W Pentire – free coastal car park, 24/7 access, steps from beach, cliff walks & cafe.
🚗 Type: Public Free Car Park (Cornwall Council)
🕒 Open: 24/7 (no charges or time limits)
🌟 Rating: 4.5/5 (Google Reviews)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
Feature | Detail |
---|---|
Total Spaces | ~50 bays |
Disabled Bays | 2 marked bays (nearest path; free with Blue Badge) |
Surface | Level gravel with delineated bays |
Lighting | None (rural location; bring torch after dark) |
Drainage | Natural fall; occasional puddles after heavy rain |
Security | No CCTV—park at your own risk; good mobile reception |
Signage | Cornwall Council “P” signs & surf club directional boards |
♿ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Two bays adjacent to footpath—no time limit
Pathways: Compacted stone path with gentle gradients to beach access
Drop-Off Zone: Kerbside pull-in beside entrance gate for easy unloading
🚶 Walkability & Coastal Links
Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
---|---|---|
Crantock Beach Access | 2 min | Sandy beach & surf break |
Widemouth Bay Coastal Path | 15 min | Cliff-top walking & coastal views |
Crantock Village Centre | 8 min | Pub, café, shop & public toilets |
National Trust Carnewas & Bedruthan Steps | 25 min | Iconic rock formations & trails |
🛒 Nearby Amenities & Services
Public Toilets: Beach café (seasonal) & village hall (8 min walk)
Café & Shop: Beachside kiosk offering drinks & snacks (summer months)
Surf School: Crantock Surf School HQ adjacent—equipment hire & lessons
📅 Demand Patterns & Seasonal Variations
Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
---|---|---|
Weekday Mornings | 30 % | Early surfers & walkers |
Weekday Afternoons | 50 % | Beach visitors & families |
Evenings & Weekends | 80 % | Tourists & picnic groups |
Summer Weekends | 95 % | Peak holiday crowds |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10:00 on summer weekends to secure a bay close to the café.
⚠️ Important Notices & Guidelines
Time-Limit Advice: Recommended max 4 h for turnover; no formal enforcement
Wildlife Note: Dog restrictions apply April–September on beach; follow signage
Weather Alert: Exposed site—bring windproof layers and waterproof boots
📌 Visitor Tips
Surfing: Use the two bays nearest the surf school for fastest beach access.
Picnic Spots: Park centrally for quickest walk to coastal benches and grassy headland.
Accessibility: Blue Badge users enjoy flat route to café and beach ramp.
Evening Views: Sunset overlooks best from promontory west of car park—bring a torch for return.
🔮 Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q3: Feasibility study for 4 × 7 kW EV chargers under council green initiative
2025 Q4: Installation of coastal information kiosk with tide times & safety alerts
2026: Proposal for +20 bays expansion on adjacent council land (ref: CC/PLN/2024/1280)
Accessibility Audit: Coastal path gradient review scheduled for Jan 2026