About the Seven Bays
Further information about the Seven Bays, Cornwall
The Seven Bays area has been the preferred choice for a holiday destination for many years and with such breath taking beaches and scenery it is not hard to see why, so here is a little more about the Seven Bays…
Known affectionately as ‘Seven Bays for Seven Days’ it describes perfectly the fact that you can visit a different beach every day on your holiday. The beaches are dotted for seven miles along the north coast from Trevone near Padstow back down to Porthcothan near St Merryn. Each bay offers something a little different so whether you are looking to spend the day swimming or surfing or just laying in the sand dunes you will never be disappointed with your choice for the day.
There are some invigorating walks, rock pools to explore, spectacular surfing, amazing sunsets, stunning scenery, great beachside cafes and facilities available. (Please always check local updates regarding some facilities listed below as some beaches may have seasonal changes). If you are looking to buy your very own little slice of Cornwall please view our HOLIDAY RENTALS FOR SALE.
Trevone Bay, Cornwall – Rockpools, coves, surfing, natural sea pool and blowholes!
Trevone Bay is at the farthest end nearer to Padstow. This gently shelving and sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs and has been awarded the Blue Flag Award 2019. It is very popular with surfers and has some lovely sheltered coves to sit and enjoy your picnic. At the far end is known locally as The Rocky Beach and is brilliant for rock pooling and crabbing. During low tide an amazing natural sea swimming pool emerges which is great for adults and children alike. Finally, if you take a walk up onto the coastal cliff top path you will see the infamous blowhole which is a must see!
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, public toilet, Lifeguard.
Harlyn Bay, Cornwall – Surfing, Bodyboarding, Kayaking, paddleboarding, rock pools, swimming and large flat sandy beach.
Heading east and about 30 minutes’ walk you will arrive at Harlyn Bay. This lovely large flat crescent shaped sandy beach stretches for about two thirds of a mile.
If you enjoy water sports this beach is perfect for you! You can learn to surf and bodyboard with the local Surf school here at Harlyn and is known for some of the best waves in the area. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding and even sign up for a coasteering adventure if you are up to it!
For the more relaxed beach goer you can enjoy some lovely sheltered coves and stunning clifftop scenery too.
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, public toilet, Lifeguard.
Mother Ivey’s Bay, Cornwall – slightly remote, sandy beach, sheltered, swimming and chilling
Just around the next bay from Harlyn Bay is the secluded Mother Ivey’s Bay, which is named after the legend of Mother Ivy who was a local white witch! This sandy cove is slightly sloping and sheltered from the wind by the Merope Rocks. Framed by stunning coastal scenery and calmer waves this soft sandy beach is ideal for both summer sandcastles and romantic winter walks. This is the most remote beach of the seven bays and lends itself to a more relaxed beach day.
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, Lifeguard.
Booby’s Bay, Cornwall – available at low tide, rock pooling, wildlife and exploring
Just to the south of Trevose Head Lighthouse is Booby’s Bay which is amazing for rock pooling.
At high tide, the beach pretty much disappears but at low tide it exposes a treasure trove of ancient ship wrecks and rock pools bursting with life.
The famous Trevose Head Lighthouse is a great cliff top walk and there are some amazing views of the surrounding coast and plenty of wildlife to see including the infamous seabird after which the beach is named.
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, Lifeguard.
Constantine Bay, Cornwall – large sandy beach, dunes, surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, rock pools and sunset BBQ’s
Moving southwards down to our next beach is Constantine Bay. Known as one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, Constantine Bay beach is the largest expanse of soft golden sand and is flanked by protected sand dunes.
This west-facing beach also has plenty of rock pools to explore and is a top spot for some sea swimming, year-round surfing, bodyboarding or paddleboarding.
After a fun day of swimming, surfing and enjoying the Cornish sea air, enjoy a relaxed BBQ on the beach and watch the sun setting over the sea.
It doesn’t get much better than this.
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, Lifeguard, Public toilets.
Treyarnon Bay, Cornwall – sandy coves, swimming, surfing, rock pooling and a natural sea swimming pool
A short stroll around the coastal path from Constantine Bay sits Treyarnon Bay. A beautiful sandy north west facing coved beach backed by sand dunes and surrounded by low cliffs dotted with Cornish cottages.
There are plenty of fabulous rock pools to enjoy discovering and an amazing natural sea swimming pool which is just set off the beach in amongst the rocks.
A lovely sheltered beach with plenty of coves at low tide for enjoying a nice family day by the sea.
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, Public toilets, Lifeguard.
Porthcothan Bay, Cornwall – Sandy coves, sand dunes, rock pools, swimming, surfing and body boarding.
One mile to the south is the seventh and final bay which is called Porthcothan Bay and is the closest bay to the pretty village of St Merryn.
A long and narrow sandy beach which is bordered by dramatic cliffs on both sides with beautiful natural grassy dunes. There are plenty of rock pools and coves and a few exciting caves to explore and is very popular with families.
Very popular for sea swimming and bodyboarding and enjoyable coastal walks on the nearby cliffs. Porthcothan Bay has also become an iconic Cornish location after starring in the BBC series ‘Poldark’ as Nampara Cove!
Parking, Dogs, Cafe, public toilets, Lifeguard.