Situated on an estuary along the coast of West Cornwall, Hayle is also perfectly positioned along the South West Coast Path between St Ives and Portreath, and is surrounded by wonderful sea views, beautiful landscape and rich bird life.
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If you’re looking for a base that allows you to explore the best bits of Cornwall you’ve found it! The culture capital of the region, St Ives is just a short drive away and offers among other things, its famous museum and wonderful little harbour. Carbis Bay’s iridescent water and white sandy crescent lie a touch further along the coast as does Marazion and its iconic St Michael’s Mount.
Surrounded by three miles of sandy, golden beaches it’s no wonder that holidays in Hayle are the perfect choice for families, dog owners, beach babies and water sports enthusiasts. The picturesque Gwithian beach near Godrevy is an ocean-lover’s dream with surfing, windsurfing and body-boarding to choose from, and just a short stroll around the headland affords a great view of the lighthouse at Godrevy as well as the seals sunbathing on the beach below.
Hayle’s Estuary Reserve which is managed by the RSPB and is the UK’s most south westerly also incorporates Copperhouse Pool. Built in 1788 it is bordered by the subtropical King George V Memorial Walk and promises visitors glimpses of migratory birds and resident fauna as well as a dramatic display of nature’s lushest flowers and plants.
Three miles of golden sand, umpteen fantastic beaches. Hayle Towans Beach forms part of St Ives Bay’s famous sandy stretch and is perfect for water sports, sandcastle-building and sunbathing. With stunning views over the bay, its high windswept dunes are a dramatic backdrop to the wide-open space between them and the sea, and the Atlantic breeze beckons sailors to take to its waters when the conditions are right. It’s also a great spot for learning to surf and there are several surf schools that operate from the beach, hire out equipment and offer lessons.
Hayle Beach has lifeguard cover from May to September and dogs are allowed all year round except during peak season for the months of July and August. Included in the area’s bevy of gorgeous beaches is the uber dog-friendly Mexico Towans, the surfing and kiteboarding paradise at Gwithian Towans, and the National Trust’s Godrevy with its rockpools and incredible views of Godrevy Lighthouse
It makes sense that Hayle’s laidback lifestyle might filter into its food scene. And it does. Take The Black Lobster for instance. Right on the estuary, you can tuck into the freshest of seafood with your toes buried in the sand. Then there’s Cove Café which nestles in the cliffs at Riviere Towans with its al fresco seating, Mediterranean dishes and staggering views. Not beachside but absolutely waterside is contemporary local pizzeria and brasserie The Terrace which overlooks Copperhouse Pool.
Hayle is in west Cornwall and lies on the coast of St Ives Bay. It’s around 15 minutes’ drive from St Ives and around 10 minutes’ drive from Carbis Bay, making it an excellent base for holidays in the area. Hayle is unique in that, along with its beautiful beaches at Hayle Towans, it has an estuary where the River Hayle meets the sea, and this forms part of a Nature Reserve which is packed with wildlife including wetland birds.
When you stay in Hayle you’ll have plenty of lovely shops to explore, most of which can be found at the Foundry end of Hayle including Ula clothing and Sands clothing and lifestyle boutique, quirky vintage shopping at Pratts Market, and The Emporium which sells antiques. Further afield near the A30 there’s M&S, Next and Boots which are all situated in a large retail park at the edge of the town.
While dogs are invited to enjoy the lovely sands of Hayle Beach, like much of the Cornish coastline there are seasonal restrictions. From July 1st to August 31st, dogs are not allowed on the beach between the hours of 10 am and 6 pm. However, nearby Porthkidney Sands which offers a mile long sandy stretch, welcomes dogs all year round.
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