The Seven Bays of St Merryn

Being in the village of St Merryn, Cowries is the perfect base for your holiday with everything you need right on your doorstep. We even have a bay for each day of the week!

The Seven Bays are a wonderful collection of sandy beaches centred around St Merryn.

Mother Ivey’s Bay

This is a lovely private beach as it’s only accessible along the costal path from Harlyn Bay. (Takes about 20 minutes). It’s well worth the walk if you fancy a beach away from the busier bays. From Cowries you can see Mother Ivey’s Bay, so you look out to sea and watch the passing boats on the horizon!

Parking
The closest parking is at Harlyn Bay.

Facilities
Toilets and facilities are situated at Harlyn Bay and can be used by any member of the public.

Dogs
Allowed all year round.

Booby’s Bay

Booby’s Bay is a small cove in north Cornwall, just south of Trevose Head and north of the beautiful sandy beach at Constantine Bay. Booby’s Bay is a fantastic place to go rock pooling. It’s a popular surfing beach for experienced surfers but swimming and surfing at Booby’s Bay can be quite dangerous due to the amount of rocks in the area, so extreme caution is advised, with neighbouring Constantine Bay being a safer choice, especially during summer months when lifeguards are on duty. It is accessed by following the coastal path down over the rocks (may not be suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs).

At high tide, the beach at Booby’s Bay pretty much disappears, and at low tide the remains of a few ship wrecks can be seen in the sand. The bay takes its intriguing name from the ‘Booby’ seabird which can be found in the area, a close relative of the ‘Gannet’.

Parking
No car park; nearest parking at Constantine and Treyarnon.

Facilities
Toilets are only accessible from Constantine Bay.

Dogs
Allowed all year round.

Porthcothan Bay

A large sandy beach with sand dunes backing into it. It’s great for sunbathing and a favourite with families. the beach opens out at low tide, connecting up with small coves to the north and south and at high tide the beach becomes very sheltered from swell and winds due to the cliffs. Perfect for swimming and board sports. It is located south of Constantine Bay and is only ten minutes drive from Cowries.

Parking
Car park across the road from the beach.

Facilities
 Toilets, seasonal shop and Pub nearby.

Dogs
Dogs are welcome all year round.

Harlyn Bay

One of the best beaches (in our opinion) of the Seven Bays. It’s the perfect beach for a family day out. Beautiful sandy beach, rock pools and caves to explore. Harlyn has great surf and during Summer months there are life guards daily. We have spent many a perfect day on Harlyn.

Parking
Two large car parks with access to the beach. Parking is paid for by the shed on entrance to the carpark.

Facilities
Toilets in overflow car park, takeaway food van situated in top car park. 

Dogs
Allowed all year round.

Trevone Bay

A large beautiful sandy beach with another rocky beach to the west which includes a large natural tidal pool. The natural pool has recently been one of the main locations on CBBC’s Malory Towers.

This is fantastic for rock pooling and shell collecting. Trevone Bay can accessed either via steps or a slope from the car park. It’s a great surfing beach or if there’s no surf, Paddle Boarding is excellent fun.

Parking
Two car parks with access to the beach.

Facilities
Toilets, shop, cafe/takeaway and the Well Parc Pub a short walk up the road.

Dogs
Dogs allowed from 1st October through to Easter Day* on the main beach, all year round on the rocky beach.

* This is currently be reviewed – please check at the time of your stay.

Constantine Bay

Constantine is loved by all. There’s great surf for the board lovers, excellent rock pools for exploring and a massive stretch of sandy beach backed by sand dunes for everyone to enjoy. A perfect place for an evening stroll or a walk to blow the cob webs away.

Parking
Small car park with limited spaces. There is a larger summer car park just up the road.

Toilets
Next to the beach car park.

Facilities
Seasonal Cafe next to the toilets. Constantine Stores and Surf Shop in Constantine Bay Village. There is also a seasonal coffee vendor throughout the year.

Safety
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

Dogs
Dogs are welcome all year round.

Treyarnon Bay

A narrow but long sandy bay at low tide. This surf spot is popular from mid to high tide, with rights and lefts into the middle of the beach, although many Surfers tend to go to Constantine it is popular with body boarders. Treyarnon has loads to interest both old and young with excellent rock pool and a natural pool which is big enough to swim in but which is only accessible at low tide. The headland at the end of the beach features an island (Trethias Island) which is completely separated from the mainland by a steep, deep gulley – please watch the incoming tide.

Parking
Car park situated right by the beach.

Toilets
There are toilets by the beach car park.

Facilities
Shop in beach car park.

Safety
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, although we advise checking this information before visiting.

Dogs
Dogs are welcome all year round.

The Location

stmerryn

St Merryn - A little village with a lot of coastline

The pretty village of St Merryn on Cornwall’s north coast is ideally located for access to seven beautiful beaches and bays, one for every day of the week!

padstow

Padstow - Charming Fishing Port with Famous chefs

This fantastic holiday destination is popular with foodies and walkers alike. The bustling working harbour is surrounded by gift shops, galleries and a whole host of restaurants.

Things to Do & See

Come rain or shine and no matter what age or ability, a holiday in St Merryn offers something for everyone. 

surfing

Surfing

Each of the Seven Bays offers a variety of differing surf breaks. Only 20 minutes away from the ‘Surf City’ of Newquay, the bays surrounding Trevose Head span nearly 250degrees of the compass and offer an entirely different experience.

dogriendly

Dog Friendly

The area around St Merryn has some fabulous places to visit and many your dog will enjoy too. The Padstow area along with the Newquay area have some of the best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall.

food

Local Food

Within walking distance of Cowries, St Merryn has two pubs, restaurants and award winning takeaways. Padstow is home to Michelin starred and family restaurants, cafes and bistros. Not to mention vibrant tapas bars, cosy tearooms and welcoming Cornish pubs.

golf

Golf & Leisure

There are plenty of golf courses and driving ranges within a short distance of St Merryn, but why travel when there is a championship 18 hole course plus 2 short courses on your doorstep. The Trevose Golf and Country Club is just down the road in Constantine Bay.

Connect With Us

You can contact us by phone, email, enquiry form or social media messages. These are available during office hours or you can leave a message and we’ll get back to you.

    Contact Us

    Address
    Cowries, 19 Fairfield, St Merryn,
    Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8FQ

    Phone: 07770 965575
    Email: contact@cowriesstmerryn.co.uk

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