The 7 Bays
On the doorstep on Harlyn hut, the Seven Bays in Cornwall are a stunning stretch of coastline featuring seven beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm. From golden sands and rugged cliffs to rock pools and excellent surf spots, these bays offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Popular with families, surfers, and walkers alike, the Seven Bays showcase some of the best of North Cornwall’s coastal scenery.
Porthcothan.
This huge, north-west-facing sandy beach with sand dunes backing into it is great for sunbathing and popular with families, just an 8 minute drive from Harlyn Hut. There are occasional rips with the spring tides, so be careful, but it’s great for a paddle.
Parking: Car park located across the road from the beach
Facilities: Toilets and a seasonal shop are close by
Safety: RNLI lifeguard patrols during the peak summer months
Dogs: Dogs are allowed all year round
Treyarnon Bay.
Treyarnon Bay is a small but long sandy beach, popular with both families and surfers for its clean waters and surrounding rock pools. At low tide, a natural sea pool appears that's large enough to swim in, along with plenty of rock pools to explore.
To the left of the bay sits Trethias Island, separated from the headland by a deep gully that fills at mid to high tide. There's also a cave passage that leads through to a nearby cove – a fun route to explore, but be sure to go with someone and keep an eye on the tide.
A youth hostel overlooks the bay, offering food, drinks, and regular live music, adding to the friendly and laid-back atmosphere.
Parking: Car park right by the beach
Facilities: Toilets and a shop in the beach car park. Youth Hostel/ Restaurant / Bar
Safety: RNLI lifeguard patrols during the peak summer months
Dogs: Dogs are welcome all year round
Constantine.
Constantine Bay is a classic Cornish beach, known for its wide arc of golden sand, rugged headlands, and consistently good surf. It’s often regarded as one of the best surfing spots in Cornwall.
Backed by rolling sand dunes, the expansive beach also offers plenty of rock pools for kids and dogs to enjoy. Be aware that the shoreline drops steeply at high tide, so it’s best to visit as the tide is going out for more space and safer paddling.
Parking: Small car park with limited spaces directly next to the beach; larger seasonal car park just up the road. National Trust carpark at Booby’s Bay Short walk from Constantine
Facilities: Toilets by the car park, and a shop in Constantine Bay village
Safety: RNLI lifeguard patrols during the peak summer months and most of the school holidays from Easter to October half term
Dogs: Dogs are welcome all year round with no seasonal ban
Boobys Bay.
Just around the corner from Constantine Bay, separated by a narrow rocky point, lies Booby’s Bay. Known for its golden sands and rugged scenery, it offers a more secluded feel despite its close proximity to Constantine.
Popular with surfers, Booby’s also provides breathtaking views and access to coastal walks. The path from the bay leads towards Trevose Head, a National Trust site, making it a great spot to explore the dramatic coastline. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of a seal or dolphin offshore.
Parking: National Trust Car park, short walk to the beach
Facilities: Toilets are only accessible from Constantine Bay. Seasonal pop-up Cafe in the car park.
Safety: RNLI lifeguard patrols during the peak summer months
Dogs: Dogs allowed all year round
Mother Ivey’s Bay.
Tucked away along the coast, Mother Ivey’s Bay is a quiet, sheltered beach best reached at low tide. Surrounded by rocks, it’s perfect for sunbathing without the wind-blown sand and you might even get a front row seat for the lifeboat launch from the nearby station.
It’s about a 1-mile walk from Harlyn Bay along the South West Coast Path, with some steep sections. With no near facilities, the bay stays peaceful – ideal for a secluded escape.
Parking: Booby’s Bay/ Trevose head National Trust carpark
Facilities: N/A
Safety: No lifeguard service
Dogs: Dogs are allowed all year round
Harlyn Bay.
Harlyn Bay is a wide, sandy beach known for its natural beauty and safe swimming, making it ideal for families. It’s also a favourite with surfers and sea kayakers, with plenty of space at low tide and rock pools to explore.
Just a 15-minute walk from Harlyn Hut, it offers easy access and scenic coastal paths leading towards Mother Ivey’s Bay and Trevose Head. You can also enjoy some drinks and food at the cafe situated right on the front of the beach, Beach Box.
Parking: Two large car parks with access to the beach
Facilities: Toilets in the overflow car park. Cafe and Bar in car park.
Safety: RNLI lifeguard patrols from May until the end of September
Dogs: Dogs allowed all year round
Trevone Bay.
Trevone Bay, the last of the Seven Bays (or the first, depending on your direction), features a gently sloping golden sand beach. From the cliffs to the north-east, enjoy walks with views of the Camel Estuary and visit the Trevone Round Hole, a natural blowhole formed by a collapsed sea cave (stay clear, it’s a 25-metre drop!).
Close to Harlyn Bay, Trevone offers good surf and is great for paddling and swimming, though be cautious of a strong rip on the right side. For rock pools, head south to Rocky Beach (Newtrain Bay), where low rock platforms and a tidal pool await.
Parking: Two car parks with access to the beach
Facilities: Toilets, shop, cafe/takeaway and a pub
Safety: RNLI lifeguard patrols from May until the end of September
Dogs: Dogs are banned from mid-May to the end of September between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm