Beaches

The beaches around Pencuke Farm in North Cornwall are well known for their unforgettable splendour. With massive expanses of clean, golden, sandy beaches, often backed by rugged cliffs, they have captivated many holidaymakers imagination over the centuries. No matter whether the sea is calm and gentle, whether you want to be surfing or relaxing, there is a beach for you and you will feel spoilt for choice. There are miles and miles of coves and inlets to be discovered and long, unbroken stretches of golden sand that can be found all the way from Porthcothan to Sandymouth. There are also many great surfing beaches stretching along the coast including Harlyn and Constantine bay, Old Polzeath, Trebarwith Strand and the fabulous Widemouth bay.

This area of Cornwall is not only privileged to have some of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Cornwall, but some of the best surf beaches in England, including our very own Crackington Haven and just down the road, Widemouth Bay. Must see beaches in this area are Constantine Bay, near Padstow and the beautiful yellow sand beach of Daymer Bay, Rock. There is a quite literally breathtaking walk to the secluded beach of The Strangles. We have listed some of our favourite beaches below:

Crackington Haven Beach (1.5 miles from Pencuke Farm)

Dominated by truly majestic cliffs, Crackington Haven is a wonderful but small beach, with hundreds of rock pools teaming with wildlife. Recommended by the Marine Conservation Society in their good beach guide as achieving the highest UK standard, it offers quite a stretch of golden sand with the tide out. Facilities such as car park, pub, café and public toilets will make it a lovely day out on the beach for those who are looking for a quieter spot. Lifeguard cover is provided in July and August. No dogs from Easter to October.

The Strangles (2 miles from Pencuke Farm)

Flanked by the most impressive High Cliff (the highest in Cornwall with its awe-inspiring 732 feet), Strangles is well worth a visit for its sheer magnitude. However, the climb down (not to mention the climb back up) is strenuous and certainly not suitable for small children or the less mobile. It is unsuitable for bathing, as the strong currents and razor-sharp rocks impose a life-threatening danger. No lifeguard cover is provided! Dogs welcome all year.

Duckpool (4 miles from Pencuke Farm)

A wild and romantic cove, which is appreciated most for its wild setting. Dominated by the spectacular peak of Steeple Point Cliff, it is favoured by many as a quiet retreat away from it all. The beach is approached via the tranquil woodland of Coombe Valley. At higher tides the beach is made up of pebbles, but as the tide drops sand and rocks are revealed. The northern end of the beach has an abundance of rock pools that are ideal for poking around in for crabs and the likes. Swimming is not recommended, as the currents are extremely dangerous and razor-sharp rocks only add to the hazards. No lifeguard cover is provided! Dogs welcome all year.

Sandy Mouth (5 miles from Pencuke Farm)

This is a National Trust-owned beach. The car park, also owned by the National Trust, is situated at the top of the cliff and the walk down to the beach leads you through quite a steep ravine, which is why we wouldn't recommend it for the less mobile. Once there, you'll be rewarded with a lovely quiet beach with its very own waterfall! There is a café with public toilets, which are open during the main summer season. Lifeguard cover is provided from the middle of May until the middle of September. Dogs welcome all year.

Millook Haven Beach (5 miles from Pencuke Farm)

Another beach of haunting beauty. Covered with thousands of pebbles, it is a retreat for those wishing to observe wildlife such as seals and dolphins as well as birds of prey and waders. Millook is also of huge geological interest with its world famous zig-zag cliff, towering high above the shore. No lifeguard cover is provided. It’s also home to one of the country's best left hand reef breaks. Only works on a good sized swell and attracts the best surfers in the area so not many waves going spare! Dogs welcome all year.

Widemouth Bay (7 miles from Pencuke Farm)

Recommended by Marine Conservation Society 2010 for water quality. Widemouth Bay is very popular with bathers and surfers alike. Although it looks like one huge beach, stretching across almost 1.5 miles, it is actually divided into the North and South Beach (the South also being called Black Rock), by a natural barrier of rock. Widemouth offers fantastic conditions to learn surfing or body-boarding, which is why many of the local surf schools have their base there. A big car park, public toilets and beach café are available. Lifeguard cover is provided from the beginning of May until the end of September (North Beach). Cover on Black Rock is from the middle of May until the end of September. Dogs welcome on the Black Rock beach all year but only on the North beach from Easter to October.

Northcott Mouth (7 miles from Pencuke Farm)

Although quite pebbly at the top, it offers a huge expanse of sandy beach when the tide is out. With towering cliffs on both sides it feels a little like a cove. Children will love exploring the fine sand, many rock pools and stream, which runs down through the beach. Owned by the National Trust, it has a little car park halfway down the hill. Although there aren't any facilities such as public toilets, there is a lovely tea garden just up the private road, which is open during the summer months. Lifeguard cover is provided in July and August. Dogs welcome all year.

Summerleaze Beach (9 miles from Pencuke Farm)

With the prominent features of the breakwater, barrel rock, canal lock gates, and the river Neet flowing into the sea, it is probably the most picturesque beach of Bude inspiring painters, photographers and visitors alike. The colourful little fishing boats resting on the sand waiting to go out with the next tide and the beach huts (available for hire), add to the special charm and atmosphere. Even at high tide there is a good stretch of beach available and with the tide out, Summerlease is truly a joy to behold. The nationally acclaimed open-air sea pool is popular with families and triatheletes alike. Summerlease has a large car park adjoining the beach, offering level access to the beach. Also there is the RNLI lifeboat station, public toilets and a beach office where the sand wheelchair and beach huts can be hired. Overlooking the beach is a popular café, which doubles up in the evening as a lively restaurant. The beach has RNLI lifeguard cover from the beginning of May to the end of September between the hours of 10am-6pm. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year but during May to September they must be kept on leads.

Crooklets Beach (9 miles from Pencuke Farm)

A blue flag beach, that although a little pebbly at the top, offers a huge expanse of golden sand and rock pools once the tide is out. It is popular with surfers and home to Bude Surf Life Saving Club and demonstrations occur every Tuesday evening. There is a café right on the sea front and access from the car park is level. There are public toilets and an outdoor shower. Beach huts are available for hire, as is a sand wheelchair. The beach has RNLI lifeguard cover from the beginning of May to the end of September between the hours of 10am-6pm. No dogs from Easter to October.

01840 230 360 or enquire online