Red Head Cove

The walk down to Red Head Cove from Hayle takes you through proper coastal scrub and sandy paths - nothing fancy, just the kind of route that feels like you've stumbled onto something locals actually use rather than a tourist trail. The cove itself is small but genuine: red sandstone cliffs give it that distinctive rust-coloured look, and at low tide you get access to a decent stretch of beach that's far quieter than Hayle's busier spots.

It's the sort of place where walkers genuinely outnumber day-trippers, which means it rarely feels rammed even in peak season. The geology is worth paying attention to if you're into that sort of thing - those red cliffs tell a proper story about Cornwall's geology. Swimming is possible, though you'll want to check the tide and conditions first.

If you're staying at Lanyon Holiday Park, Red Head Cove makes an easy afternoon excursion - close enough to pop over for a couple of hours without it eating your whole day. The walk itself takes about half an hour from the main approach point, so nothing too strenuous. Bring decent shoes because the path can be muddy after rain, and factor in time to actually sit and look around rather than rushing through.

Worth going out of your way for? Only if you're already in the Hayle area. As a standalone destination it's fine, but the real appeal is how it slots into a broader walk along the coast. Kids will get bored after an hour unless you're making a proper beach day of it.