Hayle Towans
A breathtaking three-mile stretch of golden sand, Hayle Towans offers clean waters, gentle waves, and stunning dune landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximizes beach space & rock pools
Hayle Towans
Best Time
Maximizes beach space & rock pools
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking three-mile stretch of golden sand, Hayle Towans offers clean waters, gentle waves, and stunning dune landscapes.
"The best beach in this country. 3 miles of golden sands. Great for surfing, rock pools for the kids, and lots of different access points."
🚗 Parking App Ready
Many car parks are pay-by-app. Have your phone and payment method ready to avoid issues.
🥾 Easy Access Points
Look for access points near surf shops/cafes for gentler slopes, especially if mobility is a concern.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Three Miles of Golden Sands
An expansive, clean beach perfect for walking, surfing, and family fun. A true slice of Cornish paradise.
Rock Pools at Low Tide
Discover vibrant marine life in the numerous rock pools, especially Sheep's Pool, offering a natural aquarium experience.
Coastal Path & Dunes
Explore the rolling dunes and scenic coastal paths offering breathtaking views of St Ives Bay.
Cove Cafe Views
Enjoy delicious food and drinks with stunning cliff-side views at this popular coastal cafe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Three Miles of Sand
Getting Around & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking App Ready
Many car parks are pay-by-app. Have your phone and payment method ready to avoid issues.
🥾 Easy Access Points
Look for access points near surf shops/cafes for gentler slopes, especially if mobility is a concern.
🌊 Rip Tide Awareness
Lifeguards are present, but be aware of rip tides along the bay. Stay safe and swim between the flags.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Hayle Towans is a fantastic spot for dogs, with miles of sand for them to explore.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking App Ready
Many car parks are pay-by-app. Have your phone and payment method ready to avoid issues.
🥾 Easy Access Points
Look for access points near surf shops/cafes for gentler slopes, especially if mobility is a concern.
🌊 Rip Tide Awareness
Lifeguards are present, but be aware of rip tides along the bay. Stay safe and swim between the flags.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Paradise
Hayle Towans is a fantastic spot for dogs, with miles of sand for them to explore.
☕ Coastal Cafe Delights
Grab a coffee or hot chocolate at Cove Cafe for amazing views and good vibes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hayle Towans is overwhelmingly praised as one of the UK's most stunning beaches, celebrated for its vast three-mile stretch of golden sand, clean waters, and suitability for families and watersports. Visitors are captivated by its beauty and often express a strong desire to return.
"The best beach in this country. 3 miles of golden sands. Great for surfing, rock pools for the kids, and lots of different access points. The sea is aqua and it is so clean. You won't want to leave, and when you do, you will certainly return."
julie Holdgate
"Hayle Beach is quite possibly the most stunning beach in the UK. Bright golden sands for miles and a tide that washes the sands clean and flare every day. An excellent place for surfing and body boarding."
Ash T (Ash)
"Lovely beach with a massive pay and display car park. It's only a short walk down to the beach and the sea is super clear. Waves aren't as rough as at St Ives and there is no steep drop,which makes it perfect for kids. There are toilets, a pub and a cafe nearby, but the toilets weren't the best. The carark was pay by app as the machine on site wasn't working."
Laura
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While driving is common, public transport options exist. Buses serve the Hayle area, and from there, it's a walk to the beach. Some visitors have successfully navigated without a car, but it requires planning.
Yes, there are pay-and-display car parks. Be aware that payment is often via an app, and machines may not always be functional.
Some access points can be steep, especially down sandy slopes. However, there are gentler routes available, particularly near surf shops and cafes.
Mobility scooters may require specific access points, as some slopes are quite steep. It's advisable to scout for easier routes.
You can take a bus or drive from St Ives to Hayle. The journey is relatively short, and Hayle offers a less crowded alternative to St Ives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Hayle Towans beach itself is free to access. However, you will need to pay for parking in the designated car parks.
The beach is accessible at all times. Parking facilities and nearby amenities like cafes may have specific operating hours.
No, tickets are not required for beach access. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and payment is usually on arrival.
Generally, the beach is open to all. During peak season, it can get busy. Always check local advisories for any temporary restrictions.
Tide times can be found on various weather and marine websites. Checking these in advance is crucial for maximizing your beach experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hayle Towans is perfect for surfing, bodyboarding, paddleboarding, beachcombing, and simply relaxing on the vast sands. Rock pooling at low tide is also a popular activity.
Absolutely! The gentle waves, clean sands, and shallow areas make it ideal for kids. Rock pools offer further entertainment.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the main season, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
You'll find toilets, a pub, and cafes nearby. However, the condition of toilets can vary, and parking machines may be out of order.
Yes, Hayle Towans is very dog-friendly, offering miles of space for your canine companions to enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and a pub located near the beach. Cove Cafe is particularly popular for its cliff-side views and good food.
While there are amenities nearby, it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend the whole day.
Cove Cafe is a highlight at Riviere Towans, offering coastal dining with sea views.
Hayle is known for its pasties, and you'll find several excellent bakeries in the town offering this Cornish delicacy.
Absolutely! The vast sands provide ample space for picnics. Remember to take all your litter with you to keep the beach clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer stunning golden hour light. The vastness of the beach and the rolling dunes provide excellent photographic opportunities throughout the day.
You can capture sweeping beach landscapes, dramatic wave shots, intimate details of rock pools, and beautiful sunset/sunrise scenes. Drone photography is also popular here.
The coastal path offers elevated views over the beach and bay. The area around Cove Cafe also provides picturesque vantage points.
While primarily a beach destination, you might spot seabirds. The rock pools at low tide offer opportunities to photograph small marine creatures.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant details or wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for the more accessible entry points near the cafes and surf shops to make getting down to the beach easier with strollers or little legs. While toilets are available, their upkeep can be inconsistent, so packing essentials is always a good idea. The presence of lifeguards during the summer adds an extra layer of security for parents.
🐶 Dog Lovers
Remember to be mindful of other beachgoers and always clean up after your pet. While there are no specific restrictions mentioned for dogs on the main beach, it's always good practice to keep them under control, especially during busier periods. The open space and natural beauty make it an ideal location for a memorable dog-walking adventure.
🏄♀️ Surfers & Watersports Enthusiasts
The relatively gentle nature of the waves compared to some other Cornish surf spots makes it particularly appealing for those learning to surf or looking for a less intense session. The sheer size of the beach also means there's plenty of space to paddle out and catch waves without feeling too crowded.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Three-Mile Beach
The beach's dynamic nature is further enhanced by its tides. At low tide, the sands expand dramatically, revealing a playground of rock pools and vast, flat areas perfect for walking or cycling. High tide brings the sea closer, creating a more intimate beach experience and ideal conditions for watersports. The consistent waves make it a popular spot for surfing and paddleboarding, with several surf schools operating in the area.
Beyond the sand and sea, the rolling dunes behind the beach add to the natural beauty of Hayle Towans. These dunes are part of a protected landscape and offer a unique environment to explore. Walking through them provides a different perspective of the coastline and a sense of wildness. The combination of expansive sands, dynamic tides, and natural dune systems makes Hayle Towans a truly captivating destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.
Navigating Access and Amenities
Parking is a key consideration, with several pay-and-display car parks available. It's important to note that payment is frequently managed via a mobile app, so ensure your phone is charged and you have the necessary payment details ready. Some visitors have reported issues with on-site machines being out of order, making the app essential.
Amenities at Hayle Towans include public toilets, a pub, and cafes. Cove Cafe, perched on the cliffside, is a popular spot offering great food and spectacular views. While facilities are available, their condition can vary, and opening hours should be checked, especially outside the peak season. Lifeguards are present during the summer months, offering peace of mind for swimmers, but visitors are still advised to be aware of rip tides.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit