Famously known as the ‘Seven Bays’, these 7 glorious sandy beaches are centered around the small village of St Merryn. The local slogan, “7 bays for 7 days” perfectly sums up the diversity of these stunning Cornish landmarks and the unique characteristics of each bay. They stretch for seven miles along the north coast from Porthcothan Bay (near Newquay) to Trevone Bay (near Padstow).
Primrose Cottage, Arnold Cottage and our Ocean View properties of Tamarisk and Treyarnon Suite at Treyarnon Bay are both perfectly positioned to enjoy these “7 bays in 7 days”.
Trevone Bay
The first of the seven bays’ is at Trevone, at the north end, near Padstow. This gently shelving, sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs and has been awarded the Blue Flag Award 2019. It is particularly popular with surfers and has wonderful sheltered coves. The other end, known locally as Rocky beach is a must for all those who like rock pools and crabbing, then during low tide, a natural swimming pool emerges! Don’t forget to head up to the cliffs, but watch out for the’ blowhole’!
Harlyn Bay
Half an hour’s walk east from Trevone is Harlyn Bay. This crescent shaped sandy beach stretches for two thirds of a mile, with plenty of space for all beach goers. For those who enjoy watersports, it’s a great place to learn to surf and when it comes to surf, Harlyn offers some of the best waves around! The brilliant surf school welcomes all level of surfer, as well as offering body boarding, kayaking and paddle-boarding. You can even sign up to one of their coasteering adventures! The bay is backed by cliffs with lots of rock pools and sheltered coves for snorkeling.
Mother Ivey’s Bay
Just around the coast from Harlyn Bay is the secluded Mother Ivey’s Bay, which takes its name from the legend of Mother Ivy who was a local white witch. Sheltered from the wind by the Merope Rocks, this quiet bay lies in a sheltered location framed by stunning coastal scenery where the soft sandy beach is ideal for both summer sandcastles and romantic winter walks. Much the remotest of the seven bays.
Booby’s Bay
Just south of Trevose Head and its famous lighthouse is Booby’s Bay, the most fantastic place for rock pooling. At high tide, the beach pretty much disappears, but at low tide all sorts of magical treasures emerge – the remains of ship wrecks within in the sand, rock pools full of sea creatures and collections of wonderful shaped shells. Walking to the bay from the clifftop is a nature-lovers dream with a host of magnificent local sea life and bird life to spot, including the infamous seabird after which the beach is named.
Constantine Bay
Moving south down the coast, the next beach is at Constantine Bay. With a reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, Constantine Bay beach offers a sweeping arc of gently shelving soft pale sands, fringed by sand dunes. This west-facing beach also has numerous rock pools to explore and is a top spot for swimming and year-round surfing. After a day of crabbing, shrimping, swimming, surfing and generally messing around, pick a sheltered dune and as the day draws in enjoy a BBQ supper.
Treyarnon Bay
A short stroll from Constantine Bay sits Treyarnon Bay, a clean and sandy north west facing beach backed by sand dunes and surrounded by low cliffs, it’s hugely popular with families. The northern side is home to an abundance of rock pools teeming with shrimps, crabs and small fish. There is also a large natural swimming pool for everyone to enjoy.
Porthcothan Bay
By itself, a mile to the south, is the seventh and final beach – Porthcothan Bay. Long and narrow, it is bordered by dramatic cliffs on both sides and with its golden sands, grassy dunes and rock pools, it’s an ideal hangout for families. The sheltered sea lends itself perfectly for swimming and bodyboarding. Porthcothan Bay has since become an iconic Cornish location after starring in the BBC series ‘Poldark’ as Nampara Cove!
Pick one of our suggested Cornish Seaview Cottages and enjoy the thrill of discovering these “7 bays in 7 days”!