Just a few miles from Padstow, St Merryn is a friendly and welcoming village surrounded by some of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches. With its relaxed pace, local charm, and easy access to the coast, it’s a perfect spot for anyone looking to experience the best of North Cornwall.

  1. Seven Bays for Seven Days
    St Merryn proudly promotes itself as the “village with seven bays for seven days,” referring to the string of beautiful beaches nearby — including Harlyn Bay, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, and Porthcothan.
  2. Close to Padstow
    The village sits just a few miles south of Padstow, making it an ideal base for exploring the north Cornish coast while enjoying a slightly quieter atmosphere.
  3. Surfing and Watersports
    Several of the nearby bays are among Cornwall’s best surf spots. Harlyn Bay and Constantine Bay in particular are popular with surfers and bodyboarders throughout the year.
  4. St Merryn Church
    The village takes its name from its historic parish church, dedicated to St Merryn. The church dates back to Norman times and features a peaceful churchyard and ancient stonework.
  5. Beautiful Walks
    The area offers easy access to the South West Coast Path, with scenic walks along the cliffs and dunes connecting one beach to the next.
  6. The Cornish Arms
    Celebrity chef Rick Stein owns The Cornish Arms in the centre of St Merryn, a traditional pub serving classic comfort food and local ales in a cosy setting.
  7. A Family-Friendly Village
    With its local shops, restaurants, and welcoming community, St Merryn has a friendly, lived-in feel that makes it popular with families and regular holidaymakers alike.
  8. Treyarnon Tidal Pool
    Just a short drive or walk away, Treyarnon Bay has a natural tidal swimming pool set into the rocks; perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
  9. Rich in Wildlife
    The coastline around St Merryn is home to seals, seabirds, and occasional dolphins. Rock pooling and birdwatching are popular activities, especially around the quieter coves.
  10. Perfect for Coastal Adventures
    From surfing and sea kayaking to cliff-top picnics and lazy beach days, St Merryn offers something for everyone; a classic Cornish destination with a relaxed local charm.

St Merryn perfectly combines countryside calm with coastal adventure. Whether you’re exploring one of its seven bays or enjoying a meal at a local pub, it’s a place that captures the easygoing spirit of Cornwall at its best.

Guides

Parking

The best places to park in St Merryn

Exploring St Merryn’s “Seven Bays”? Our essential parking guide covers every spot from the large car park at Harlyn Bay …
Surfing

The best things to do in St Merryn

St Merryn is famous for its slogan “Seven Bays for Seven Days.” It is the gateway to some of the …
Hotel Room

The best places to stay in St Merryn

St Merryn is the perfect strategic base for exploring the North Coast. Known as “Seven Bays,” it sits centrally among …
Fish and chips

The best places to eat in St Merryn

St Merryn is famously known as “Seven Bays” because of its location in the middle of seven stunning beaches. For …

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