Crackington Haven

Crackington Haven is a beach and hamlet on the north Cornwall coast between Boscastle and Bude, where a steep valley meets the sea between cliffs that reach nearly 400 feet. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle, exposed at low tide, with dramatic folded rock formations visible in the cliff face - the contorted strata here are studied by geology students from across the country. A stream runs through the valley to the beach, and the car park sits just behind it.

The hamlet has the Coombe Barton Inn, a small cafe, and a handful of houses. The coast path in both directions is among the most challenging and rewarding in Cornwall - the section north to Bude crosses High Cliff (731 feet), the highest sheer cliff in Cornwall, while the southern section towards Boscastle passes through equally rugged terrain. The National Trust manages large sections of the surrounding coastline.

Crackington Haven appeals to walkers, surfers (the beach produces powerful waves in bigger swells), and anyone drawn to wild coastal scenery. The valley behind the beach is sheltered and green, a contrast to the exposed cliffs above. Boscastle is about 5 miles south along the coast path, Bude about 8 miles north. Holiday properties are scattered through the surrounding farms and hamlets rather than concentrated in the village itself.