A Local's Guide to Hayle

Three miles of beach, undulating dunes, world-class surf, countless cafés, a top-notch brewery, and a rather explosive history. Welcome to Hayle.

You may know, Hayle has a beach. Not just any beach, though. An enormous, three-mile golden stretch of powder-fine sand that sweeps along a sapphire ocean, backed by a wildlife-rich dune system of at least half-a-mile wide. A mecca for everything from surfing to sand-buggying to spread-eagling contentedly under beaming sunshine, it is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in not just Cornwall, but the UK and beyond. It’s pretty special.

And that’s not all. Behind this incredible North Coast beach is a superb town with a surprisingly rich history and a huge array of things to see and do. You want surf schools? Shoreside cafés? Cool breweries? Historical sites? Nature reserves? Boutique shopping? Commercial shopping? You guessed it, Hayle has got you covered. Here’s all you need to know…

The Scene

Once an epicentre of industrial activity, Hayle found international fame in the nineteenth century for its engineering innovation and trading port, and later, its munitions. Providing one of the most sheltered harbours on the otherwise wild Atlantic coast, it played a pivotal role in exporting coal and ores, and serving the local mining industry. In fact, beam engines that were made in two of Hayle’s iron foundries in the 1800s, were used to power engine houses in not only Cornish mines, but ones as far as Mexico and South Africa. Even today, the name ‘Copper’ crops up a lot in Hayle, harking back to the Cornish Copper Company smelting works that was established in the town in the 1700s, and helped to make the engines. You’ll also still find Foundry Square in the town, too.

Speaking of the town, Hayle’s set up is a little unusual. Set at the mouth of the Hayle River and overlooking St Ives Bay in West Cornwall, the parish of Hayle covers a broad area and encompasses several smaller villages. Shaped like a geographical dumbbell, it is made up of a long strip in the middle that is hugged on either end by two distinct parts of the town, each with their own personalities. On one side, towards the southwest, you have RSPB Carnsew Pool, Foundry Square and the Hayle Quay. In the middle, you have the main street lined with shops and eateries, the King George Memorial Walk, the tidal river, and Hayle’s recreation grounds. And at the other end, you have the town’s commercial retail centre, industrial hub, and most enticingly still, the gateway to Gwithian and Godrevy beaches.

The Hot Spots

Sandwiched between West Cornwall and the North Coast and situated at the foot of the A30, Hayle is one of the best bases from which to explore Cornwall. Backed by sprawling countryside and met by glittering sea, it has something for everyone. Head to the northern quarter of the town to uncover its incredible beaches and spend days on the shoulder of the Atlantic Ocean. There are a number of surf schools and beach cafés peppered along this stretch which add to the allure, and, if you continue north, the South West Coast Path takes you onwards along the North Cliffs towards neighbouring Portreath. That said, the miles of sugary sand and endless sea views are usually enough to root you to the spot.

To explore the heart of the town, head along Commercial Road, Hayle Terrace and Penpol Terrace to uncover the plethora of shops, boutiques and cafés. Spread out in linear fashion, the main street runs for around a mile and benefits from generous parking spaces, so you can easily while away the time dipping in and out of shops. For all your surfing needs, Down the Line on Market Square promises boards and apparel, while next door you’ll find the award-winning Lily Rose gift shop which awaits with unique presents and locally-made products. Visit Lucy Kemp Jewellery on Penpol Terrace to peruse handmade sterling silver treasures, or go to nearby Hayle Emporium to discover antique gems and vintage pieces. For clothing, The Old Foundry Chapel is home to Ula Clothing, as well as a range of shops from re-fill stores to arts and crafts to wetsuit supplies. Meanwhile, at West Cornwall Shopping Park on Marsh Lane, you’ll find a selection of high street favourites, including M&S and Next.

For those looking for a touch of natural inspiration, the centre of Hayle proposes several areas for leisure and recreation. Running alongside the main street, Copper Pool tidal river is another historical throwback (once used as a water storage reservoir for the safe passage of vessels and also to power a tidal mill) and provides a wonderful setting for walks. In summer, the town’s outdoor heated swimming pool is a great place for families, while just along from Copper Pool, the town’s marshland gives way to a manicured recreation field. Take to the tarmacked paths and enjoy the atmosphere, occasionally dodging rogue toddlers from the adjoining playpark, and board-wielding teens from the skate park. Just outside of Hayle, you can also visit Tren Com Hill. Reaching just 175 metres high, this Iron Age hillfort can be walked in about 15 minutes from bottom to top and affords beautiful views over the surrounding landscapes and towards Mount’s Bay.

The Towans (Beaches)

Hayle is famous for its incredible beaches. Dubbed ‘The Towans’ (which is Cornish for dunes), the towans are backed by a marram-tufted warren of actual towans and set the scene for the most idyllic beach days imaginable. Starting from the mouth of the River Hayle, the town’s coastline runs southwest to northeast for around 3 miles, and joins several beaches together to form a huge golden expanse at low tide. Overlooking the spectacular St Ives Bay, it comprises (from bottom to top) Lelant Towans, Hayle Towans, Riviere Towans, Mexico Towans, Common Towans, Phillack Towans, Upton Towans, Gwithian Towans and Godrevy.

Walk through the dunes or park at one of the many car parks along the coast to enjoy spellbinding days on the shore. Looking out to sea, you’ll be able to spot the easily discernible frame of Godrevy Lighthouse, as well as the almost year-round swells of the Atlantic Ocean. To find your favourite spot, stick close to the car parks, which are usually complemented by local facilities and pop-ups in summer, or head further along the beach. Thanks to its ginormous size, the beach here never feels crowded, even in the height of summer, and always offers somewhere peaceful to relax. Just be mindful of the tides if you do decide to wander, and always check the sea conditions before getting in the water.

The Actual Towans (Dunes)

Hayle’s dune system is massive. Running almost the entire length of the shoreline and expanding for over half a mile across in parts, it’s an amazing place to walk. And potentially get lost. We’re not going to lie, a lot of it looks the same. However, useful landmarks for those off-piste moments, are the rather extensive remains of the old munitions factory owned by The Kennall Gunpowder Company. Officially known as the National Explosive Works (or unofficially as Dynamite Towans by locals), the factory was established in 1888 and used to supply local mines with explosives, as well as the Royal Navy during World War One.

Today, the skeletal remains of the old buildings, along with tramlines running between them, can still be seen in the dunes. Follow the footpaths through the dunes and look out for these historic ruins and enjoy the wild spaces. Much of the dunes are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and protected nature reserve, and make for ideal grounds to learn about Hayle’s history, geology, and wildlife. Just a head’s up, if you venture over on a quiet day in summer (yes, they do exist), you may well come across another breath-taking sight in the dunes: adders. While these endangered snakes are absolutely not to be approached, they are bonafide residents of the dunes and play an important role in the local ecosystem. Less frightful, to some, are rare lizards, orchids, and butterflies, too.

The Food

Cornwall is a mecca when it comes to food, and Hayle is no exception. From the most moreish bakes around to locally-brewed IPAs to hearty repasts cooked up by culinary maestros, there’s something for everyone on the menu.

Foodie Specials

A particular favourite for food on-the-go is Iced on the Quay, located close to North Quay on Penpol Terrace, which serves up treats for everyone, from loaded waffles to dog-friendly ice creams. For added indulgence, Lucy Bakes sits next to Down the Line on Market Square, and delivers mouth-watering handmade cakes and chocolatey treats. Of course, there’s also Mr B’s on Fore Street, renowned as the go-to place in town for artisan ice cream.

To try street food with a twist, visit Loaded (previously known as Feed) for all kinds of deliciousness, or head to nearby South Quay to find Be Kind Vegan Café for flavourful vegan dishes and aromatic Italian coffee. If you’re after beautiful food and dribble-worthy views (or should that be the other way around?), try Sunset Surf Café at Gwithian and Godrevy Beach Café. Or, for a good old Cornish pasty, Warren’s Bakery on Foundry Square and Philps on East Quay have you covered. For dreamy breakfasts, head to Copper Waves Café on Fore Street, or for lush lunches, head to Birdies Bistro on the edge of the RSPB’s Hayle nature reserve.

Cool Pubs and Bars in Hayle

Sometimes, there’s just nothing better than lapping up the warmth and a cool beverage in a suntrap beer garden or fireside pew in a pub. If you’re looking for somewhere full of character and, most importantly, a well-stocked drinks collection, then you can look forward to Hayle’s offering of pubs and bars. For quintessential pub vibes, the Angarrack Inn in Angarrack, The Bucket of Blood in Phillack and The Red River (the translation of ‘Redruth’) promise all the winsome charm and welcome you could wish for with open beams, mood lighting, and bottles and taps flowing with beverage favourites.

For a roast and/ or a cocktail, the Cornish Arms in the centre of Hayle opens its doors throughout the year. While for something a little different, Chomp bar and restaurant resides within the popular Three Mile Beach resort and promises an Instagram-worthy setting to sip a couple of margaritas in the sunshine. Tucked just outside of the town, St Ives Brewery is a relative newcomer to Hayle, having opened in winter 2022, and is a fantastic venue with a whole host of artisan brews. Stroll over during their regular opening hours or take part in ticketed events for great vibes and great beers. If you’re new to the IPA world, just ask for Meor. You’re welcome.

Dinner Dates

When the day starts to fade and the evening settles in, thoughts swiftly turn to dinner. Fortunately in Hayle, there are lots of places where you can go to treat yourself to dinner dates, whether you’re looking for candlelit romance, alfresco feasts on the beach, or laidback venues with feel-good grub. To get started, The Terrace bistro on Commercial Road proposes an ambient setting for dinners, serving tasty Italian and seafood dishes in their restaurant and river-view terrace. For the roast with the most, head over to Trevaskis Farm, or for classic pub favourites, head to The Old Quay House on Griggs Quay.

For one of the best not-so-secret hidden gems in town, secure tickets for one of the unique feast nights at The Quay Kitchen (formerly The Secret Kitchen) near North Quay. Or, for Mediterranean bites, burgers and steaks, try Salt nestled within Whites Warehouse. If the sound of easy tunes, balmy sea breezes and fusion food sounds great to you, then turn your attention to The Rockpool at Godrevy. In partnership with Lula’s, The Rockpool’s team curate dishes infused with Cornish, New Orleans creole and Floridian crab-shack influences. Of course, you can also make use of the proximity to nearby St Ives and visit the additional array of bars and restaurants in the town, including the Michelin recommended Porthminster Café and The Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling. 

The Attractions

When it comes to family-friendly attractions in Hayle, the town is home to a number of great places to amuse and entertain all generations. Particularly popular amongst speed junkies is Coast 2 Coast Karting, a go-karting circuit with a dozen corners and a mixture of hairpin turns, where you can live out your Mario Kart dreams (minus the bananas and exploding shells). Also in Hayle, Paradise Park invites visitors of all ages to discover its colourful assembly of feathered and furred residents. An award-winning bird sanctuary with an indoor play area made for those less clement days, it’s perfect for families and avian aficionados.

For those looking to polish their putt, Hayle Golf Club has a 300-yard-long driving range shouldered by 20 bays. To delve deeper into the heritage of the town, Hayle Heritage Centre is a must-visit and details the extraordinary history of the region with permanent and temporary exhibits and displays. If you’d like to venture a little further afield, you can also take the train from nearby St Erth to St Ives. Renowned for being one of the most scenic rail journeys in the UK, this 10-minute passage is short but oh-so sweet, and rewards voyagers with spectacular views over the white sands and turquoise waters of St Ives Bay.

The Activities

Vitamin Sea

If you plan to spend time in Hayle, then the unmissable draw of the town for water babies and sun worshippers has to be the beach. Running all the way from the mouth of the Hayle estuary up to Gwithian and Godrevy, the coastline here is simply mind-blowing and promises a wealth of things to see and do. Should you wish to learn the rails, there are several surf schools to choose from in Hayle including Hayle Surf School, Shore Surf and Gwithian Academy of Surf. Book onto private or group sessions and learn how to pop up like a pro and catch glassy green barrels. To explore the coastline at your leisure, take to the water for a spot of paddleboarding or kayaking (just don’t go out in an offshore wind, otherwise the next stop is America). Or, to see the sea from a new perspective, head out with Coast Boat Trips from Hayle harbour and see what wildlife you can spy, from seals to dolphins to humpback whales.

On Land

The coastline in Hayle is extensive and offers up endless choices of things to do. There’s so much room for activities! On the South West Coast Path, hikes in either direction take you past some of the most glorious scenery in Cornwall – from the towering North Cliffs that lead you to neighbouring Portreath and Porthtowan, to the exquisite panoramas over Carbis Bay and St Ives. In the town, you can walk along King George Memorial Walk, or drive over to Trencrom Hill. For birdwatchers, the RSPB Hayle Estuary offers the chance to see up to 18,000 migratory birds in winter, such as teal and wigeons. Meanwhile, if you walk past Godrevy and follow the South West Coast Path away from Hayle, you will arrive at Mutton Cove and see one of the favourite resting spots of seals. Just remember to be respectful and watch quietly, so as not to disturb the area’s beautiful wildlife residents.

For a magical experience on the shore, Alicia Ray hosts Gwithian Beach Yoga with vinyasa flows and silent disco beach yoga sessions overlooking the sea. Meanwhile, for a breath-taking experience in every sense of the word, SoulSweats offer an introduction to cold water immersion at Three Mile Beach. To pick up the pace, you can also have a go at kite buggying with Vertical Descents, which essentially involves sitting in a three-wheeled buggy attached to a giant sail and whizzing along the sand. For something a little more relaxed, you can also try pottery and wheel-throwing experiences with St Ives Pottery School on Foundry Lane in Hayle.

The Wrap

Like with many of Cornwall’s towns and villages, Hayle is exactly what you want it to be. Whether you’re after a jampacked adventure full of thrills, or a relaxed sojourn on the edge of the ocean, it has something for you. Of course, one thing that is simply unforgettable is the sight of the glowing sun setting in a final flurry of red, yellow and orange over the glittering Atlantic Ocean. Bundle up a picnic blanket and a bottle of something special, and find a spot on Hayle’s coast to watch the show. Trust us, you won’t regret it.