We’re head over heels for the beautiful coastline of Cornwall and the South West of England, and we’re not the only ones who think it’s something rather special.

With glorious golden sands backed by rolling dunes and lapped by the turquoise waters, one of our favourite places is Hayle Towans, which unsurprisingly was named the Best Beach in the UK not that long ago.

 

Britain’s top 50 beaches revealed

We could wax lyrical about the wild beauty and untamed landscape of Hayle Towans otherwise known as Three-mile Beach, which includes Harvey’s Towans, Hayle Towans, Mexico Towans, Upton Towans, and Gwithian Sands. But let’s hear what the experts had to say instead.

In its 2024 guide to the UK’s 50 Best Beaches, The Times assessed 543 beaches across almost 6,000 miles of coastline. Using an 11-point checklist covering everything from facilities and dog-friendliness to natural beauty and water quality, Chief Travel Writer Chris Haslam crowned Cornwall’s three-mile stretch of dune-backed sands, The Towans, the best of them all.

What makes Hayle Towans so special?

And if you’ve ever wandered along Hayle Towans, with its seemingly endless sweep of golden sand, rolling wildflower-dotted dunes and breathtaking views across St Ives Bay, you’ll understand the appeal.

Stretching towards Gwithian and Godrevy, this magnificent stretch of Cornish coastline is a wonderful blend of wild natural beauty, wide-open space and Atlantic adventure. Whether you’re a keen surfer, a leisurely beachcomber or simply looking for somewhere to escape the everyday, there’s something undeniably special about it.

 

Surf, sea and wild coastal beauty

Holidays in Gwithian and Hayle are truly magical, with days being spent down on the unspoiled sands of The Towans or in the water riding waves, paddling and having fun. Global Boarders which is based above Gwithian beach, offers water sports equipment and rental. There are also two fab cafes in the area (Cove Café and Jam Pot Café), as well as Kabyn Cafe which is a street food van right on the sand where you can refuel after your surf sessions. Your days here will feel long, lazy and relaxed, and be rounded off with some of the most outrageously beautiful sunsets stretching across the sky above the bay.

More of the best beaches in the south west

And there’s more good news. Accolades have been awarded to even more of our favourite beaches in Devon and Cornwall including the very gorgeous Woolacombe in North Devon which is simply outstanding as a holiday destination both in and out of the summer season, Summerleaze in Bude, Porthcurno in Cornwall, and Budleigh Salterton in East Devon.

 

You have to sea this

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