Luxury Holiday Homes in Harlyn Bay

All our holiday cottages in Harlyn Bay are within a 15-minute walk of the glorious golden sand, with a handful of them being less than a three-minute stroll. With spectacular coastal walks and great surf conditions, our Harlyn Bay properties are perfectly placed for a relaxing beach holiday. Pentyak’s clifftop position commands unrivalled views across the ocean and promises a lovely walk to the beach. Sleeping up to 14 guests, it’s ideal for large group stays. 

The beach can be reached within 10 minutes on foot from Trelawn (sleeps 10) and Poldhu (sleeps eight). Trelawn boasts a sheltered garden, hot tub and games room, while Poldhu benefits from a hot tub and sea views. Just a five-minute walk from the sand, Tater Du sleeps up to 10 guests and is ideally located for enjoying a Harlyn Bay sunset. 

Lizard, Longships and Wolf Rock (all sleep six) can be booked separately, or together as The Hideaways to sleep up to 18 guests. Located a few minutes’ walk from the sand, these beachside boltholes are perfect for enjoying the ocean air from their enclosed gardens. Likewise, Fox Point (sleeps four) is within a stone’s throw of the beach and is ideal for surfing trips, with an outdoor shower and surf store.

Harlyn Bay holiday cottages are perfect for a relaxing break. Harlyn Bay Beach itself rarely feels overcrowded, due to its large size. Even during the peak season, there’s always a quiet spot to be found on the long stretch of sand to enjoy a picnic or a book in the sunshine. Expect moments of tranquillity earlier in the mornings or later in the evenings, with more visitors to the beach during the afternoons. 

Head out on a kayak to discover hidden coves or wander the South West Coast Path to Trevone Bay or Trevose Lighthouse, towards Constantine Bay. Inland, you can take a tour of Trevibban Mill’s vineyard and orchard or visit Tarquin’s Gin Distillery in Padstow. 

Other peaceful spots near Harlyn Bay include Booby’s Bay, a secluded cove just along the coast, and the quieter southern end of Constantine Bay. A short drive away, St Enodoc Church, nestled in the dunes near Daymer Bay offers moments of calm with idyllic views. 

A wonderful holiday destination for families, Harlyn Bay has a large, sheltered, sandy beach, perfect for sandcastle building and picnics. Explore rock pools, bathe in the shallows and enjoy beach games on the long stretch of sand. Experience marine conservation in action at the National Lobster Hatchery in nearby Padstow, where children will love getting up close with lobsters of all shapes and sizes. 

Old MacDonald's Farm Park in Porthcothan is also within easy reach of Harlyn Bay, which has regular live music and events, a children’s play area and a range of animals to meet including pigs, ponies, goats and alpacas. Camel Creek Adventure Park is a nearby family attraction with thrilling rides and all-weather activities.

With a range of properties in our portfolio including Harlyn Bay dog-friendly cottages, there’s something for families of all sizes, including four-legged members.

During your visit, we recommend visiting Padstow for a day, where you’ll find a beautiful harbour and coastal trails, with ample restaurants for indulging in fine food. From Padstow, you can take to the water on a Wavehunters boat trip or catch the ferry over to Rock. Alternatively, hire bikes and cycle the Camel Trail between Wadebridge and Padstow, enjoying scenic estuary views along the way. 

Some of Cornwall’s most popular destinations are a short drive away. Highlights include Camel Creek Family Theme Park in Wadebridge (five miles), the Japanese Garden (seven miles), the Eden Project in St Austell (16 miles), Trerice House and Garden near Newquay (17 miles) and Tintagel Castle (22 miles). For further inspiration, take a look at our week’s itinerary for Harlyn Bay.

Aside from hitting the waves, Harlyn Bay offers a wealth of things to see and do, both on land and sea. Part of the Seven Bays, there are six other stunning beaches to discover near Harlyn Bay, as well as many miles of coastal path to explore. With many dining options in this area, from Michelin-starred restaurants to relaxed beachside eateries, there’s plenty of places to enjoy a meal before a spectacular beach sunset. 

There’s an 18-hole golf course in nearby Trevone, as well as a plethora of watersports to try, from surfing and sea kayaking to coasteering and paddle boarding. It takes a little under half an hour to drive to Newquay. This vibrant town has a wealth of attractions, bars, restaurants and beaches. You can easily while away the hours on one of Newquay’s breath-taking beaches or admire them from above by exploring the South West Coastal Path.  

The Pig at Harlyn Bay is an acclaimed foodie destination that sources all its ingredients within a 25-mile radius. A short walk from the beach, The Pig serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, using ingredients from their kitchen garden and local farmers and fishermen. It’s set in a beautiful location and is a go-to for straight-from-the-harbour seafood and beautifully prepared meats paired with delicate wines and local ales. Open during the warmer months, The Lobster Shed offers laid back, post-beach day dining amongst The Pig’s idyllic grounds. 

A mile away in St Merryn, Ivy House is set within a beautiful old Cornish farmhouse and offers simple dishes with a hint of Italian that hit the spot every time and is great for families. For an intimate dining experience, head to Rafferty’s Café and Wine Bar, also in St Merryn, which sits just 24 people and serves excellent food.

Padstow is a 10-minute drive away, where you’ll find an abundance of shops, art galleries and fine dining options in a picturesque harbourside setting. We’d also recommend Paul Ainsworth’s The Mariners in Rock, which can be accessed on the ferry from Padstow.

The Trevose circular trail steps through history, navigating Harlyn Bay’s clifftops which are peppered with numerous Bronze Age finds. Enjoy breath-taking views of the dramatic seascape on the way to the golden sand at Mother Ivey’s Bay and pass Padstow Lifeboat Station as the path wraps around Trevose Head. Other landmarks include Booby’s Bay, a collapsed cave and Dinas Head, where a view of Trevose Head Lighthouse can be enjoyed. The final stretch of the looping trail follows lanes and footpaths through Constantine Bay to Harlyn. Find full details of this serene circular walk here.

In the opposite direction, walk the short stretch of coast path to Trevone Bay, where there’s a dramatic sinkhole formed by collapsed sea caves to discover on route. When you reach the gently shelving, sandy beach, there’s a tidal pool that’s perfect for wild swimming. Uncover marine life in the rock pools and enjoy idyllic ocean views before heading back to your Harlyn Bay holiday home.

The Harlyn Bay to Padstow walking route stretches for just under seven miles along the coastal path. The rugged trail to Stepper Point passes many quintessential characteristics of Cornwall’s dramatic north coast, including granite stacks, arches, collapsed caves and blowholes. You’ll then pass the Doom Bar before winding up the estuary to Padstow. A bus service can then take you back to Harlyn. Find full details here.
 

Harlyn Bay Beach is a surfing hotspot, with wave riders travelling from near and far to carve through the ocean here. It’s perfect for all abilities, including those seeking to learn the art of surfing. 

Due to its sheltered location, Harlyn Bay generally offers safe surfing conditions. Lifeguarded from the beginning of April to the end of October, the RNLI flags will advise bathers and surfers where is safest to enjoy the waves. Surfers of all levels can ride the consistent, manageable swells, while Harlyn Bay Surf School offers surf lessons to novices

Harlyn Surf School provides lessons on both a one-on-one and group basis, and also offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and coasteering experiences. Our Concierge team can organise watersport lessons for you to enjoy during your stay.
 

Nestled between Padstow and Newquay, Harlyn Bay and the rest of the Seven Bays offer a stunning central position from which to explore North Cornwall. With a plethora of delightful sandy bays which can be reached on foot or by car, the picturesque scenery, coastal walks and watersports opportunities are endless.

Reach Padstow by car within 10 minutes and Newquay within half an hour. From Padstow, take the ferry across the Camel Estuary to Rock and explore quieter beaches near Newquay, such as Mawgan Porth and Lusty Glaze. With a wide range of family attractions and restaurants nearby, this area has everything you need for a relaxing holiday in North Cornwall.

Harlyn Bay cottages are sought-after throughout the year. Peak season in July and August is ideal for families, due to children being on school holidays, but attracts the biggest crowds. The weather is usually warm and sunny during the summer months, which is great for a beach break.

Spring and early summer is a lovely time to visit the area, bringing longer days and milder weather, whilst remaining quieter than the height of summer. Visit in early autumn for warm days, quieter beaches and spectacular sunsets. During winter, enjoy dramatic waves, bracing coastal walks and cosy Cornish pubs. We always recommend packing layers for the sea breeze, as well as raincoats for showers, and beachwear for sunny days.