Wagtail Cottage

A single-storey stone cottage in St Merryn sleeping four across a king-size bedroom and a twin room. The property runs on one level, which suits guests who want to avoid stairs, and the sunny south-facing garden has countryside views without being exposed. The cottage is rated 5 out of 5 on HolidayCottages from 9 reviews, with cleanliness scoring 5 and equipment and comfort each at 4.

Trevone Bay is 3.3km - a sheltered sandy cove with a natural blow hole accessible at low tide and a seasonal car park above the beach. Harlyn Bay is 3.4km, a wider beach facing north-west that picks up less swell in summer and is used by families and paddleboarders. Treyarnon Bay adds a third option at 3.7km, one of the less visited beaches on the Seven Bays stretch despite having a rock-pool tidal area below the dunes.

Padstow is 3 miles north. The harbour has daily fish sales from local boats, a cluster of restaurants on the quay, and ferry crossings to Rock in the summer. The Camel Trail runs from Padstow to Wadebridge (5.5 miles) and continues to Bodmin - all flat, surfaced track along the estuary, and well-suited to bikes hired from Padstow. The village of St Merryn itself has a pub and a small shop.

This cottage is ideal for couples with two dogs who want to rotate through multiple beaches without driving far each day. Two dogs are welcome, and the washing machine is handy for post-beach kit. The twin room makes it workable for two adults travelling together. Less good for those wanting a hot tub or sea view from the property - neither is available here.