Tynk

A two-bedroom cottage in Harlyn Bay sleeping 4, part of the Polmark Beach Cottages cluster about 500m back from the sand - a 4-minute walk to the beach. Smaller and tighter than the 6-bed cottages around it, which suits couples or a couple-plus-kids better than full friend groups.

One bathroom serves both bedrooms, with a garden, off-road parking, dishwasher, washing machine, and Wifi. No pets. Friday changeover - useful if you're driving down to dodge the Saturday A30 queues, since most cottages here turn over on Saturday.

Harlyn Bay Beach is the sheltered north-facing beach of the Seven Bays of St Merryn - the most reliable family surf beach in this stretch, calmer than Constantine Bay when the prevailing south-westerlies are blowing. RNLI lifeguards from May to September. Harlyn Surf School works from the sand and the Harlyn Inn at the top of the beach does lunch and dinner. Padstow is 3 miles south for the Stein restaurants and the start of the Camel Trail. Trevone Bay's blowhole and rockpools are 1.6km east along the coast path.

Best for couples or small families who want a sheltered family beach within walking distance and a Friday-to-Friday let. Less good for groups larger than 4, dog owners, or anyone wanting a second bathroom.