Top 10 Reasons to visit Crantock in 2024!
11th January 2024
Crantock is arguably one of Cornwall’s most incredible locations, with the most perfectly picturesque Cornish village, a stunning golden-sand beach, and dramatic dunes. It should definitely be on your destination wish list for 2024!
Our friends over at The Bowgie Inn have given us even more reasons to visit in 2024. As the pub is perched on West Pentire headland, with mind-blowing views across The Gannel Estuary and the Atlantic, they are perfectly placed to tell us why Crantock should be number 1 on your bucket list this year!
1) Spectacular Sunrises and Sunsets
Offering front row seats to expansive views over the ocean and Crantock Beach, it will be impossible to find a better spot than The Bowgie Inn to enjoy Cornwall’s famous sunrises (you’ll get an amazing easterly vantage spot) and epic sunsets that will stay with you forever. The colours over the sea will leave you in awe with reds, yellows and golds lighting up the sky.
2) Breathtaking Coastal Walks
One of the world’s most famous footpath’s The South West Coast Path goes all the way from Somerset and winds down the Cornish coastline. It follows the entire coastline of Cornwall, and connects to Crantock Village and the vibrant shoreline. Through the car park of The Bowgie Inn, the coastal path can be joined by following the trail to local-favourite, Crantock Beach.
3) The Cave Carvings
There is a magical place in Crantock, and if you’re prepared to search in the high places, your hard work will be rewarded! There’s a cave revealing a beautiful carving of a woman's face and an inscription that reads:
Mar not my face but let me be,
Secure in this lone cavern by the sea,
Let the wild waves around me roar,
Kissing my lips for evermore.
The story goes that sometime in the early 1920s, a woman was riding her horse along the beach, but became trapped by the incoming tide, tragically losing her life. Her heartbroken love then carved her image on the flat grey rock-face in remembrance of her. It’s a sad story, but the engraving is a poignant reminder of how much history there is in Crantock.
4) Vugga Cove
A must-see during your trip to Crantock, Vugga Cove is en route to the headland and is a telltale sign of Newquay’s coastal history a place where small-scale fishing took place. Look out for the rock-cut sockets used for securing the boats, and there are a few rusty mooring pins and rings leaded into the rocks. Vugga is rocks and tide pools when the water is out, with an incredible view of Crantock, East Pentire and the whole bay. You’re likely to have the cove to yourself during your visit, so it’ll feel like your own little piece of Cornwall, secluded and tucked away, just for you.
5) A Paradise for Pooches
As a dog-friendly beach all year round, Crantock is a haven for you and your four-legged friend. The Bowgie welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas, with treats available and water bowls aplenty. There are so many paths to explore and the beach itself is the best playground for your furry friends. The river Gannel runs through the sand and without a doubt offers one of the most stunning locations in the country for your doggy pals to splash and frolic in the estuary.
6) Incredible Roast Lunch
We all know the highlight of any Sunday adventure is the roast lunch you can enjoy post-walk, with crunchy potatoes stacked high, lashings of gravy, delicious vegetables, meat and veggie options…not forgetting, huge Yorkshire puddings served up every weekend. Available all year round, whether you’re visiting on your summer holiday or in the midst of winter, The Bowgie will become your friendly ‘local’, no matter where you live or how long you’re visiting.
7) Wonderful Wildlife
Not only is the local coastline home to stunning views, it is also home to a diverse range of habitats, the variety of the sea life in Cornwall makes it one of the best places in the the UK to see marine animals. Including, gannets, grey seals, dolphins and basking sharks.
8) Holiday at Home
The Bowgie Inn love welcoming returning guests year on year, from couples, to groups of friends and families that have made Cornish memories over the years. The breath-taking views can be enjoyed from the infamous Bowgie beer garden, and its location provides beach access, and close proximity to Newquay which offers a diverse collection of vibrant shops, cafe’s and exiting events all year round. The village of Crantock is located close to award-winning Trevella Park, a quiet and friendly holiday park local to the sandy shores of Crantock Beach.
9) Community Spirit
Cornwall is known for its community traditions, such as The Big Bale Push that takes place every September in the centre of Crantock village. The Bowgie Inn hosts a variety of community events through the year, including the unforgettable annual Ale Festival with live music, Cornish pasties and great ale!
10) Become Part of The Bowgie Family
Enjoy the Bowgie Inn as your local when you visit! Don’t miss the unrivalled sea views, and experience Cornish adventures with your friends and family. Capture coastal memories at the Bowgie beer garden, enjoying delicious food and cold beer, or times at the beach. Don’t forget to share your photos with us!