb to the north of the beach is also steep but easier and you can stop at a bench to take in the view.
The beach itself has stones at the top, with sand revealed further down as the tide goes out. It is great for a swim if it is calm, or body boarding, but be careful with the rocks towards the top of the beach. The beach is also popular with surfers and kayakers and you will see stand up paddle boarding too. There is lifeguard cover in the summer. No dogs are allowed from Easter till the end of September.
Crackington Haven is popular with children; the sandy beach and the rock pools are great for playing. There are also some tennis courts in a great spot, overlooking the sea. Find the Crackington Haven tennis club on facebook for more details.
There is a pub in a great spot, the Coombe Barton Inn and two cafes, including one of our favourites, the Cabin. The Cabin does evening BBQs in the summer and sells good sandwiches, cakes and ice cream, as does the cafe on the other side of the car park, the Haven. There is a small car park by the beach and another one as you are coming into Crackington Haven down the road from Wainhouse Corner.
Take a look in our blog posts under local area for information on other local beaches.