White Duck Cottage
Description
White ducks, coloured ducks, swans and moorhens, they are all at home on the millpond opposite White Duck Cottage. It’s hard to believe this quiet backwater is so close to Foundry Square, the centre of historic Hayle and its harbour. It is an easy walk to the town’s major facilities: Philps pasty shop, Asda, pubs, fish and chips, ice cream parlours and the best toy shop in Cornwall. Also nearby are tennis courts and a children’s play area.
Hayle lies centrally in the huge sweep of coast that is St Ives Bay. To the west is the well known bird watching estuary. In the other direction you can walk at low tide all the way to Godrevy with its famous lighthouse [and a rather good café], It is said to be 3 miles of glorious golden sand.
With a mainline station in the town you can leave the car at home to explore the cathedral city of Truro to the East, Penzance to the West. Best of all, St Ives can be reached on the picturesque coastal branch line.
The inside of White Duck Cottage is bigger than it looks from outside.
Downstairs has an open plan arrangement with a long sitting room and an open modern kitchen.
Full central heating and an open fire keep the house warm in any season.
The first floor bedrooms are spacious and uncluttered and the bathroom has a crisp seaside feel with contemporary lighting and a low beamed ceiling.
Outside, the house is set back from the road with a small garden, and at the back there is a private west-facing patio: excellent for lunch in the sun with steps up to a sloping garden.
Your dates
Everything you'll need
- Wifi
- Baby Friendly
- Dishwasher
- Garden / Patio
- Open Fire
- Wifi
- Baby Friendly
- Dishwasher
- Garden / Patio
- Open Fire
- Near Pub / Shop
- Smoke Free
- Near Walks
- Washing Machine
What guests are saying
Could not have been better.
Emily had prepared the cottage brilliantly with a lovely arrival pack. Cottage was very well appointed and we wanted for nothing. Location is superb for Hayle itself and the surrounding areas. Instructions and advice were plentiful and clear.
We enjoyed our stay in White Duck Cottage and would happily stay again.
We found its location convenient (close to rail/bus transport links, an EV charger in the local car park) for exploring the area. It's clean, comfortable with a good garden sitting/dining area at the back. The kitchen is well-equipped. The only drawback was the lack of shower (but this is clear in the cottage description). The bath is quite deep and not that easy to get out of if your arms are slightly weak!
We had a lovely week in Cornwall The cottage was clean and well stocked for a family of 4, close to shops, eateries and the beach
We really enjoyed our stay at White Duck Cottage, including the warm welcome from both the owner and the housekeeper.
The cottage was well equipped, very clean and in an excellent location for us. Hayle makes a good base for exploring that part of Cornwall by bike, walking, bus or train, as well as by car. Would stay again!
White Duck Cottage exceeded our expectations.
A charming cottage, cleverly updated and creatively furnished, in a quiet road but very conveniently close to amenities and places of interest. We loved it.
Another relaxing and enjoyable holiday at White Duck cottage.
We have been coming to White Duck cottage for at least ten years now and it is the perfect hideaway retreat. The cottage is very clean and has all the equipment and furnishing you need. This year the bathroom has been updated to a high standard. Although there is no shower, having a bath first thing sets the day up just right, and if you take advantage of the easy access to the beach and coastal path, a good soak is a great way revive yourself when you get back. A wide range of shops, pubs and restaurants are all within a short walk. Gilbert’s beach bar and restaurant is also short and easy walk, and is the gateway to the three miles of possibly the best beach in Cornwall. The neighbours are very friendly and help to make you feel welcome. You can almost smell the local bakery and pastie shop, Philip’s. If you fancy somewhere unique and quirky to eat, with great sunsets, look up Carn Brea. Your challenge is to find it. We can’t wait for our next visit. Paul and Diane
The cottage was excellent and comfortable.
The garden design was impressive. We were very happy there. The beautiful handsome bath (not the one in the photos) may prove a challenge for the elderly (us!) but everything else was great.
We loved our weeks stay at White Duck Cottage.
It was very well maintained & equipped. The welcome basket & milk was another very nice touch. The cottage was ideally situated for our travels. A big thank you
White Duck Cottage was well equipped and very clean.
It is within walking distance of the local shops and beaches. A nice garden to chill out in if required. A very pleasant stay, thank you.
Another two lovely weeks at White Duck Cottage.
I always enjoy my stays which is simple, uncomplicated relaxation. The cottage is always beautifully prepared by Emily, who is available for any issues that might arise…although I have never had any. The cottage is warm and comfortable and ideally situated for exploring the local community, the coastal path or Cornwall in general. There is always something new to find. This year, I discovered Carn Brea, a most unusual restaurant situated in a castle, 30 minutes from the cottage. It’s a bit off the beaten track, but we’ll worth the effort. I have stayed at White Duck for quite a few years and it is always a highlight of my year. Paul
So nice to have milk and some welcome treats.
Thanks. Generally very happy with the stay. Constructive feedback. Need more coat hooks in the hallway. Unclear sorting info re recycling. All in one bag? Chair seat by table collapses through chair frame. Needs a fix. Low filling water pressure in bath. Lack of standing shower (is that clear in the info?). Shower head cable on its last legs. Window in main bedroom needs a child safety lock. Only reason to not return is lack of a good standing shower, especially after a day at the beach. Otherwise very
Many thanks for your constructive feedback. It would be a good idea to have some coat hooks in the hall, though there is a hanging rail in the understairs cupboard. The recycling arrangements have two paragraphs in the house manual - perhaps you missed them. The antique chair has now been fixed and the hose in the bathroom replaced - thanks for letting us know. The lack of a standing shower is clear in the house details: I am sorry you missed that. We would love to have you back if you change your mind.
lovley cottage providing every thing you need home from home
Just to thank you for your consideration to guests comfort.
Wishing you continued success In this venture & hope to add to that in the future again. Kind regards Stephen & Valerie Brown.
It was like a home from home.
5 mins from Railway Station.all attractions easy to get to using trains.George v memorial gardens well worth seeing all round great location lovely cottage defo visit again
I have been staying at White Duck cottage for quite a few years now.
I try to have two weeks in May and again in September. To me, it is the ultimate in relaxation. It’s comfortable, simple, well equipped, uncomplicated. I like that it is nestled in a local community. The cottage is exactly as described. It is always clean and very well maintained. Emily looks after the housekeeping, brilliantly, and is always available should there be any issues. In the years I have been staying, there have been no issues. Martine, the landlord sends a welcome email prior to the holiday, and he is also available should there be any queries. The cottage is extremely well situated. You can easily walk to the shops and a variety of good restaurants and pubs. I like to walk, and generally spend the first few days walking along the coastal path directly from the cottage, without having to drive. I can be on the beach within 20 minutes, including stopping to buy a pastie for lunch. There is good local information in a Binder and a whole area OS maps to help you navigate. But my advice would be to just go and explore. Neighbours are friendly, and more than happy to chat if you take a moment. I have always felt welcomed into the community and able to feel the real warmth of Cornwall. You can almost smell the best pastie shop in Cornwall from the cottage. Parking isn’t always available directly outside the cottage, but it is always available close by. I haven’t found that a reason to spoil my holiday. However, there is a reason why this cottage is always booked. If you want pampering go to one of the many Cornish hotels, if you want real Cornwall, I recommend White Duck cottage. Paul
Another wonderful stay at white duck cottage.
Lovely welcoming place, we have been going for a number of years and it never fails to be the perfect relaxing getaway. Ticks all the boxes you would want in a place, home from home. Over the years little tweaks have been made to ‘improve’ but its homely atmosphere is what makes it special. It is also well situated for any holidaymaker.
White Duck Cottage was very comfortable and the location was good for exploring the north coast of Cornwall.
The outside hose for rinsing wetsuits was very handy! It was disappointing not to find recommendations (beyond a folder full of marketing leaflets) for more local amenities especially walks, how to access the beaches (nearest of which is via a building site) and eating places, including opening hours, nearby. For example, we visited in October and found a very nice tapas bar, only open Thur-Sat. The cottage itself had everything we needed, a couple of things worth mentioning: the oven needs cleaning, we used the it only once - cooking smells lingered for 24 hours! The bedding (bottom sheet and mattress protector) were very worn and looked grey after just a couple of sleeps such that we washed everything mid week. We were also dismayed at not being able to recycle ANY of our rubbish! We worked out this is because holiday rental waste is handled separately (this was not explained in the cottage handbook) and so we took our recycling to the centre in St Erth, a short drive away. Overall, sadly we are not likely to recommend or return to White Duck Cottage.
We like to ensure that our guests have the best possible holiday. This part of Cornwall has a lot to offer. Our ratings from those who have left reviews so far this year average 4.9 out of 5. The road to the local beach does indeed pass beside Hayle’s exciting new North Quay development, which is partly in occupation, and you can walk along the reconstructed historic quayside with its waterside footpath, and views across the estuary. This is a regeneration project made possible by extensive EU funding. There is in fact specific information at the cottage about the best beaches for different weather and surf conditions. The cottage also has a huge OS map on the wall showing all the beaches and beach car parks, from Lands End right up to and beyond St Agnes and Falmouth. Public footpaths are also marked. Two walks are mentioned in the house literature. We don’t give restaurant recommendations for several reasons: guests’ tastes vary, pockets vary, some will drive for a night out, while others will walk. There are very many cafés and restaurants in our area, and so much information about them on the internet. The internet also has the advantage of being up to date: for example you can see on the internet the opening times of the local tapas bar. For general information about things to do and places to visit we recommend in our guidance that guests consider looking at the excellent Visit Cornwall Website. Recycling arrangements are fully described in the house handbook, all taken care of by our Contractors. Last week we used the oven with no problem: we do give clear instructions how to run the kitchen extract fan, which discharges very efficiently from over the cooker directly to the outside. Nonetheless, an additional oven clean has been ordered following the comment. And the question over the sheets is being looked into. As always we are grateful for the feedback. We do email our guests before they arrive and ask them to let us know without delay if they find anything which is not quite right. Then it can be dealt with immediately, and thus not spoil their holiday. We are on hand to attend to even the smallest thing with the minimum of fuss.
We were very happy with the house and the location, the cottage was clean upon arrival and description was very accurate.
Lovely little cottage and had a great stay. Just some minor feedback ,the mattress in the master bedroom was a little uncomfortable as unsure if it’s memory foam and has a slant in from people sleeping on. Lovely little welcome basket on arrival with local snacks was a lovely gesture and overall loved the cottage for our first family of 3 holiday in Cornwall! We had a warm week weather wise so the cottage was warm but I imagine it’s very cosy in the winter wirh the log burner
We're glad you enjoyed the cottage and had good weather. And thanks for posting such nice feedback about the cottage. It’s good to know we get most things right. You are correct that the mattress is memory foam, an Emma Original recommended by Which? If it is not recovering quickly enough we will have to change it. Thank you for letting us know.
What a beautiful cottage and positioned perfectly to enjoy all of what Cornwall had to offer.
Close to the train station which made days out stress free as you didn't need to use the car, I would recommend a family ticket when travelling as this was very reasonably priced. The cottage offered all those home comforts and more which allowed us all to relax very quickly into a wonderful weeks holiday. Both the owner and housekeeper contacted us before our stay which made our arrival very smooth and organised. We will definitely be returning to the gorgeous cottage....thank you Martine, Judy the owners and Emily the housekeeper you made our stay perfect.
We loved our week at White Duck Cottage.
It had everything we needed and we felt very at home. The location is fantastic and our children loved being opposite the duck pond, where along with the ducks, they also discovered turtles, fish and a beautiful Heron. The only slight issue we had was there’s no stand up shower. There is a really good tap mixer though and once we got used to that, we were fine. We quite enjoyed having lots of relaxing baths too and the water was always piping hot. We’re quite sure the owner would have put a stand up shower in if they could but the ceiling is apexed, so there isn’t an option to add one. After staying in the cottage, this wouldn’t put us off from staying again as there are so many positives about it. The bathroom is very roomy, as are all the rooms in the cottage. Emily, the housekeeper is lovely and so helpful. She made herself available should we need any support, which was so reassuring, however, we didn’t need her because everything at the cottage was straight forward. We were also impressed with Hayle as a location, as it has plenty to do, many amenities, the beach is stunning and great for young kids, plus it’s easy to get to other locations such as, Penzance, St Ives, St Michael’s Mount, Mousehole, Lands End, plus more. Hayle is definitely a great base and White Duck Cottage is a great choice of accommodation.
Lovely, well equipped cottage with everything that you could need.
Very clean and comfortable. Nice location and a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
Lovely little cottage in a nice area.
Our second trip to White Duck Cottage, this time only for one week and it was just as cosy and welcoming as we remembered it.
. This time we left the car in London and headed down by train - a very easy and comfortable journey. The cottage is only 5 mins walk from Hayle railway station from where trains run regularly and frequently all over the county, and there are local buses to most destinations, so a car is definitely not necessary. We came down to walk and take advantage of the stunning scenery - which we did, amply fuelled by Cornish pasties of which Hayle boasts 3 manufacturers! Our hosts were so helpful and friendly, and helped make our stay stress free and relaxing. We would highly recommend White Duck Cottage.
The property was exactly as pictured, and in such a perfect location.
My son and I had the best week ☀️
We spent 4 weeks at Duck Cottage so were delighted to find it just as described.
It is situated in a quiet road with a lovely duck pond opposite. The patio area at the back is secluded and we spent many hours eating or reading there. The kitchen is very well-equipped and the other rooms comfy - and very clean. Parking was available on street, even when busy, and the neighbours friendly and helpful. There is a large Asda a few minutes walk away and an M&S, Next and large Boots a short drive away (although we walked it). Hayle Beach is spectacular. Highly recommended.
We are regular visitors to White Duck Cottage and it really is a cosy home from home in Cornwall.
The cottage is bright and well-furnished and is always spotlessly clean on arrival. It's also well-situated for visits across West Cornwall so it's highly recommended,
Lovely quaint cottage, felt very homely.
Great spot by the duck pond, my son loved feeding the ducks, swans and cygnets every day! We had no trouble parking outside the property. Great location for exploring the local area, we walked to the beach and coastal paths. Flowers, biscuits and local apple juice was a lovely touch and much appreciated after a long drive! We have already booked another holiday through Sykes cottages for half term!
Nice cottage in a lovely location, it could do with a dressing table for us ladies to sit and do our hair .
Wooden floors throughout that are tired looking downstairs, you can hear the traffic a lot in the bedroom so had to keep the window closed otherwise everything was fine .
We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay at White Duck Cottage. The owners do take your feedback seriously and have spent extra time cleaning the wooden floors following your stay. Light sleepers may well notice the early morning traffic on the B3301 beyond the end of the back garden. However, traffic noise has not been raised as an issue previously at this property.
Lovely cottage, close to pubs/restaurants, easy to park close by, everything we needed
First break since lockdown restrictions lifted.
White Duck cottage was as described and more Would recommend without hesitation
Very well equipped and comfortable cottage in central but quiet position for shops and cafes.
Very enjoyable stay.
Absolutely perfect cottage in a great position and central to all of the places we wanted to visit in West Cornwall.
Very highly recommended!
Would have liked a shower instead of a bath, but thats only our preference.
We thought we have already left Feedback have you checked?
Great little cottage in a perfect location a real home from home.
Lovely clean cosy and spacious cottage.
Spectacular beaches. Carbis bay for a family swim and Towans for surf; beach shack good for hire. Duckies cafe for breakfast. Good communication from all connected to the cottage.
the cottage was superb and the facilities within it perfect.
. would have liked egg cups and possibly a sun lounger for the outside but this is being picky the cleanliness and comfort where second to none having 2 teenage boys with us, I was apprehensive but they loved the TV facilities and enjoyed a week off Xbox
A second key would be helpful.
Other cottages we have used provided two keys
Thank you for your feedback we have discussed this with the owner and they have asked us to pass on the following comment. 'Thank you for the suggestion - we have now provided a second key on a hook by the front door which should be more convenient for everyone.'
Really enjoyed our stay, no nasty surprises at all and the accommodation was superb.
A lovely cottage in a lovely location.
The cottage clean and comfortable and well equipped. I would rent the cottage again, and would recommend it to my friends.
Loved the cottage.
Definitely would book again.
Cottage was really nice.
Only think we didn't like was that we couldn't get in until 4pm. We are used to 3pm or earlier when it is low season. I did ask if we could get in a little earlier but was firmly told no which seemed a bit silly as the key was just left in a key box.
We are so glad you enjoyed the cottage. New access arrangements are now in place and our housekeeper can send a text if you ask her to when the cottage is ready.
This is our second visit to White Duck cottage.
It was a perfect week
Had a great holiday in excellent accommodation - thank you.
White Duck Cottage is a lovely, incredibly comfortable and well-equipped cottage, and really well sited for exploring West Penwith and the Lizard.
Really enjoyed our stay there, and the lake opposite with the ducks, egrets and other water birds was an added bonus. Being greeted with flowers and all the necessaries for making a cup of tea was also much appreciated. The only suggestion that we would make is on the directions - for those of us coming from "upcountry" it would be useful to make clear that the St Erth roundabout for the turn-off into Hayle is the second one signposted to Hayle - we turned off at the first, and got rather lost until we resorted to our satnav!
We are so glad you loved Duck Cottage and found it cosy, well equipped and would stay again. It is always good to get feedback and we have taken up your comment about the fire. We love the fire as it gives an extra-cosy atmosphere when you need it! Our combined noses could not find the smell you refer to, and we can only conclude that it was a transitory matter. Street parking during the daytime sometimes requires a short walk. Fortunately in the evening many spaces become available. Thank you for the 100% rating!
Cottage was ideally situated for visiting other places of interest.
Transport links available if you didn't want to drive. Cottage very well equipped and couldn't fault anything.
Very easy and smooth booking process and jfrnaikn regarding arrival and key collection was timely and clear.
Survived early and after consulting the key holder were kindly allowed access on early arrival (2.30ish). Cottage was lovely, home from home with everything you needed for the week, lovely touch of milk in the fridge, fresh fruit and shortbread and flowers on arrival too. Great cottage and location for hayle facilities and wider area. Will recommend and return for sure! One thing to watch out for if you’re a taller person is the shower is a free head in the bath which unless sitting in the bath to use-watch your head on the eaves, as we found out! Otherwise a perfect stay!
Lovely cosy cottage that catered for all our needs as a family of 4.
Centrally based for plenty to do around the st ives area and beyond.
It's a lovely cottage.
Much more spacious than it looks from the outside. The fittings are tasteful. There's room for a family of four plus infant to be quite comfortable.
Good to know
House Rules
Smoking
Not permitted
Stay Information
Check-in / Check-out
16:00 / 11:00
Property ref
959304
Guest & Pet Policy
Pets
Not allowed
Children
Children and infants welcome