Lelant

Lelant is a village on the southern shore of the Hayle Estuary, 2 miles from St Ives. Lelant station is a request stop on the St Ives Bay branch line, though few trains call there; for St Ives, the park-and-ride at St Erth is the practical option in summer when St Ives parking fills early. The West Cornwall Golf Club, founded in 1889, occupies the links land between the village and the estuary and is one of the oldest courses in the county.

The Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve surrounds the village, drawing birdwatchers for overwintering waders and passage migrants. Species regularly seen include curlew, greenshank, and little egret. The 12th-century church of St Uny stands on a hill above the village with views across the estuary to Hayle and the Towans. Lelant has a pub, a small shop, and a handful of residential streets.

The village is a quieter alternative to staying in St Ives itself while remaining within easy reach. The branch line train reaches St Ives in a few minutes, and buses run along the main road. Carbis Bay beach is about a mile to the west on foot. Hayle, with its supermarkets, shops, and the restored harbour area, is 2 miles east.

Where to Stay

Halfpenny Cottage is a 2-bedroom cottage in the village sleeping 4, with off-road parking and Porthkidney Beach about three-quarters of a mile on foot - rated 10 from 30 reviews with Toad Hall Cottages. The cottage puts the RSPB Hayle Estuary reserve under a mile away. For St Ives, the branch line runs from St Erth, a short drive away.