in our own words
If you are searching for a campsite near the beach in Cornwall, it helps to know exactly what you are getting. Lower Pennycrocker Farm is not a beachfront site. We are a quiet, family-run farm campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle and about half a mile from the South West Coast Path. What we offer is a peaceful pitch with a good spread of north Cornwall beaches within a short drive, so you can pick the right beach for the tide, the weather and the day.
Beaches within a short drive of the farm
Approximate road distances from our gate:
| Beach | Approx. distance | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Crackington Haven | about 5 miles | Sand at low tide, rock pools, a café and pub nearby |
| Bossiney Haven | about 6 miles | A steep path down to a small, sheltered cove near Tintagel |
| Widemouth Bay | about 10 miles | Wide sandy beach popular with surfers and families |
| Trebarwith Strand | about 11 miles | Sand only appears around low tide |
| Bude (Summerleaze and Crooklets) | about 13 miles | Town beaches and the Bude Sea Pool |
| Polzeath | about 20 miles | A well-known surf beach on the Camel estuary side |
Times vary with traffic and the lanes, so allow extra time in summer. Our beaches near Boscastle page and our guide to the best beaches in north Cornwall cover each beach in more detail.
Why stay inland of the beach?
Campsites right on the sand are few, often busy and usually priced to match. Staying a couple of miles back has some practical advantages:
- Choice. On a windy day you can head for a sheltered cove; on a surf day, for an open bay.
- Quiet nights. Our fields are away from beach car parks and evening traffic.
- Simple pricing. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). See pitches and prices.
- Space. You park beside your pitch, which makes loading beach kit easy.
Tides matter more than distance
On the north coast, the tide often decides whether there is a beach at all. Trebarwith Strand and Crackington Haven both change dramatically between high and low water. Check a tide table before you set off, and read our Cornwall beach safety and tides guide. Swim at lifeguarded beaches between the red and yellow flags where you can.
Beaches and dogs
Several local beaches have seasonal dog restrictions in the summer, while others welcome dogs all year. Our dog-friendly beaches in north Cornwall guide explains how to check current rules, and dog-friendly camping sets out our own policy.
A typical beach day from the farm
Many guests spend the morning on the coast path, drive to Crackington Haven for low tide in the afternoon, and come back for a hot shower (free on site) and a quiet evening. On surf days, Widemouth Bay and Bude are easy to reach; see surf camping in north Cornwall.
Questions we often get
Is Lower Pennycrocker Farm on the beach?
No. We are a farm campsite about two miles from Boscastle and about half a mile from the coast path. The nearest beaches are a short drive away.
What is the closest beach to the campsite?
Crackington Haven is one of the closest sandy beaches, about 5 miles by road. Boscastle harbour is about 2 miles away but is a harbour rather than a sandy beach.
Can I walk to a beach from the farm?
The coast path is about half a mile away, but most beaches are best reached by car. Bring sturdy footwear if you plan to walk the coast path.
Camp two miles from Boscastlefields, sky and sea
Spacious, quiet farm pitches with free showers, free awnings and parking beside your pitch. Open 1 April – 31 October.