On the rugged north Cornish coast between Bude and Boscastle, Crackington Haven is a small, dramatic cove of rock and shingle that opens to sand at low tide. It is framed by extraordinary folded cliffs and watched over by High Cliff, the highest sheer-faced cliff in Cornwall.
Beach and cove guide
A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.
Crackington Haven is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.
Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Pebbly and rocky but with sand at low tide. To the north (pictured) is Penkenna Point which is 430 feet and to the south the highest cliff in Cornwall, High Cliff which is in excess of 700 feet.
Sea Fishing in the Bude area
The rocks round Crackington Haven are a good place to catch numerous varieties of fish including mackerel, whiting, cod, dogfish and flat fish.
Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.
A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.
Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty:
2025
Daily 19 July - 7 September
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty:
2025
Daily 19 July - 7 September
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
