Crackington Haven Beach
Coarse sand cove enclosed by dramatic striped sandstone and shale cliffs near Bude. Reliable surf breaks, rock pools, and village cafes above the beach.
At a Glance
Beach Type
mixed
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
Yes (seasonal)
Parking
Available
Access
Difficult (cliff path)
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
Stay near Crackington Haven Beach
Closest cottage just 300m away
Crackington Haven Beach sits on Cornwall’s wild north coast near the village of the same name, enclosed on both sides by some of the county’s most dramatic sandstone and shale cliffs. The beach features a combination of coarse sand and pebbles, and those cliff faces - striped and folded by geological pressure over millions of years - give the cove a sense of scale rarely found elsewhere on this coast. The cliffs give some shelter from the wind and a feeling of solitude.
Numerous activities are popular at Crackington Haven Beach. It is a favoured spot for surfers and bodyboarders because of the reliable swell, though the currents here are strong and swimming is best kept to lifeguarded hours. Kayakers can explore the rocky shoreline from the water, but this coast is exposed, so go only in calm conditions and with experience.
Facilities include a pay and display car park next to the beach, public toilets, two cafes in the village (the Cabin Cafe and the Haven Cafe) and the Coombe Barton Inn, which serves pub food. Dogs are banned from the beach from 10am to 6pm between 15 May and 30 September.
Make a day of it
Things to do near Crackington Haven Beach
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my dog to Crackington Haven Beach?
- Dogs are banned on the beach between 15 May and 30 September from 10am to 6pm under a Cornwall Council order. Outside those dates and hours they are welcome. Check the signs on the day.
- Is Crackington Haven Beach lifeguarded?
- Yes, RNLI lifeguards patrol Crackington Haven in the summer season only. For 2026 the RNLI listed daily cover from 18 July to 6 September, 10am to 6pm. If there are no flags there are no lifeguards. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Is there parking at Crackington Haven Beach?
- Yes, there is a pay and display car park right by the beach. Arrive early in peak season as spaces fill quickly.
- Is Crackington Haven Beach good for swimming?
- Crackington Haven suits confident swimmers and surfers, but this is an exposed north coast beach with strong currents. Swim only when lifeguards are on duty and between the flags.
- What facilities are at Crackington Haven Beach?
- Crackington Haven Beach has toilets, parking. Facilities may be seasonal - some close outside summer.
- Is Crackington Haven Beach good for rock pooling?
- Yes, Crackington Haven Beach has rock pools to explore at low tide. The best time is on a falling tide about an hour after high water. Wear shoes with grip and watch out for incoming tides.
- Where is Crackington Haven Beach?
- Crackington Haven Beach is on the north coast of Cornwall, near Bude.
- How do I get to Crackington Haven Beach?
- Set your sat nav for Bude and follow local signs from there. There is a car park at the beach. Cornwall beach car parks fill early in peak season, so aim to arrive before mid-morning in summer.
- Where can I stay near Crackington Haven Beach?
- There are several holiday properties near Crackington Haven Beach, with the closest just 300 metres away. Prices start from £597 per week.
