Lowen Lodge

Lowen Lodge is a single-storey three-bedroom cottage on a residential street in St Merryn, sleeping five across three bedrooms with two bathrooms. The enclosed garden makes it a practical choice for dogs - up to two are welcome. Prices start from £508 per week. Wi-Fi, parking, dishwasher, and washing machine are included. Changeover is Saturday.

The nearest beach is Porthcothan Bay at 3.2km - a sheltered sandy cove with a National Trust car park above it, best at low tide when the full beach is exposed and the rock pools are accessible. Treyarnon Bay is 3.3km, a smaller cove managed by the Youth Hostel Association with a tidal pool. Harlyn Bay is 3.5km and more popular with families because of its shallower water and safer conditions for young swimmers.

Padstow is around 15 minutes by car to the north-east, accessible via the B3276 coast road. Constantine Bay, one of the more reliable surf beaches in this part of North Cornwall, is 4km further along the coast from Porthcothan.

Good for families with dogs or young children who want a quiet residential base within reach of several north coast beaches. Works for groups of up to five. Less suited to guests wanting to walk to the beach from the front door - all the nearby beaches need a short drive.