Kittiwake

Kittiwake sits on the West Pentire headland near Crantock, sleeping four in two bedrooms with one bathroom. The cottage has an enclosed garden and the standard amenities - Wi-Fi, parking, dishwasher, and washing machine - and benefits from open views over the surrounding National Trust grassland. Two well-behaved pets are welcome, with a £40 charge per pet.

Porth Joke (also known as Polly Joke) is 400m along the headland path - a National Trust cove with no vehicle access, which keeps the beach noticeably quieter than the main Newquay beaches even in August. The sand is reached via a 10-minute walk along the cliff edge. Vugga Cove is 900 metres and Holywell Bay 0.7 miles, both accessible on foot from the same headland path. Holywell Bay is larger and has a seasonal cafe.

Crantock village is about a mile inland with a pub and shop. Newquay is 3.1 miles to the north-east, reachable by car or on the coastal path. The West Pentire headland circuit is a flat 1.9 miles loop that takes in views back across Crantock Beach and the Gannel estuary.

Good for couples or small families who want genuine beach proximity without the summer crowds. Not great for guests expecting to walk to a large beach with facilities.