St Merryn

St Merryn is a village in north Cornwall about 2 miles southwest of Padstow. The parish covers a stretch of coastline that includes Constantine Bay, Harlyn Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, and Booby’s Bay - some of the best beaches in the Padstow area. The village has a Spar shop, a fish and chip shop (Rick Stein’s), the Cornish Arms pub, a primary school, and a recreation ground with a play area.

The beaches are the main draw. Constantine Bay, about a mile from the village, has a long sandy beach popular with surfers, while Harlyn Bay next to it is more sheltered and better for families. Both have car parks and seasonal lifeguard cover. Mother Ivey’s Bay is accessed through the Harlyn Sands holiday park. Trevose Head lighthouse, at the tip of the headland, is a landmark visible from much of the north coast.

St Merryn sits at a useful junction between the coast and Padstow, making it a practical base. Padstow’s harbour, restaurants, and the start of the Camel Trail are a short drive or bike ride away. The village is less expensive than Padstow itself for accommodation and has a wider range of self-catering properties. Constantine Bay Golf Club is nearby for golfers, and the coast path connects the beaches along the headland.