Saint Merryn combines coastal scenery with traces of ecclesiastical and prehistoric history. The local cuisine also adds its own distinctive touch. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can start by considering which of these aspects of the destination you want to shape your getaway.
Coast, Coves and Walking Path
The parish of Saint Merryn encompasses more than 5½ miles of coastline. The coves associated with Saint Merryn have golden sand and are edged by rocky cliffs or sand dunes. Together, these features shape the landscape: sand, rock and dunes give the coast its varied contours.
The North Cornwall Coastal Path takes walkers between Porthcothan and Padstow through dramatic coastal scenery and to viewpoints. If you enjoy exploring on foot, it offers a specific coastal route to make part of your trip. The coves and path provide different perspectives on the landscape.
At Constantine Bay, a dune conservation project protects an established wildlife habitat. This adds a conservation perspective to the landscape: the focus is on preserving a long-standing habitat.
Ecclesiastical and Prehistoric History
The Church of St Merryn probably has Norman origins; it was extended in the 15th century. Its architectural history therefore combines an early, only probable origin with a later extension that can be dated more precisely.
St Constantine's chapel and holy well were an important pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. The well has a basin, benches and a well house. The chapel survives as an overgrown ruin, and its tower still stands to a considerable height. Together, the site's religious significance and architectural features give it a distinctive historical character.
Near Harlyn is a prehistoric inhumation cemetery where at least 130 graves have been recorded. Finds suggest that it was already in use in the 2nd century BC. As an extremely rare monument, the cemetery is of great importance to understanding prehistoric burial rites. This offers a very different way of exploring the past from the architectural history of the church and chapel.
Saint Merryn is also associated with the missionary Merryn, who probably came from Wales in the second half of the 6th century. Together with the other historical landmarks, this creates a broad sweep of time: from prehistoric burial rites to the missionary tradition and later church history.
Local Cuisine and Finding Accommodation
The Cornish Arms in Saint Merryn prepares its dishes using recipes by Rick Stein. The menu includes fish and chips, curry, and steak-and-ale pies. As well as coastal scenery and history, local cuisine is a tangible part of the destination's appeal.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can weigh up these interests: is the coast the deciding factor, are you most interested in history, or would you also like to explore the local cuisine?
Discover more destinations: Pensilva, Ruan High Lanes, Fowey, Saint Newlyn East, Killigarth, Porthcurno, Stithians, Saint Mawgan.
For the main travel overview: Cornwall.
