11 August 2023 , 10:49
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A beach in Cornwall never fails to be a hit with Brits looking for staycation ideas as it has some soft golden sands, swim-friendly waters, and plenty of gorgeous coastal walks nearby.
However, while Crantock Beach is popular, a lot of tourists don't realise that it actually has some hidden caves, with an intriguing secret. The small caves are hidden amongst the rocks so they're easy to miss if you don't know to look out for them, not to mention they're only accessible during low tide.
For those who are in the know, a local legend awaits. That's because there are intricate carvings etched into the walls including a horse, the close-up of a woman's face, and a love poem that reads, "Mar not my face by let me be/Secure in this lone cavern by the sea/Let the wild waves around me roar/Kissing my lips for evermore".
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The Crantock rock carving on Crantock Beach (CornwallLive / SWNS.com)Nobody knows who's behind the old carvings, but local legend is that they're the work of a heartbroken lover, whose love drowned at sea. The legend says the woman from the carving and her horse were out along Crantock Beach but got cut off as the tide came in, eventually being swept away by the rough seas and never to be seen again.
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Her distraught lover, known locally as Joseph Prater, is believed to have carved the poem and etchings as a way to immortalise her, and to have repeatedly returned to the caves so he could feel close to her.
While it's a sad tale, it's also a stark warning for anyone who does want to visit; stick to visiting during the low tide and if you can, enlist the help of local guides who often know the safest and quickest routes. If you do visit, it's not recommended that you go alone - and make sure to check the tide times.
The carvings are believed to be the work of a grieving lover (Getty Images/Moment Open)This summer, the National Trust issued a warning for holidaymakers due to the rainy weather. A statement from the organisation explained: "Following the recent weather and spring tides, we’re asking visitors to take extra care around the dune system at Crantock beach. Please stay clear from the base of the sand cliffs and do not allow children to play near them."
Meanwhile for families planning a visit, Parkdean Resorts' Crantock Beach Holiday Park could be ideal thanks to its proximity and wide variety of caravans to suit every budget.
On Tripadvisor, visitors have been quick to praise the beautiful beach - but firmly warn others of the tides. One person wrote: "Definitely a favourite out of the Cornwall Beaches. So spacious and large. Dog friendly all year and National Trust. Great place for surfing and loads of little water ways for children to paddle in. Can Paddle Board on the gally out to sea. The only downside is that the food hut is expensive at £12 for a plain burger. £7 for chips. The carpark is overly a good size and is staffed. Tide comes in quickly and just aware of your surroundings. Lots of caves to explore and rock pools."
Another added: "Visited this wonderful beach twice during our weeks stay in Cornwall. It is so large that despite there being many people on it by late morning there was plenty of space available. The facilities are excellent. We put this as our No. 1 beach."
Others described it as a "fabulous beach" that was "ideal for families" - although they warned that during peak seasons the nearby carparks can fill up quickly.