Gull Cottage

Single-storey two-bedroom cottage in St Merryn village, 2 miles inland from Padstow. Sleeps four (double + zip-link super-king). Two dogs welcome.

Everything is on one level - both bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen-diner, and lounge all off a single hallway. Good for older guests, families with under-fives, and anyone who'd rather not negotiate stairs. Dual-aspect lounge with flame-effect gas fire. Tassimo coffee machine, dishwasher, washing machine, bath (not just a shower). WiFi included.

Outside: enclosed lawned garden, patio with furniture, shed for bikes and surfboards. Off-road parking on the property.

The Seven Bays beaches define the area. Harlyn Bay (2km) is the sheltered family beach - lifeguarded in summer, RNLI surf school, the Harlyn Inn for lunch. Constantine Bay (4 miles) is the surf break. Treyarnon (2.5km) has rockpools at the southern end. Mother Ivey's Bay (through Harlyn Sands holiday park) is the quieter alternative. Trevose Head lighthouse marks the tip of the headland.

Padstow is a 3-mile drive or 30-minute cycle. Rick Stein runs the Seafood Restaurant, St Petroc's Bistro, and Stein's Fish & Chips (there's a Stein chip shop in St Merryn village too). Paul Ainsworth at No 6 and Prawn on the Lawn round out the big names. The Camel Trail starts at the harbour - 18 flat miles on the old railway to Bodmin. Camel Creek Adventure Park is 5 miles inland.

Best for: couples, retirees, families with young kids, dog walkers wanting the Seven Bays beaches and Padstow's food scene without the in-town price premium. Less good for: bigger groups (sleeps four, no more), or anyone wanting a beach within walking distance.