Newquay’s best kept secret, hiding in plain sight. The Gannel is a tidal estuary separating Newquay from the village of Crantock, and it feels like a completely different world from the busy town just minutes away. Walk the grassy cliff paths, paddleboard the calm sheltered water, or cross to Crantock Beach on the other side. At low tide you can cross via the footbridge, but when it floods, Fern Pit Beach Kitchen runs a handy foot ferry (late May to September, 10am–6pm). Aim for high tide for swimming and paddleboarding when the estuary is full and at its most beautiful.