St Carantoc Parish Church

Welcome to Crantock, one of the gems of the North Cornwall Coast. Legend and fact intermingle in this fascinating little village, once the site of the ancient city of Langorroc, long since buried by a great sandstorm.

The Parish name comes from the 6th century Saint, Carantoc, who built a small oratory which, in time, became a renowned College of Priests. This was a major centre of religious administration and learning in Cornwall, until it suffered under the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. The Norman building, now St. Carantoc Parish Church, was fully restored at the turn of the century, and has some of the finest woodcarving in the West Country. St. Carantoc's life story is portrayed in the stained glass windows.

Crantock, with its picturesque cottages and peaceful atmosphere, offers many attractions to the visitor, including art and craft shops, a tea garden and restaurant, and three public houses.

Large areas of the Parish are in the ownership of the National Trust, including the delightful little cove known as 'Polly Joke', and the 'Round Orchard' in the centre of the village, which may have been the site of the ancient Celtic chapel.

There are many interesting walks to enjoy within the parish. Either around the headlands on the South West coastal footpath, or over the rushy sand-dunes to the magnificent sweep of Crantock Beach, and especially along the estuary of the River Gannel, which was a thriving port in the 15th century and is now a favourite haunt of the walker, horse-rider and naturalist.

You will be made warmly welcome in our village. We look forward to meeting you.