Breathtaking views, luxury living, and Crantock Beach just a whisker away. The girls and I had returned to the magnificent dog friendly Crantock Bay Holiday Apartments in Cornwall, aka our little slice of paradise!
When it comes to the perfect dog-friendly destination, Crantock Bay Holiday Apartments are in a league of their own!
As seasoned travellers, my two intrepid explorers know only too well when they’ve struck gold! Picture immaculate accommodation in an idyllic location. It’s no wonder two little tails were wagging from the moment we arrived!
[And that’s before we’d checked out the exquisite spa and top-notch restaurant. More on those later.]
I first visited Crantock Bay back in 2019, with my precious Poppy dog. To be invited to stay at these luxury apartments once is a privilege. But to be given the opportunity to relive the adventure and make new memories with Gertie and Winnie was a dream come true.
After having stopped off at Crantock Beach for a quick wade through the waves to paddle our paws, we arrived at our luxury pad.
Our accommodation, apartment 9, was on the first floor. Having stowed our Dottymobile into one of the two allocated spaces in the car park, we bundled our belongings inside and settled ourselves in.
It was time to kick back, relax, and let our week of doggy indulgence commence!
A warm welcome
With a generous selection of welcome goodies waiting for us on arrival, it didn’t take us long to feel well and truly at home. A bottle of Sauvignon chilling in the fridge, a fresh loaf of bread, and a fine selection of tea and coffee-making provisions, meant we had everything we needed to self-cater in style.
Not surprisingly, the girls didn’t take long to sniff out their artisan dog treats! [Or for that matter, my rather scrummy Cornish Farings!] There was certainly no fear of their Sea Dog bones going past their sell-by date! They were instantly devoured! [After the obligatory photo shoot of course!]
Coastal Chic at Crantock Bay
Situated alongside the coastal path, Crantock Bay Holiday Apartments boast an enviable location. Providing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean they reveal a stunning seascape that encompasses the splendor of Crantock beach below.
Surrounded by immaculate lawns and well-tended borders, the impressive facade of these exquisite holiday lets sets the stage for the equally lavish interior decor.
Decked out in calming muted tones, these 5-star boutique-style holiday retreats are the epitome of sophisticated luxury. With white-washed walls, captivating artwork that provides a subtle nautical nod to your coastal surroundings, and tasteful high-quality furnishings, it’s little wonder that the stresses and strains of life just melt away the moment you step through the door.
It’s also little wonder, that from the minute we arrived, we wanted to stay forever!
Apartment 9 can accommodate up to four guests, and both king-size bedrooms have their own luxury bathrooms.
The ensuite master bedroom is particularly impressive, with patio doors that open out onto an enclosed balcony with far-reaching views of the sea. I mean, what better way to start the day than waking up to the sights and sounds of the ocean?
Bringing the inside out
The light and airy open-plan living area provides the perfect place to relax. With a kitchen comprising every mod con and cooking utensil you could wish for, there’s no need to leave your cosy abode. (Unless of course, you feel the need to dine out at one of the many dog-friendly eateries nearby.)
Divided by a breakfast bar (ideal for a morning gaze across the bay) the living area has two comfy sofas and a smart TV to catch up with all the latest news and gossip!
If however you choose to switch off from the outside world, and immerse yourself in a world of seaside charm, the sun terrace is the pièce de résistance of this apartment.
Complete with sun loungers and a stylish outdoor dining set, it’s the perfect spot to chill out and people-watch to your heart’s content.
I could rather picture myself here in the height of Summer; listening to the waves lap on the shore whilst watching wakeboarders and waggy tails enjoy the beach with equal enthusiasm.
Time to dine
Now don’t get me wrong, when it comes to dog-friendly holidays I’m a huge fan of self-catering. I love nothing more than tinkering around the kitchen, indulging my inner Nigella, and cosying up with my girls.
However, when you stay somewhere as luxurious as Crantock Bay Apartments, you deserve a little treat. And treats don’t get much better than a delicious breakfast at C-Bay Bar and Bistro.
Decked out in vibrant pinks and blues, overlooking the ocean, this stylish dog-friendly eatery is the perfect way to start the day. C-Bay Bar and Bistro is open in the Winter months from 10am – 4pm (to patrons and passers-by) and their mouthwatering menu is guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds!
The relaxed and welcoming vibe only makes you even more inclined to return the following day and repeat the whole experience! [Well I mean, my bacon and avocado focaccia sandwich was just so tasty! I had to go back to check it was just as good the second time around!]
Adjacent to C-Bay Bar and Bistro is the most exquisite swimming pool and spa. With high beamed ceilings and views of Crantock Bay, it oozes a calming, relaxing ambiance.
I didn’t get a chance to indulge in a spa treatment on this occasion, but I remember from my previous visit, it was a heavenly experience which I’d highly recommend!
A dog friendly haven for hounds and humans
Tucked away in a quiet corner of West Pentire, you could be forgiven for thinking this coastal retreat is worlds away from its neighbouring town of Newquay, famed for colourful surf shacks and kiss-me-quick hats.
Here, in this quaint little hamlet of West Pentire, you will find nothing but peace and tranquility. With sandy shores, craggy cliffs, and lush green landscapes, it’s a haven for hounds and their humans.
Just a short walk along the coast path, or a satisfying stroll along the sand, you’ll find the village of Crantock. If you can’t wait to sink your feet into the sand (like me!) the quickest way to access the beach at low tide, is to clamber down the steps to the left of the apartments and scramble over the rocks.
Due to coastal erosion, beach access is prohibited from the coastal path until you reach Crantock village itself.
Steeped in history, this quaint little village is characterised by its narrow winding lanes, traditional cottages with thatched roofs, and a welcoming community vibe. Considering its size, Crantock is rich with amenities. It has a convenience store and Post Office, two pubs, and a pizza restaurant, so it’s a handy little place to have on the doorstep.
Beach hopping around our favourite dog friendly beaches in Cornwall
My previous visit to Crantock in 2019 coincided with storm Freya, who rudely curtailed our doggy days out with her feisty temper! I have recollections of Poppy and I getting sandblasted as we attempted to battle our way along Crantock beach in gale-force winds!
This time, having narrowly avoided storm Isha, and with the forecast set to be fine, we were eager to explore this beautiful stretch of the Cornish coastline.
The North Cornish coast is home to a bounty of beautiful beaches, the majority of which are dog-friendly all year round. From sweeping golden sands to coves lapped by crystal blue waters, it’s a Mecca for beach lovers.
So armed with a wish list as long as my arm, the dogs and I were ready to beach hop until we dropped!
Harlyn Bay
First up is a firm favourite of ours, Harlyn Bay. This hidden gem is about half an hour from Crantock, and with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to see why it leaves a lasting impression on its visitors.
Whether you’re riding the waves, peering in rock pools, or simply admiring wave ripples left by the tide, this beach has a tranquil charm all of its own.
The dogs and I happily spent a couple of hours here, snapping away with the camera and playing peekaboo in the caves at the far end of the beach.
As is tradition, we had to round off our adventure with a coffee and cafe stop! The quirky-looking cafe adjacent to the car park didn’t disappoint. It’s not a budget option by any stretch of the imagination, but nonetheless, a tasty treat to satisfy those calorie cravings!
Constantine Bay
Constantine Bay, with its sweeping sandy shores, flanked by rugged cliffs and sand dunes is perfect if you want to enjoy some solitude away from the hustle and bustle.
Situated just a few miles from the popular tourist hot spot of Padstow, Constantine Bay maintains a serene and unspoiled atmosphere. With an abundance of rock pools to explore and a plethora of photo opportunities, it’s food for the soul.
Dog-friendly all year round (as are most of the beaches I mention in this blog) it also has a beach cafe in the car park.
Fortunately, [for my thighs!] the cafe is closed during the Winter months. However, from previous experience, I remember it scoring pretty high in the coffee and cake stakes.
Polly Joke Beach
You can only reach Polly Joke, (or Porth Joke beach) by foot, but it’s well worth the short walk from West Pentire village. This pretty cove is Crantock’s less populated neighbour. Apparently, it’s the beach where all the locals choose to walk their dogs, and I can see why.
We visited just as the sun was setting and it really is a little hidden gem that welcomes dogs all year round. This secluded cove is backed by cliffs and picturesque dunes.
If you want to escape from the world and indulge in some ‘me time,’ this is the beach for you!
Perranporth, Polzeath and Watergate Bay
A little more commercialised, in so much as they all embrace the surfing scene in a big way, are Perranporth, Polzeath, and Watergate Bay. We ran out of time to visit these beautiful beaches on this Cornish adventure, but they are all fabulous and well worth investigating.
At low tide, all three beaches reveal large expanses of golden sand where you can walk your little paws off!
Although dog friendly all year around, Polzeath and Perranporth have some daytime restrictions in the Summer, so check before you travel!
Padstow
Padstow has to be one of my all-time favourite coastal towns. Whilst it can get unbearably over-crowded during the summer months, out of season it’s idyllic.
Quintessentially Cornish, it’s long been luring visitors with its picturesque charm, rich maritime history, and culinary delights.
With panoramic views of the Camel Estuary, the picturesque harbour sits at the heart of the town, lined with colorful fishing boats and surrounded by an eclectic mix of shops and eateries.
Basking on a bench in the winter sunshine, watching the boats in the harbour bob up and down, and listening to a lone busker softly strumming the strings of his guitar, was nothing short of serendipitous.
A walk along the cliffs takes you to the most stunning beaches. At low tide, with crystal clear waters and soft golden sands, you can walk for a mile and a half taking in the three adjacent bays of St George’s, Harbour Cove, and Hawkins Cove.
If you’re visiting in the Summer months, St George’s Beach does have a daytime beach ban for dogs from 1st July -31st August. The other two beaches can still be accessed and are dog-friendly all year round. It just means a slightly longer walk along the clifftop to satisfy those sandy snoots!
A Serious Case of the Holiday Blues
We are always sad when one of our dog-friendly adventures draws to a close, and I could already feel the holiday blues setting in as we bid farewell to Crantock Bay Apartments.
Everything about our week here had been perfect. From the sensational accommodation and the idyllic location, to the weather which had pulled out all the stops and blessed us with some much-needed Winter sunshine.
It wasn’t our first visit to this little slice of dog-friendly paradise, and it certainly won’t be our last.
I hope you have enjoyed reading all about our stay. If you’d like to see more footage of our Cornish adventures, please check out our stories on Instagram.
If our blog has inspired you to make a booking at Crantock Bay Apartments, please let us know. They have eleven holiday lets in total, the largest of which can accommodate up to eight lucky guests.
Don’t forget, if you do book a stay, be sure to share some photos on social media – if nothing else to make us insanely jealous!
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Winnie, and Gertie
xox
* We received a complimentary stay at Crantock Bay Apartments in return for writing this review
