Luxury holiday cottages in Crantock, Cubert & Holywell Bay

This part of North Cornwall offers a softer, more open coastal experience, where wide beaches and natural landscapes create a strong sense of calm.

Crantock is known for its expansive sandy beach at the mouth of the River Gannel, where dunes and estuary meet the sea, creating a setting that feels both scenic and sheltered.

Holywell Bay offers something more dramatic, with a long sweep of sand backed by one of the largest dune systems in the region and a coastline shaped by wind and tide.

Cubert sits slightly inland, offering a quieter village atmosphere and easy access to both coastline and countryside, with paths leading through dunes and across open land.

Together, they create a destination that feels spacious and connected, where beach, countryside and village life are all within easy reach.

The coastline here is defined by wide, accessible beaches and expansive natural landscapes.

Crantock Beach sits at the mouth of the River Gannel, where estuary and sea meet to create one of North Cornwall’s most distinctive coastal settings. At low tide, it is often possible to cross the estuary on foot and follow the shoreline towards Newquay and Fistral Beach.

Holywell Bay offers a sweeping stretch of sand backed by dramatic dunes, with open views across the Atlantic and plenty of space even during the busier months.

Around Cubert, the coastline becomes quieter, with areas such as Porth Joke (Polly Joke) and Kelsey Head offering a more secluded experience, with hidden coves, coastal paths and a strong sense of openness.

Dining in this part of North Cornwall reflects its relaxed coastal setting, with a mix of beachside cafés, traditional pubs and a growing number of destination-led spots nearby.

In Crantock, Jam Jar Kitchen has become a popular choice, serving homemade bakes, brunch and woodfired pizzas in a laid-back setting that transitions from café by day to pizzeria by night, using locally sourced Cornish produce. Alongside this, The Bowgie Inn offers a classic clifftop setting with far-reaching coastal views, while The Old Albion Inn provides a traditional pub atmosphere in the heart of the village.

Just outside Crantock, Halwyn brings a more contemporary feel, combining a restaurant, bar and social space set on a working farm. Known for its modern British menus and relaxed but considered atmosphere, it has quickly become a destination in its own right.

Around Holywell Bay, beach cafés and seasonal food spots offer informal options for coffee, lunch or post-surf dining, often just steps from the sand and shaped by the rhythm of the day.

In Cubert, smaller village pubs and cafés provide a quieter, more local feel, ideal for relaxed meals after time spent on the coast or walking across the surrounding countryside.

Just a short drive away, Newquay expands the options significantly, with a wide range of restaurants, cafés and bars - from casual beach dining at Fistral to more refined coastal restaurants overlooking the sea - offering greater variety while remaining within easy reach.

Together, these places create a food scene that feels easy, varied and rooted in its surroundings, where good produce, relaxed settings and proximity to the coast shape the experience.

Crantock, Cubert and Holywell Bay are ideally placed to explore Cornwall’s north coast.

Newquay is just a short distance away, offering a lively coastal atmosphere, with restaurants, cafés and well-known beaches such as Fistral, renowned for its surf and wide Atlantic views.

To the south, Perranporth offers an expansive beach that stretches for miles, perfect for walking, surfing and relaxed days by the water. Further along the coast, St Agnes combines dramatic scenery with a strong sense of heritage, with cliff-top walks, independent shops and a more traditional village feel.

To the north, Padstow provides a different pace again, known for its harbour setting, independent shops and well-regarded food scene.