Holidays in Lelant are for sunbathing and shell-seeking, paddling in clear sea water or for meandering beachside paths while enjoying wonderful coastal views.

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Did you know? A local’s guide to Lelant holidays…

 

 

Things to do in Lelant

This upmarket village nestles within west Cornwall’s iconic St Ives Bay on the beautiful Hayle Estuary between Carbis Bay and Gwithian, and along with a selection of choice eateries to sample, there are lovely shops to peruse, and 18 fabulous holes of golf to enjoy at the South West Cornwall Golf Course (the oldest in the duchy). Take in an afternoon of birdwatching on the estuary, or explore miles of unspoilt golden sands with the children and dogs in tow before heading home to watch the sun set over the Atlantic.

The estuary near Lelant is a great spot for birdwatching, with species like Little Egrets, herons, and Oystercatchers. From St Uny Church, you can walk past the golf course to Porthkidney Sands, and if the tide is out, circle around Carrack Gladden to Carbis Bay Beach—just be sure to check tide times. Alternatively, take the South West Coast Path to St Ives. Nearby Hayle offers various shops, pubs, and restaurants, while Lelant itself provides a quieter holiday experience with easy access to St Ives, Carbis Bay and the rest of the north coast.

Restaurants in Lelant

Birdies Bistro 
Birdies Bistro sits along Griggs Quay (on the outskirts of Lelant). It’s a fabulous, family-run spot that opened it’s doors in 2013 and has been wow-ing locals and visitors alike, ever since. Overlooking the RSPB Hayle nature reserve, it offers exceptional views over the water making it a lovely place to enjoy a laid-back lunch. Inside, the atmosphere is vibrant and friendly, with retro-styling adding to its ambience. The menu features Cornish classics with modern twists, and it’s a dog-friendly haven—perfect for a post-walk bite after exploring Hayle and Towan Beach. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, Birdies also serves dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

The Old Forge
Located on the outskirts of the village along Griggs Quay, The Forge is a special find indeed! This terrific bistro is warm and inviting, and utterly ideal if you’re partial to authentic, high quality Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Choose from a variety of small plates or a selection of pizzas, all made with beautiful ingredients and done with simplicity. The restaurant’s cosy atmosphere extends to a lounge/bar and a dog-friendly courtyard, complete with heaters for the colder weather.

  • What are holidays in Lelant like?

    With Porthkidney Sands right on its doorstep, as well as the South West Coast Path linking it to the popular attractions of Gwithian’s Beach and Godrevy Point, Lelant is a dream coastal destination for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing, utterly scenic, nature-infused break near the sea.

  • Is Lelant Beach dog-friendly?

    While Lelant doesn’t have its own beach per se, nearby Porthkidney Sands which is just 20 minutes’ walk or 10 minutes’ drive is dog-friendly year-round. Superbly spacious with plenty of sand to roam, it’s a great choice for dog-friendly holidays in Lelant.

     

  • Is Lelant a good place for birdwatching?

    Lelant overlooks the Hayle Estuary which is a prime spot for birdwatching and is actually managed by the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). You may spot wading birds like oystercatchers, sandpipers, and little egrets, particularly during migration seasons.

  • What is the history of Lelant?

    Lelant can be traced back to the early medieval period, with St Uny Church dating to the 12th century. Lelant was originally a port, but as the Hayle Estuary silted up, the fishing trade diminished. Today, the village is quiet and charming with old stone cottages, the historic church, and beautiful views over the estuary.

  • Are there any annual events or festivals in Lelant?

    Lelant itself doesn’t host any big annual events, however St Ives is host to various annual festivals and is just 10 minutes’ drive away. These include the St Ives Literary Festival and St Ives Food & Drink Festival (both in May), and St Ives September Festival to name a few.

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