North Cornwall's beaches are the reason many people book camping near Boscastle. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm you can reach Crackington Haven, Widemouth Bay, Bude, Bossiney and The Strangles — then come back to a farm pitch two miles from the village.

Beaches we can name

These are the beaches we list as nearby. We do not invent extra coves or facilities on the sand.

Crackington Haven

A well-known bay on this stretch of coast, popular with walkers using the South West Coast Path. Check tides and surf before you swim.

Widemouth Bay

A wide beach south of Bude — a typical family-and-surf day out from the farm.

Bude

Bude's beaches are lifeguarded in summer. Useful if you are camping with children and want that extra watch on the water. Confirm daily cover locally before you rely on it.

Bossiney

Closer to the Tintagel side of the coast (Tintagel itself is about seven miles from us). Often quieter; access can be steep — go prepared.

The Strangles

A wilder beach. Beautiful on the right day, unforgiving on the wrong one. Treat it as a coast-path beach, not a paddling pool, and respect warnings.

After the beach

Lower Pennycrocker Farm Camping and Caravan Site (PL35 0BY, What3Words happen.violinist.inserted) has free showers, toilets, a disabled toilet and a washing-up room — welcome after sand and salt. Electric hook-up is £7 a night if you want to run a heater or charge kit.

2026 people rates: adults £10, children 5+ £5. Dogs max two at £2 each. Full prices · Facilities · Dog-friendly camping

Open 1 April – 31 October, 9am–7pm. Groups limited to 8. Colin and Karyn: 07967 605392 · colin.heard@yahoo.com

Take only photos and leave only footprints.

Choosing a beach near Boscastle

North Cornwall's coast is dramatic: high cliffs, coves and big Atlantic beaches. From our campsite at St Juliot you can reach a different beach near Boscastle every day of a week-long stay. The nearest sandy beach most guests head for is Crackington Haven, about 5 miles away, while the wide surf beaches around Bude are about 15 miles.

Beaches for families

Families tend to want sand, rock pools and facilities nearby. Crackington Haven has a sandy and pebbly beach with rock pools at low tide, and Bude's beaches are big and open. On busy summer days, arrive early as car parks fill up. Our family camping in Cornwall guide has more ideas for children.

Beaches for walkers

Some of the most beautiful coves on this coast are only reached on foot from the South West Coast Path, which is about half a mile from the farm. Paths can be steep and unfenced, so take care, and never try to reach a cove by climbing down cliffs. See walks near Boscastle for routes.

Beaches with dogs

Dog rules vary by beach and season; some beaches have restrictions during the summer months. Check signs and the Cornwall Council website before you go. Our dog-friendly camping page has more tips.

Beach safety on the North Cornwall coast

Check tide times before you go — rising tides can cut off coves quickly.
Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and between the red and yellow flags.
Rip currents are common on Atlantic beaches; if caught, don't swim against it.
Keep away from the base of cliffs, which can be unstable.
In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Making a day of it

Combine a beach morning with lunch in a harbour village. Boscastle is about 2 miles from the farm, Tintagel about 7 and Port Isaac about 15. If the weather turns, our rainy day ideas will keep everyone busy.

Sunsets from the beach

West-facing beaches on this coast are wonderful at sunset, but if you'd rather not drive after dark, many guests simply watch the sun go down from the campsite fields, which look out to sea.

More beaches along the north coast

Beyond the beaches closest to the farm, the north coast has many more, from Sandymouth and Northcott Mouth near Bude to Trebarwith Strand, Port Gaverne and Polzeath. Our guide to the best beaches in north Cornwall compares them with tide tips, and camping near beaches in Cornwall explains what to expect from staying with us.

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