The quaint town of St Ives in Cornwall, renowned for its four stunning beaches and cobbled streets adorned with whitewashed fisherman cottages, is a sight to behold.

While it's a favourite seaside spot during the summer months, this charming coastal village also offers an enchanting experience in autumn. With its golden hues and crisp air, it provides the ideal backdrop for snug evenings in coastal pubs and refreshing beach walks.

According to the OLGB's Holiday Entertainment Index, St Ives holds the second position as the most preferred destination for families looking for a UK staycation throughout the year. Smart 'staycationers' could secure a brief stay in a popular holiday park for as little as £9 per person, per night, even during the half-term break.

However, due to its popularity, a vacation on the Cornish coast can be pricey during school holidays.

But whether you're keen on exploring the town's independent shops, lively bars, and art galleries, or venturing along the extensive rugged coastline boasting incredible views across the Atlantic and beyond, there's an affordable way to relish all that St Ives has to offer, reports the Mirror.

St Ives cottages
The holiday park is just a short drive from St Ives

Situated just a stone's throw away in the village of Hayle, the Riviere Sands Holiday Park, which backs onto Towans Beach - crowned the best beach in the UK by The Times in 2024, is an excellent option.

The popular family destination is offering three-night Hideaway breaks during the October half term starting at a mere £109. The deal includes caravan accommodation that can house up to four guests, meaning you could enjoy a last-minute seaside getaway for as little as £9 per guest, per night.

Haven Hideaways aims to keep costs low by providing guests with a tranquil break without access to some of the on-site entertainments and activities.

Guests will still have the opportunity to explore the stunning British coastline in all its splendour, but they won't have access to the swimming pools or be able to participate in the paid-for activities. However, they can still utilise the restaurants and arcades and avail any takeaway food options available in the holiday village.

The caravans at Haven
The caravans back onto the beach

With such breathtaking scenery right at your doorstep, this serves as an excellent base to discover this peaceful corner of the UK. Even better, St Ives is known to have an unusually warm climate, featuring mild winters and some of the warmest summers in Britain and Northern Europe.

With only 673mm of annual rainfall and an average of just 97 rainy days, St Ives provides an ideal escape even as the seasons shift.

Several visitors who have already enjoyed a short stay at Riviere Sands have left positive reviews on Tripadvisor.

A user by the name of lorrie55191 raved about their experience: "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."

Moreover, Shelley R chimed in: "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."

However, not every visitor found their stay up to scratch, with some criticism directed at the on-site dining options. Jasmin S expressed disappointment, saying: "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."

For those seeking fun this half-term, its suggested to make prompt bookings with Haven to avoid missing out. Meanwhile, there are excellent deals for autumn getaways with Sykes Cottages, as well as seasonal offers available through Booking.com.