The best places to stay in St Merryn

Staying in St Merryn puts you in the “Goldilocks” zone. You are a five-minute drive from the bustle of Padstow, but you have seven different beaches on your doorstep. It is a village built for holidays, offering everything from glamping in shepherds’ huts to luxury self-catering lodges with hot tubs.

From Rick Stein’s country retreat to family-friendly resorts that have been welcoming guests for generations, here is our curated guide to sleeping in St Merryn.

Find St Merryn’s best live deals

Secure your stay with real-time availability for the best hotels and coastal retreats.

Our Top Picks

These three options offer the best mix of comfort, location, and local character.

1. The Cornish Arms (Best for Foodies)

Rick Stein’s pub is the anchor of the village. It offers a classic Cornish pub experience with the added bonus of famous food.

• The Vibe: Traditional and rustic. It feels like a proper country inn.
• The Stay: You have two choices: comfortable rooms above the pub or the “Shepherd’s Huts” in the wooded grounds. The huts are high-end glamping with underfloor heating and en-suites.
• Good to Know: Staying here guarantees you a table for dinner, which is a huge perk in the summer.

2. Martha’s Orchard (Best for Luxury Self-Catering)

Located just a short walk from the village crossroads, this is a collection of luxury lodges and cottages.

• The Vibe: Immaculately kept and very private. It doesn’t feel like a holiday park; it feels like a private gated community.
• The Stay: The lodges are high-spec, often featuring hot tubs and dog-friendly gardens. It is perfect for families or groups who want space and luxury without the hotel formalities.

3. The Farmers Arms (Best for Value)

The “other” pub in the village offers a fantastic, down-to-earth alternative to the celebrity chef spots.

• The Vibe: Friendly, local, and authentic. It is a thatched pub with a great atmosphere.
• The Stay: They offer bed and breakfast rooms that are clean, comfortable, and great value. It makes for an affordable base to explore the Seven Bays.

Camping & Holiday Parks

St Merryn is arguably the camping capital of the North Coast. The area is dotted with sites ranging from basic fields to resorts with swimming pools.

• Higher Harlyn Park: Located between St Merryn and Harlyn Bay. It is family-run and has an outdoor pool. It’s a short walk to the beach.
• Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park: Famous for its location. It has its own private beach access to a quiet cove that the general public rarely finds.
• Seven Bays Park: Centrally located in the village, making it easy to walk to the pubs and shops in the evening.

Nearby Luxury

• The Pig at Harlyn Bay: Technically in Harlyn (a 5-minute drive), this is the “It” hotel of the moment. If you want serious luxury, spa treatments in potting sheds, and kitchen-garden dining, this is the place.

Parking & Logistics

• The Car Necessity: While you can walk to some beaches, St Merryn is an inland village. To properly explore all “Seven Bays,” you really need a car.
• Booking Ahead: Because St Merryn relies heavily on campsites and holiday parks, the “changeover day” traffic (usually Saturdays) can be heavy. Plan your arrival time accordingly.

Guides