Any tips for Cornwall?

[LoudBee]

I’m taking my 8 year old daughter to Haven Riviera Sands Hayle in a few days, she is Asd/Adhd/ hyper mobile so struggles with large crowds, loud noises, gets overwhelmed and walking any long distance is very limited for her (but she does have a wagon we pull her in when she can no longer walk). she absolutely loves a sandy beach and going in the sea! We definitely want to visit st ives as it’s not far away, could anyone kindly offer some advice on the best beaches or places/things to do? Any recommendations? Also looking forward to a traditional Cornish pasty and ice cream! Thanks for any tips!

If she doesn’t like crowds and loud noises, don’t take her into St Ives in August. It gets hellishly crowded. You’ve got a fantastic big beach at Hayle. And if you head in the other direction to Gwithian/Godrevy, you’ve got another big lovely beach but much more peaceful.

Do not go to St Ives in summer. It's rammed.
Cornish Road miles take longer than anywhere else. Double your expected journey time if you have a wiggly route in little lanes.
Perranporth has a huge beach that never feels crowded.
If you want to go to the Eden project don't go on a rainy day as everyone has the same idea.

Agree with the everything @VeryScary said! St Ives is an over-hyped hell hole. Parking is an absolute nightmare and it's incredibly hilly. The town centre is rammed at this time of year.
If you are set on going to St Ives then an easier way to experience it would be to drive to Redruth/Camborne and catch the train into St Ives. The train terminates at town front level and it's a lovely train journey. Don't try to catch it from the St Erth station, which is close to St Ives, as the traffic to the station is horrendous at this time of year, and there are usually hordes waiting for each train.
Would say the walk down to the beach at Gwithian from the carpark is down a set of steps, but that's the same for most of the North Coast beaches.

Best ice-cream is to be found at the Moomaid ice-cream shop in Porthtowan, a few miles up the coast from Hayle. Good sized sandy beach with a stream and parking pretty much next to the beach, with a level access to the beach.
There are a few little shops there too.

If you head to the South Coast, Penzance is much less crowded if you want to do a town, although again, it's a bit of a climb from the main harbour car park up into town.

And Marazion has a very long sandy beach with plenty of parking, a play area and very level access to the shoreline. You can also take a boat over to St Michaels Mount at high tide. It's definitely worth a visit.

What sort of activities do you like to do as a family? I'm sure there are plenty of options

Thank you for replies, much appreciated, if we did venture to st ives, we wouldn’t stay for long if it’s crazy busy, but is it best to go via the train? I’ve seen there is a train from Hayle to st ives? I was also hoping to book a boat trip possibly to see the dolphins? Or seals? Is it better to drive then at least I know there won’t be much hanging around if we need to make a quick exit back? I’ve decided to do this holiday as theme parks are too difficult and she is normally done by 11am, any seaside with arcades is a no, because she gets overwhelmed so much she is poorly. I think a really nice beach with her buckets and spades , swimming costume and she will be very happy. It’s difficult knowing what to do , but it’s a dream to go here, a 6 hour drive but will be worth it. I can’t take her abroad because she won’t want to fly so these beautiful beaches are the closest thing to somewhere like Greece or so I’ve heard

I stayed there in 1985 😆There were electricity pylons all around the site, which I loved, but my parents weren't impressed.

I agree with pp's recommendation for the south coast - that's where we go nowadays.

Carbis Bay is quieter than St Ives and the beach is a lot nicer. Ditto for Portreath.
I’d definitely recommend a visit to Trevaskis Farm.

A lovely beach is on the other coast at Poldhu Cove near Mullion. Drive to Helston, past Culdrose RNAS base, turn towards Cury on your right and keep going past the golf course until you ho downa hill and the beach is in front of you. Great cafe, toilets and most of all no crowds.

If you do go into St Ives, the St Erth to St Ives branch line is just that. There are no direct trains to St Ives from Redruth, as St Erth is the end of the line. An early morning train trip might work as if you're leaving at 11 most emmets are only just coming in.

Paradise Park is a nice half day out.

Go to Godrevey/Gwithian beach, its huge so even if busy its got so much space. Go early and get a parking space Godrevy end because the trek down from Gwithian end may be difficult! But you need to get there early for a space. My favourite beach in the world!

As above - avoid St Ives at all costs! Also Padstow!

Harlyn Bay also a lovely beach with an easy walk from parking to the beach

I also love an evening walk on the beaches too 😊

I spent every summer (plus other school hols) in Cornwall at my grandparents, when I was growing up, I love it. Sadly on my way home today after a week. Enjoy!

That's true about the no direct train to St Ives from Camborne/Redruth. You will need to change at St Erth but the queues on the roads to St Erth are shocking, ironically caused by the traffic lights to the St Erth station. Friend queued for 40 minutes to get from Hayle to work on the industrial estate next to St Erth station the other other day.

All trains to St Ives have you change at St Erth, as it’s a branch line. But it’s a lovely train journey, the line runs along next to the sea for a lot of it with stunning views. And yes Carbis Bay is a wonderful beach. Hayle also gorgeous!

These are absolutely fantastic tips and places to look up and visit, I didn’t expect such a great response! Thank you to each and everyone, this is going to make planning so much easier !

Healeys Cyder Farm is a lovely low key trip if your daughter enjoys animals. They have a handful of farm animals plus a tractor ride through the orchards. Then just up the road is Callestick Ice Cream Farm for a nice treat which has a nice playground next to it.

Hayle will suit her down to the ground.

To see seals park up at the National trust carpark at godrevy, not far from where you’re staying. And you can see them on the beach from the coastal path.

godrevy is also a really sandy beach and is one of my favourites.

paradise park is in Hayle and you might see the new baby flamingo.

also the seal sanctuary at gweek is worth checking out.

You cannot park in St Ives for love or money so get the train. It is genuinely one of the loveliest and most picturesque train rides ever. We were there in June and St Ives was very busy then (and it is hilly) so see what you think. It might be best to go straight after breakfast and then leave when it gets really busy. There are loads of boat trips available - which ones will depend on the tides.

How was your trip? Did you have a good time ?

Hi! Omg yes! It was absolutely beautiful! My daughter loved it, one day we parked early at st Erth and travelled by train to st ives, the most beautiful journey!
we went to lands end which was gorgeous, plenty of beach days at hayle, was so sad to come home and can’t wait to go again! Thank you for asking and all the tips! We also went to paradise park and that was also fun! X

Oh excellent! You’re very welcome. Glad you had a wonderful time.