St. Merryn is ideally situated for a beach holiday and you certainly won't be short of choice, with 7 glorious beaches within a 3 mile radius of the cottage and countless more just a little further afield.
Harlyn
Harlyn Bay is approx 1 mile from St. Merryn. This wide sweeping bay has a selection of smaller coves to explore at the far end at low tide. A stream runs down to the sea (most of the time) and there are plenty of rock pools to amuse the children. Car parking (chargeable) is right beside the beach and there is a pub and shop a short walk across the road. Toilets are situated approx 500yds away, across the road. Most of the summer sees resident takeaway and ice-cream vans either in the car-park or on the beach. There is a surf school and surfing lessons can be booked on the sands. The surf varies greatly with the conditions, from some of the best waves around to none at all..... every day is a surprise. It's easy to launch small craft from this beach when the conditions are right.
Porthcothan
Porthcothan Bay is just over 2 miles from the village and offers a host of caves to explore at low tide, along with 'the horse pool' which is a great sandy bottomed pool that the kids love to swim in. 'Golden Burn' is a smaller cove accessible from the main beach at low tide and from the cliffs at high tide. Surfing here is safer than at other beaches but waves have been known to 'dump' you unceremoniously onto the sands when the tide is high. A stream runs along one side of the beach and there is a small shop and cafe at the back of the dunes. Car parking (chargeable) is a short walk across the road, as are the toilets.
Treyarnon
Treyarnon Bay is approx 1.5 miles away and boasts a large natural swimming pool in the rocks at low tide. There is also a huge assortment of both rock pools and shallow sandy pools for the children to play in. Surfing is great fun at Treyarnon, although the left hand side of the beach can be dangerous. Car parking (chargeable) is on the cliff above the beach where there is a small general store, takeaway van and toilets. There are a few sand dunes and countless rocky nooks and crannies to choose from when setting up camp for the day. There is a stream running through the centre of the beach and the beach is usually very flat at low tide, making it ideal for beach games.
Constantine
Constantine Bay is a large, sweeping beach 2 miles from St. Merryn. Parking (free) is limited behind the dunes although there is a paid car park a short walk up the lane. This beach changes dramatically from season to season and sometimes there is a huge expanse of rock pools, but at other times they are completely covered by sand. Surfing here can be a challenge and it is not uncommon for the red flag to be flying at certain states of tide. There are enormous sand dunes, perfect for the kids to explore, or to provide shelter from the often brisk breeze. There are toilets near the entrance to the beach and during the summer months, a coffee seller and ice-cream van are present on the beach. Both Treyarnon and Boobys bay can easily be walked to from Constantine. For those who fancy a slightly longer walk, Trevose lighthouse sits upon the headland.
Boobys
Boobys Bay sits between Constantine and Mother Ivey's and is approx 2 miles from the cottage. Parking can be difficult at this beach but it is well worth a visit. There is some parking on the road but there is quite a walk down to the beach. Alternatively a car park (chargeable) on the headland offers slightly easier access or daily parking passes are obtainable from the reception of Trevose Golf Club, which allows you to park along the road leading down towards the beach. Whilst there is very little beach at high tide, once the tide goes out, there is a large expanse of sand and hundreds of pools - both large and small, rocky and sandy. There is a ship wreck in the centre of the beach which is sometimes completely covered but at other times very exposed (dependent on weather/sea conditions) and beautiful starfish can be found in abundance, clinging to it's remains. Surfing here is brilliant fun but can be dangerous so beware that the red flag will be flying when the tide comes in and also if conditions are hazardous.
The Lighthouse is an easy walk across the cliff onto Trevose head, where there is a blow hole.
The Lighthouse is an easy walk across the cliff onto Trevose head, where there is a blow hole.
Mother Ivey's
Mother Ivey's bay is not easily accessible but like Boobys, it is possible to park, either along the road, or on the headland. The beach can be accessed by walking through Mother Ivey's caravan site or via the coastal path and there is quite a steep slope leading down to the beach but once there, a beautiful sight awaits. There aren't always waves and this beach is not lifeguarded. The sea has been known to shelve quite quickly from the shore so beware with small children. There are no rock pools on this beach and whilst it is well sheltered, it becomes shaded once the sun starts to drop. There is a great view of Padstow lifeboat station from here and if the lifeboat goes out, you'll get prime views of it's descent.
Trevone
Trevone is a smaller cove, just under 2 miles away, with parking on the cliff above the beach or behind the sands (chargeable). There is a shop, cafe & toilets adjacent to the car park. A stream runs through the middle of the beach and at low tide, there is a large swimming pool in the rocks at Newtrain bay, a short walk around from the main beach. Surfing can be brilliant but the right hand side of the beach can be dangerous. There is a large blow hole in the cliff called 'the round hole.'
This is by no means an exhaustive list of nearby beaches....... Mawgan Porth, Hawkers Cove, Watergate Bay, Bedruthan Steps and Daimer bay are all within a few miles. ,all beautiful and all equally unique.