Across the bay from the famous seaside town of St Ives, the lesser-known town of Hayle is home to ‘The 2024 Times Best UK Beach’, a three-mile stretch of glorious golden sand known as The Towans. Built around the estuary leading to St Ives Bay, Hayle boasts a dreamy combination of land and seascapes. Whether you’re looking for a calming coastal break or seeking an action-packed adventure, this destination will suit both equally.
With so much on offer in this unassuming town, we’ve compiled a handy list of some of the top ways to spend your time while on holiday in Hayle.
Hit the beach
Once you’ve sunk your feet into the soft sand of The Towans, it’s easy to see why it secured the top spot for ‘The 2024 Times Best UK Beach’ awards! Silky sand, crystal clear waters, a vast sweeping shoreline, a cafe set into the cliffs, and breathtaking views welcome visitors to this special spot. With seasonal lifeguards on duty, it’s ideal for family days spent building sandcastles, rock pooling, splashing in the small pools, and braving a dip in the sea.
Walks aplenty
At low tide, Hayle’s expansive three-mile beach is a walking destination in its own right, just be sure to check the tide times and allow plenty of time for your walk back. Adjacent to the sand run stunning dunes that stretch from Hayle to Gwithian. Explore winding pathways, stunning scenery and the sounds and scents of nature all around as you traverse the hilly banks; your four-legged friend will love exploring too! You’ll be blown away by the mesmerising vistas before you. Alternatively, for a more accessible route, King George's Walk is a dedicated flat, car-free promenade which runs alongside Copperhouse Pool, serene and bursting with colourful blooms. It’s also ideal for buggies and kids on pushbikes!
Take a dip
Hayle is incredibly popular when it comes to sea swimming, there are several weekly clubs, and regulars who enjoy a daily dose of vitamin sea! With so many points to access the crystal clear and often calm waters, you could enjoy a dip in a different spot each day of the week! Whether you choose the convenience of the sheltered harbour waters or prefer the exposed ocean, you will surely feel revived after a cool salty swim. For less confident swimmers or those who simply prefer a swimming pool, during the summer months, Hayle outdoor swimming pool, a beautifully maintained community pool with onsite facilities, is ideal if you prefer to warm up with a shower and cuppa post-swim. While swimmers have to pay a small fee, the pool is kept to a comfortable 24 degrees for those who aren’t such fans of the colder temperatures.
Wellbeing wonders
Are you looking for a break that prioritises your wellbeing? Thanks to its naturally calming setting, Hayle is home to an abundance of wellbeing workshops and experiences. Ground your body and mind with a yoga session on the sand as the waves roll upon the shore, before enjoying a soothing drink at the nearby clifftop cafe. Yoga-fans can even book one of the silent disco yoga sessions on the sand as dusk settles! For the epitome of wellness, book a session in the beachside barrel sauna, which is especially beneficial when paired with a dip in the ocean!
Local delights
The community of Hayle is proud of its culinary delights; it’s home to pasty makers and ice-cream artisans. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savoury, get ready to give your tastebuds a treat! Established in 1958, Philps follow a traditional family recipe for their famous pasties, which are baked freshly each morning; you’re sure to smell them if you pass the bakery early in the day. In recent years, Hayle has welcomed the addition of Lucy Bakes: pasties and cakes made by Lucy following her Gran’s recipe. Be sure to stop by one of these bakeries to sample a pasty! Hayle is also home to Mr B’s, who produce fresh artisan ice cream daily in the heart of Hayle. They have two parlours in town so it’ll be hard to resist this tasty treat!
Take to the waves
With its long stretch of coastline, it’s easy to see why surfing is such a popular pastime in Hayle. Several surf schools and clubs are dotted along the three-mile beach, with lessons and hire available to book, including Hayle Surf School. Whether you’re new to the sport or looking for somewhere to refine your skills while on holiday, Hayle is a great spot to choose. When the waves are calm, why not hire a kayak or paddleboard to see Hayle from a different perspective?
Enjoy a brew with a view
One of the highlights of Hayle has to be its large selection of independent eateries, many of which boast spectacular settings. Picture dining alfresco beside the gentle estuary, sipping coffee nestled amid the cliffs, and watching the sunset with a glass of wine. If you’re after a quick cuppa while walking along the dunes, the cafe at Sandy Acres makes the perfect pit stop to take a breather and admire the far-reaching views; you can treat yourself to tasty cake too! For trendy food and deluxe hot chocolates, experience the unique setting at Cove Cafe, nestled in the cliffs above the beach. Alternatively, choose Gilbert’s Beach Bar and Restaurant for chilled-out beach vibes and feel-good food.
Get adventurous
For an adventurous day out, consider hiring an ebike with Xpress Bikes. These powerful bikes are designed to traverse challenging landscapes, meaning you can adventure off the beaten track. You can even hire child seats and pull-along trailers for your pooch! For a more fast-paced activity, hit the track at Coast2Coast Carting and race against each other to see who‘s the fastest; it’s sure to be a hit with the teenagers!
Family fun
Hayle is a fantastic destination for families; in addition to clean sandy beaches, there are plenty of playgrounds, outside spaces, and places to visit for a range of ages. Spend a day with the whole family at Paradise Park, where visitors can see a plethora of birds, including flamingoes and penguins; enjoy free-flying bird shows; feed the goats, donkeys and sheep; complete the fun seasonal trail, and play in the huge soft play barn. Just around the corner is St Erth Pitch and Putt, a fun golfing experience for all, with crazy golf, football golf and a fantastic enclosed play area attached to the cafe. Many of the restaurants in the area have been designed with families in mind and benefit from either a small soft play area or an outside play area.
Wonderful wildlife
Home to the most south-westerly estuary in the UK, the RSPB nature reserve at Hayle attracts a wide variety of wetland birds seeking the milder climate in this part of the UK. Whether you’re an avid bird spotter or just enjoy admiring the wildlife, you’ll be amazed by the vast variety of birds. Head towards the ocean, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to sights of dolphins and seals (please be mindful to keep your distance from wildlife).
Heritage and history
Built on the foundations of its industrial past, Hayle’s rich heritage stems from being the world’s most important mining port in the nineteenth century, thanks to its prime location, offering a sheltered harbour on the otherwise treacherous north coast. Hayle wouldn’t be the thriving town it is today without its fascinating history, so why not visit Hayle Heritage Centre to learn more? Keep an eye out for town trail signs as you wander through Hayle, these offer further insight into key elements of the town’s history.
Take a look at all our available holidays in Hayle >