A ‘Hideway’ holiday by the seaside will blow away the cobwebs this autumn
The charming town of St Ives in Cornwall is famous for its quartet of beaches and cobbled streets lined with whitewashed fisherman cottages.
A popular seaside destination in the summer, the pretty coastal village offers just as much magic in the autumn. With golden hues and crisp air, it’s the perfect setting for cosy nights in coastal taverns and invigorating walks along the beach.
According to the OLGB’s Holiday Entertainment Index, St Ives ranks as the second-highest rated destination for families seeking a UK staycation at any time of year. Savvy ‘staycationers’ could bag themselves a short stay in a popular holiday park for as little as £9 per person, per night, even during the half-term holiday.
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Given its popularity, a stay on the Cornish coast can be expensive during the school holidays.
But whether you want to wander through the town discovering independent shops, buzzing bars, and art galleries, or explore the many miles of rugged coastline with incredible views across the Atlantic and beyond, there is a cheap way to enjoy everything St Ives has to offer.
Located just down the road in the village of Hayle, the Riviere Sands Holiday Park backs onto Towans Beach – named the best beach in the UK by The Times in 2024 .
The family favourite is offering three-night Hideaway breaks during the October half term from just £109. With caravan accommodation suitable for up to four guests, you could enjoy a last-minute break by the sea for as little as £9 per guest, per night.
Haven Hideaways keeps costs to a minimum by offering guests the chance to enjoy a relaxing break without access to some of the on-park entertainments and activities.
Visitors can still enjoy the chance to explore the great British coastline in all its glory, but they won’t have access to the swimming pools or be able to sign up for the paid-for activities. They can still use the restaurants and arcades and take advantage of any takeaway food options available in the holiday village.
With so much incredible scenery right on your doorstep, this is a brilliant base from which to explore this quiet corner of the UK. Better still, St Ives is said to have an unusually warm climate, featuring mild winters and some of the warmest summers in Britain and Northern Europe.
With just 673mm of rainfall annually and only 97 rainy days on average, St Ives offers an ideal getaway even as the seasons change.
Some visitors who have already experienced a short stay at Riviere Sands have left great reviews on Tripadvisor.
A user called lorrie55191 said: “Well equipped comfortable Caravan with dishwasher included. Stunning views of the bay with easy access to the beach. We particularly enjoyed the Bluff bar which affords a beautiful picturesque view of the beach.”
Another, Shelley R, added: “It is the most incredible place to stay if you are wanting to explore Cornwall Everywhere is a few minutes away in the car or a lovely train station in Hayle.”
Not everyone was delighted with their stay though, with the on-site food taking the brunt of the negative reviews. Jasmin S said: “The chip shop of site is not great. The chips arrived cold and the fish didn’t even taste like fish. For the price and the fact it’s a seaside town you expect better.”
Fun lovers should book quickly if they want to enjoy a half-term break with Haven. Other great holiday bargains include autumn breaks with Sykes Cottages and seasonal stays with Booking.com.