St Merryn Cornwall Map
Introduction
St Merryn is a picturesque village located in the northern part of Cornwall, England. Known for its stunning beaches, quaint countryside, and rich history, St Merryn is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, St Merryn has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, and more to help you plan your perfect trip to St Merryn.
Top Attractions
St Merryn is home to many top attractions that are worth visiting during your trip. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Trevose Head Lighthouse: A stunning lighthouse that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.
- Padstow Harbour: A charming fishing village with a bustling harbour, quaint shops, and delicious seafood restaurants.
- Camel Trail: A scenic walking and cycling route that follows the River Camel from Padstow to Bodmin.
- Constantine Bay: A beautiful beach with golden sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and surfing.
- Prideaux Place: A historic Elizabethan manor house that dates back to the 16th century.
Hidden Gems
St Merryn is also home to many hidden gems that are off the beaten path. These include:
- Harlyn Bay: A secluded beach with calm waters and stunning scenery.
- Treyarnon Bay: A hidden cove with golden sand and clear waters, perfect for a peaceful day out.
- St Eval Kart Circuit: A thrilling go-karting experience for adrenaline junkies.
- The Cornish Cyder Farm: A unique cider farm that offers tastings, tours, and a farm shop.
- The National Lobster Hatchery: A fascinating attraction that focuses on the conservation of lobsters in the wild.
Food Scene
St Merryn is known for its delicious food scene, with many local restaurants and cafes offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Cornish pasties: A traditional pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and potatoes.
- Cornish cream tea: A classic afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam.
- Fresh seafood: St Merryn is home to many seafood restaurants that serve fresh lobster, crab, and fish.
- Cornish ice cream: Made with rich, creamy milk from local cows, Cornish ice cream is a must-try dessert.
- Cornish cider: St Merryn has many local cider farms that produce delicious, refreshing ciders.
Budget-Friendly Tips
St Merryn can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money during your trip. Some budget-friendly tips include:
- Visit during the off-season: St Merryn is less crowded and more affordable during the winter months.
- Stay in a self-catering accommodation: Renting a holiday cottage or apartment can be more affordable than staying in a hotel.
- Make your own meals: Buying groceries and cooking your own meals can save you money on dining out.
- Take advantage of free attractions: Many of St Merryn’s top attractions, such as the beaches and walking trails, are free to visit.
- Use public transportation: Taking the bus or train can be more affordable than renting a car.
Outdoor Adventures
St Merryn is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with many opportunities for hiking, cycling, surfing, and more. Some of the top outdoor adventures include:
- Coasteering: A thrilling activity that involves climbing, jumping, and swimming along the rugged coastline.
- Surfing: St Merryn has many beaches that offer great waves for surfers of all levels.
- Hiking: The South West Coast Path offers stunning views of the coastline and countryside.
- Cycling: The Camel Trail is a popular cycling route that takes you through scenic countryside and picturesque villages.
- Kayaking: Explore the stunning coastline and hidden coves by kayak.
Family-Friendly Activities
St Merryn is a great destination for families, with many activities that kids and adults will love. Some of the top family-friendly activities include:
- The Eden Project: A fascinating attraction that showcases the world’s largest rainforest in captivity.
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan: A beautiful garden that is home to many rare and exotic plants.
- Camel Creek Adventure Park: A fun-filled theme park with rides, attractions, and animals.
- Padstow Sealife Safari: A boat trip that takes you on a wildlife spotting adventure.
- Tintagel Castle: A historic castle that is said to be the birthplace of King Arthur.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, St Merryn has many off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth trying. These include:
- Wild camping: Pitch your tent in a secluded spot and enjoy a night under the stars.
- Foraging: Learn how to identify and gather wild foods on a guided foraging tour.
- Rockpooling: Explore the fascinating world of rockpools and discover the creatures that live within them.
- Stand-up paddleboarding: Try this popular water sport and explore the coastline from a unique perspective.
- Wildlife watching: St Merryn is home to many rare and fascinating species, including seals, dolphins, and puffins.
Natural Wonders
St Merryn is a beautiful destination with many natural wonders to explore. Some of the top ones include:
- The Seven Bays: A stunning stretch of coastline that includes seven beautiful bays.
- The Camel Estuary: A picturesque estuary that is home to many rare and beautiful birds.
- The Bedruthan Steps: A stunning rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
- The Minack Theatre: A unique open-air theatre that is carved into the cliffs overlooking the sea.
- The Lizard Peninsula: A beautiful area of coastline that is home to many rare and exotic plants.
Vibrant Nightlife
St Merryn may be a quiet village, but it still has a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the top bars and pubs include:
- The Cornish Arms: A popular pub that serves delicious food and has a great selection of local beers and ciders.
- The Ship Inn: A historic pub that dates back to the 16th century and serves great food and drinks.
- The Golden Lion: A cosy pub with live music and a great atmosphere.
- The Old Custom House: A charming pub and restaurant that overlooks the harbour in Padstow.
- Rojano’s in the Square: A lively Italian restaurant that serves delicious food and has a great wine list.
Local Markets
St Merryn has many local markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal products, and unique souvenirs. Some of the top markets include:
- Padstow Farmers Market: A weekly market that offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
- St Merryn Market: A small market that offers local produce, crafts, and gifts.
- Wadebridge Farmers Market: A popular market that offers a wide range of local produce, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- The Craft Collective Market: A market that showcases the work of local artisans and craftspeople.
- The Padstow Christmas Festival: A festive market that takes place in December and offers food, drink, and gifts.
Beaches and Mountains
St Merryn is home to many beautiful beaches and mountains that are worth exploring. Some of the top ones include:
- Rock Beach: A beautiful beach with stunning views of the Camel Estuary.
- Hawkers Cove: A secluded cove with golden sands and clear waters.
- St Nectan’s Glen: A beautiful waterfall that is surrounded by lush woodland.
- Bodmin Moor: A rugged and wild landscape that offers stunning views and great hiking opportunities.
- Bude Sea Pool: A unique tidal swimming pool that is perfect for