Who doesn’t enjoy a holiday at the seaside? England’s South-West boasts beautiful beaches which, when paired with fantastic holiday cottages to rent, make for a fun and memorable holiday in any season. North Cornwall is one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations not only for the stunning coastline littered with glorious beaches but also for the excellent road and public transport links that make it easy to relax and slip into the beachside way of life. Whilst the coastal village of Crackington Haven may be small, it has much to offer and is well-positioned for enjoying all the best bits of the dramatic north coast. Read our top 10 tips below for having fun while on holiday in Crackington Haven. Read more
A clifftop retreat with direct access to the South West Coast Path is a rarity, and one with no immediate neighbours even more so. Cancleave delivers both of these features together with superb views and a high standard of accommodation with space for eight people to sleep in four beautiful bedrooms. It is conveniently located on the coast road between Crackington Haven and Widemouth Bay, with easy access to Bude, Boscastle and Tintagel. Cancleave has been in the family since 1962 and used as a holiday let all that time. They have recently replaced the original property with a modern building boasting energy-efficient features that will help protect the landscape for generations to come.
"The Secret Roundhouse, East Thorne, Bude" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. This roundhouse has underfloor heatingLiving areaOpen plan living and dining areaFabric armchair, wood burning stove, coffee table and a Bluetooth speaker, occasional table, blankets, storm lanterns and...
"Smugglers" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Nestled in the heavily wooded River Camel Valley is the pretty village of St Tudy in North Cornwall. Resting just over seven miles from the quaint fishing village of Port Isaac, and just a few miles from Bodmin Moor, St Tudy is a fantastic base...
"Treview" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The town of Launceston is situated on the Devon and Cornwall border. The town has Georgian buildings in the central square, the ruins of a Norman castle sitting high above the town and shops and pubs. Just three miles away is the Tamar Otter...
"Inny Brook Burrow" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The old market town of Camelford nearby is located close to Cornwall's north coast and is ideally situated for exploring the wild country of Bodmin Moor and the high cliffs, hidden coves, fishing villages and surfing beaches that populate this...
"South Park Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. This stylish bolthole for two is in the charming village of Kilkhampton, close to the Devon/Cornwall border. Enjoy breathtaking walks directly from the property, along footpaths and quiet country lanes, or head to the dramatic North Cornwall...
"The Martyn Rooms" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Set in the historic and secluded parish of Morwenstow, this delightful hideaway - beautifully updated in 2024 - makes a warm and inviting hideaway for families and friends keen to discover a remote and breathtaking corner of North Cornwall....
"Ted's Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cornwall. 'Ted's Cottage', 5 Penally Court; is a charming little cottage set in a row of 6 terraced cottages, all with paved front gardens with table and chairs, flower beds, a shared lawned area and parking. It has delightful views across Boscastle...
"Groom Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. On the North coast of Cornwall, close to the border with Devon, Bude is a popular resort, with famous beaches attracting surfers throughout the year. Miles of golden sand await, with rockpools and a seawater swimming pool, as well as a golf...
"Ivy Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Tintagel is a well-liked but not overrun tourist site and the location of the fabled King Arthur's Castle, whose ruins dominate the cliffside just beyond the settlement. The water, rocky coves, and breathtaking views dominate the area around....
"Abalone" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The rolling waves are great for surfing year-round, and the footpaths by the restored canal or on the North Cornwall coastal path let you explore the outstanding countryside. Bude has a golf course, indoor pool, bowling alley/indoor play area,...
"2 Bed Cottage in Boscastle" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 2 bedrooms - 1 king and 1 twin - 1 bathroom - Electric oven and hob, combination microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine - Allocated parking for 2 cars - 1 dog welcome, second dog...
"Miller's House" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cornwall. Tintagel is dominated by the magnificent ruins of King Arthur's Castle which lie on the cliffside outside the town. The sea, secluded coves and spectacular scenery dominate the area, and a number of superb beaches, including Trebarwith Strand,...
"Falcon House" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. With the remnants of King Arthur's Castle dominating the cliffside just outside the settlement, Tintagel is a popular but not overrun tourist destination. The location is surrounded by water, with beautiful rocky coves and scenery. Trebarwith...
"The Lamb Shack" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Saint Teath is a lovely Cornish village home to a shop and a pub. It is close to the north Cornwall coast, with the idyllic village of Tintagel well worth a visit. Travel slightly down the coast to discover Port Isaac and picturesque Padstow...
"The Old Bakehouse - within the Helland Barton Farm collection" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. This quiet Cornish community is only 2.5 miles from the stunning north Cornish coast, which is home to some of the world's highest cliffs and most beautiful scenery. It's a great vacation home base for those who want to hike the South West...
"Smithy Cottage, Launceston" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Welcome to Smithy Cottage, a charming single-storey stone and slate retreat with idyllic south-facing views. Nestled within the serene rural surroundings of St Clether, this delightful cottage offers the perfect peaceful hideaway for a special...
"Lowen Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Cornwall. A perfect Cornish coastal village, the road through Boscastle runs down to the small harbour at the bottom of the hill. The quaint village shops, local restaurants and pubs offering good food, Cornish real ales and live entertainment by local...
"2 Bed Cottage in Bude" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 2 bedrooms - 1 king and 1 twin - 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC - Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge, freezer and dishwasher - Utility cupboard with washing machine and...
"Northcott View" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Poughill is an ancient Cornish village resting between Bude and Kilhampton. The village is well-known for winning the Best Kept Village award on numerous occasions, and offers a welcoming pub, supermarket and historic church. Just outside of...
"3 Bed Cottage in Bude" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 3 bedrooms - 2 doubles and 1 twin - 1 bathroom, 1 WC (off utility room) - Kitchen - oven and hob, dishwasher, fridge and microwave - TV/DVD - Play facilities - children’s outdoor swing set - Wood...
"1 Bed Lodge in Boscastle" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 1 king-size bedroom - 1 shower room with WC - Please note: this property does not accept infants - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher - Smart TVs in lounge and...
"West Lee" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Bude is a fabulous coastal town that once visited you will want to come back to time and time again. Bude has something for everyone, great beaches for relaxing, and building sandcastles on, rockpools for investigating at low tide and cafes to...
"The Garden Apartment" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. The area around Tintagel is dominated by the sea, rugged coastline, secluded coves and incredible scenery. The town is famous as the home of the legendary King Arthur's castle, and the castle ruins still overlook the cliff side outside the...
"Butterwell Barn" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Discover the charm of Davidstow, Bodmin Moor and Boscastle at Cornwall’s coastline using this delightful barn conversion as your base. Perfect for outdoor-loving couples, this rustic, luxurious property offers proximity to stunning...
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
AlbastonBodminBodmin MoorBoscastleBudeCallingtonCamelfordCarbis BayCharlestownCommon MoorCoverackCrackington HavenDelaboleEast LooeFalmouthFoweyGunnislakeHayleHelfordHelstonHolywell BayKingsandLamornaLands EndLanhydrockLauncestonLiskeardLizard peninsulaLooeLostwithielLuxulyanMarazionMawgan PorthMevagisseyMouseholeMullionMylorNewlynNewquayNr TregonyPadstowPenzancePerranporthPlymouthPolperroPolruanPolzeathPort IsaacPorthcothan BayPorthlevenPorthtowanPortreathPortscathoRedruthRockRoseland PeninsulaSaint AgnesSaint AustellSaint Columb MajorSaltashSennenSt AgnesSt AustellSt IvesSt MabynSt MawesSt MawganSt MinverTavistockTintagelTorpointTregonyTrevoneTruroWadebridgeWinnards PerchSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Cornwall cottagesLuxury Cornwall holiday cottagesLast minute Cornwall cottagesCornwall cottages with a hot tubRomantic Cornwall cottagesFamily friendly Cornwall cottagesCornwall cottages by the seaLarge cottages for groups in CornwallCottages in Cornwall with a swimming poolOr search further afield:
Search within South West England
Build sandcastles and explore rock pools - Crackington Haven’s sheltered position between two of the tallest cliffs in Cornwall make it perfect for a peaceful day at the beach. It’s so calm that the Victorian’s used it as a natural harbour. The mix of sand, shingle and rocks is ideal for children to build and explore. There are lifeguards on duty in summer, and the beach is dog-friendly between November and Easter.
Take the dog for a walk - There are some beaches in Cornwall where dogs are welcome all year round. Close to Crackington Haven, The Strangles is the perfect example. The waters off the sand and shingle beach are not safe for swimming (the name “Strangles” comes from the strong rip tides), which means that it is often empty even on a hot, summer’s day. It is possible to walk around the point to Little Strand beach at low tide.
Go surfing - Where Crackington Haven is sheltered and calm, nearby Widemouth Bay’s two-miles of sandy coast is frequently breezy, with some of the best conditions in the south-west for surfing, kiteboarding and windsurfing. Widemouth Bay is home to one of the oldest surf schools in England, so book a session or two at Outdoor Adventure, and you will be hanging ten in no time.
Search for Merlin’s Magic - Tucked into a shaded cove beneath the ruins of the 13th Century Tintagel Castle, Tintagel Haven, sometimes called Merlin’s Cove, is a tiny beach that you reach via scrambling down a cliff path. The adventure doesn’t end with the journey because the beach has a waterfall on the north side and, accessible at low tide, Merlin’s Cave which stretches underneath the cliff and castle. Within easy reach of Crackington Haven, Tintagel makes a great day out.
Walk the South West Coast Path - The South West Coast Path is the longest way-marked footpath in the country, stretching for 630 spectacular miles from Minehead to Poole Harbour, giving visitors plenty of far-reaching ocean views along the way.
Learn the secrets of smuggling - The cliffs and caves in North Cornwall were a haven for smugglers who used quiet beaches to set shore with their ill-gotten booty. Find out more about Cornwall’s infamous smuggling past at the Smuggler’s Museum at the Jamaica Inn in Bodmin.
Get on your bike - The south-west coast has some beautiful cycling routes including one which follows the coast from Bude to Summerleaze, Crooklets and Northcott, as well as along the Bude Canal. The Tamar Valley, Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor National Park are all easily accessible within under an hour’s drive from Crackington Haven, giving mountain bikers an enormous variety of off-road trails.
Paddle in Boscastle Harbour - You will always find kids paddling in the shallow waters of Boscastle, a town renowned not only for its picturesque harbour but also for the Museum of Witchcraft and a choice of cafes serving delicious Cornish ice-cream.
Go thrill-seeking - Camel Creek Adventure Park is a top choice for an exciting day out with dozens of rides and all-weather activities that will delight kids of all ages. A fun alternative for getting your adrenaline flowing is zorbing at Sphere Bude.
Eat well - There is an abundance of fresh and delicious food available in and around Crackington Haven. Tuck into a home-made pastie or cream tea at Cabin Cafe, or enjoy a leisurely lunch or pint at The Coombe Barton Inn - both in Crackington Haven. A must-visit for keen cooks is the Boscastle Farm Shop for the best local ingredients.
