Hayle

Three miles of golden sand stretch along Cornwall's northwestern coast, where the Hayle estuary meets the Atlantic in a symphony of dunes and saltmarsh. This working town might not win beauty contests against its posher neighbours, but it's got something they lack - proper Cornish grit and some of the county's finest beaches on its doorstep.

Hayle Bay delivers the goods when it comes to serious sandcastle territory. The beach runs virtually unbroken from Gwithian to Godrevy Point, backed by towering dunes that kids love scrambling over. When the tide's out, you've got acres of firm sand perfect for beach cricket or long walks with the dog.

Climb New Nitro Hill for cracking views across the bay, or head to Knavocks viewpoint to see the coast spread out like a map. St Gothian's Chapel sits quietly in the countryside nearby - a proper slice of medieval Cornwall that most tourists miss entirely. Jack Straw's Hill offers another elevated perspective over this surprisingly wild stretch of coastline.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A30 delivers you straight from the M5, while Hayle railway station puts you on the scenic St Ives Bay line from London Paddington. It's a 20-minute drive to St Ives if you fancy the tourist trail, but honestly, why bother when you've got all this space to yourself?

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this bit of Cornwall. Haven Riviere Sands sits right on the dunes, while Higher Trevaskis offers a more rural feel inland. You're perfectly placed for beach days, coastal walks, and proper Cornish pub grub without the St Ives crowds.