Crackington Haven
OS Grid ref:- SX140972
The small, sheltered beach at Crackington Haven offers opportunities for surfing and swimming, with lifeguards in season. The top of the beach consists of pebbles and rocks, some of which are of great geological interest. The views from the surrounding high dark cliffs are magnificent. Much of the surrounding cliffs are now owned by the National Trust.
The village lies between Bude and Boscastle and is situated at the mouth of a picturesque valley, it has some facilities, including a few beach shops, a restaurant, a pub by the beach, cafe and a hotel.
Crackington Haven was once a small port used for the import of coal and limestone.
Nearby St. Genny's church, (SX1497) dedicated to the fifth century St. Genesius, is the last resting place of many shipwrecked sailors and has superb coastal views north to Bude and Mormenstow. The church dates from the twelfth century and occupies the site of an earlier, Saxon church. St Genny's was restored in the Victorian era.
To the south of Crackington Haven lies High Cliff, surpassing 700 feet, it is the highest cliff in Cornwall. The West country author, Thomas Hardy, conducted a romance with Emma here, whom he later made his wife.
The village was badly affected during the Boscastle Flood of 2004, when several homes and the pub were damaged.