St Merryn Beaches

Overview

St Merryn is a fantastic base for exploring the stunning North Cornwall coast. It's famously known for offering 'Seven Bays for Seven Days', a collection of beautiful sandy beaches all within easy reach. This variety means there's a perfect spot for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun, surfing adventures, or peaceful coastal walks.

Among the highlights close to the village is Harlyn Bay Beach, a popular choice buzzing with activities and often favoured by families. Nearby, the expansive golden sands of Constantine Bay attract visitors from all over Cornwall, especially those seeking great surfing waves. For dramatic scenery, Trevone Bay offers unique rock formations and family-friendly rock pools, while Treyarnon Bay is loved for its natural sea pool perfect for a dip at low tide.

These are just a few of the gems awaiting discovery. The famous 'Seven Bays' also include others like Mother Ivey's Bay, Booby's Bay and Porthcothan Bay, each with its own distinct character. You can explore the rugged coastline and walk between many of these beaches using the South West Coast Path. While swimming is popular, conditions can change, so always be mindful of the sea. For a complete guide to all the beaches near St Merryn, including details on access and what makes each unique, explore our full list below.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is St Merryn a good place for a beach holiday?

Yes, St Merryn is an excellent base for a beach holiday, famously known for the 'Seven Bays for Seven Days'. Its location provides easy access to seven distinct sandy beaches within a short drive, offering variety for families, surfers, and walkers.

Which St Merryn beach is best for families with young children?

Harlyn Bay is often recommended for families with young children. It's wide, sandy, generally sheltered, has safer swimming conditions often with lifeguard cover in season, rock pools, facilities like toilets and a cafe, and relatively easy access compared to some other bays.

Harlyn Bay Beach

Can you swim safely at the beaches near St Merryn?

Swimming is popular, but conditions vary. Some bays like Harlyn are generally safer, while others like Constantine can have strong currents and rips, especially when there's surf. Always check conditions, swim between the flags where RNLI lifeguards are present (seasonal), and be aware of tide times. The water is typically cold year-round.

Harlyn Bay Beach

Constantine Bay

What are the 'Seven Bays' near St Merryn?

The 'Seven Bays for Seven Days' refers to a collection of distinct sandy beaches located close to St Merryn village. They are typically listed as Trevone Bay, Harlyn Bay, Mother Ivey's Bay, Booby's Bay, Constantine Bay, Treyarnon Bay, and Porthcothan Bay. Each offers a slightly different character.

Where is best to stay near St Merryn for beach access?

Staying in St Merryn village provides central access to all seven bays within a short drive. Several holiday parks (like St Merryn Holiday Village, Trevella Park) are nearby. For direct walking access, look for accommodation closer to specific bays like Harlyn or Treyarnon, though options might be more limited or pricier.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are dogs allowed on St Merryn beaches?

Dog policies vary, especially seasonally. Some beaches like Harlyn Bay, Constantine Bay, and Mother Ivey's Bay welcome dogs year-round. Others, such as Trevone Bay (on the main sandy part) and Treyarnon Bay, have seasonal restrictions, typically from mid-May to the end of September during daytime hours. Always check specific signage at each beach.

Is parking easy at the beaches near St Merryn?

Parking availability and ease vary significantly between the bays and by season. Most popular beaches like Harlyn, Constantine, Treyarnon, and Porthcothan have paid car parks, but they can fill up very quickly, especially during summer holidays and sunny weekends. Some smaller bays like Mother Ivey's have limited or no dedicated parking. Arrive early or consider walking/cycling.

Which St Merryn beach is best for surfing?

Constantine Bay is renowned for surfing and often picks up more swell than other nearby beaches, making it popular with experienced surfers. Harlyn Bay can be good for beginners when conditions are right, as it's more sheltered. Booby's Bay also offers good waves but access is tide-dependent. Check local surf reports for daily conditions.

Constantine Bay

Harlyn Bay Beach

Booby's Bay Beach

People Also Ask

Do the beaches near St Merryn have toilets and cafes?

Facilities vary. The larger, more popular beaches like Harlyn Bay, Constantine Bay, Treyarnon Bay, Porthcothan Bay, and Trevone Bay generally have public toilets and cafes or shops nearby, especially during the main season. Smaller bays like Mother Ivey's Bay and Booby's Bay have fewer or no facilities.

How busy do the St Merryn beaches get in summer?

The main beaches, particularly Harlyn, Constantine, and Treyarnon, can get very busy during the peak summer months (July and August) and school holidays, especially on sunny days. Parking can be challenging. Quieter times can be found by visiting early or late in the day, or exploring less accessible coves.

Harlyn Bay Beach

Constantine Bay

Treyarnon Bay

Are St Merryn beaches accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs?

Accessibility varies greatly. Harlyn Bay generally offers the easiest access with a gentle slope from the car park to the sand. Trevone Bay also has relatively flat access. Constantine Bay and Treyarnon Bay involve slopes or steps from the car parks. Access to Booby's Bay and Mother Ivey's Bay can be more challenging via the coast path or across sand/rocks.

Are there any quieter, less known beaches near St Merryn?

While the Seven Bays are popular, you might find slightly quieter spots depending on the time and tide. Exploring the coast path can reveal smaller coves. Mother Ivey's Bay can sometimes be less crowded than its neighbours, although parking is very limited. Booby's Bay is only accessible at low tide across the sand from Constantine, which can make it feel more secluded.

Booby's Bay Beach

Can you walk between the Seven Bays?

Yes, the South West Coast Path connects all the Seven Bays. It's a scenic but sometimes challenging walk with undulating terrain. Walking between adjacent bays like Constantine and Booby's (at low tide) or Harlyn and Mother Ivey's is relatively easy. Walking the entire stretch covering all seven is a significant hike.

Constantine Bay

Booby's Bay Beach

Harlyn Bay Beach

Harlyn Bay or Constantine Bay - which is better?

It depends on what you're looking for. Harlyn is often preferred by families for its generally calmer waters and easier access. Constantine is favoured by surfers for its better waves but can have strong currents. Both have sand dunes, rock pools, parking, and seasonal lifeguard cover, but Constantine feels slightly wilder.

Harlyn Bay Beach

Constantine Bay

How do St Merryn beaches compare to Padstow beaches?

St Merryn offers direct access to the 'Seven Bays', a series of distinct sandy beaches great for surfing and families. Padstow itself is a harbour town; its nearest beaches are across the Camel Estuary (e.g., Rock, Daymer Bay via ferry) or a short drive away (like Trevone, which is also one of the Seven Bays). St Merryn is more focused on direct beach access, while Padstow offers a bustling harbour town atmosphere alongside nearby beaches.