Katherine Sorrell
24 June 2025
The small town of Hayle sits on the north coast of West Cornwall, on the mouth of the Hayle River. It’s just 6 miles from buzzy St Ives, 8.5 miles from the market town of Penzance on the south coast, and 17.5 miles from Land’s End.
In the 19th century, Hayle was the world’s most important mining port, and an epicentre of engineering, its foundries making machinery that was exported around the world. Today, the charming town has numerous independent shops – including an award-winning ice-cream parlour and some excellent pasty makers – and is the gateway to the incredible Hayle Beach, one of the best beaches in Cornwall.
The glorious (and somewhat unsung) sandy coastline stretches for 3 miles from Hayle Estuary to Godrevy Point, and actually comprises several smaller beaches which connect when the tide is out. Here, we’re focusing on Hayle Towans, the stretch right by the town, which merges into Mexico Towans, then Upton Towans, Gwithian Beach and, finally, Godrevy Beach in the north. If you’re thinking of booking a holiday in Hayle, we’ve got the lowdown on everything to do with its beach, including swimming, dog walking, parking, lifeguards, beach facilities, accessibility and where to stay nearby.
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FAQs
Are dogs allowed on Hayle Beach?
Yes, they’re allowed on the beach at Hayle Towans except for in July and August, when a seasonal ban is in place between 10am and 6pm.
Is Hayle worth visiting?
Definitely! There are miles of beach on your doorstep, and a wildlife sanctuary with indoor play that’s great for children. Play golf or go bird watching at the RSPB nature reserve, and explore the town’s variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, takeaways and pubs.
Can you walk from Hayle Beach to Carbis Bay Beach?
You can’t walk directly from Hayle Beach to Carbis Bay beach, as they’re divided by the Hayle Estuary, which you can’t walk across, even at low tide. Instead, follow the coast path, which takes you inland and around, via Lelant. It’s about 5 miles.
Can you walk from Hayle Beach to St Ives?
If you don’t mind a 7-mile walk, you can follow the South West Coast Path from Hayle Beach to St Ives, which takes you inland through Lelant and Carbis Bay. Parts of the walk follow an ancient pilgrim’s route called St Michael’s Way.
Can you swim at Hayle Beach?
Yes, but there can be strong currents near the river estuary, so be cautious. Only swim in the designated areas when lifeguards are on duty. The waters are generally calm and shallow at low tide.
Can you get a train from Hayle to St Ives?
You can catch a train from Hayle to St Ives, changing at St Erth for the branch line to St Ives. The whole trip takes just over 30 minutes, and the views as you run alongside the coast are absolutely stunning.
About Hayle Beach
The area of Hayle Beach known as Hayle Towans sits at the mouth of the Hayle estuary, about 1.5 miles north of the town. It’s the south-western portion of the 3 miles of golden sand that sweep along St Ives Bay all the way along to Godrevy. ‘Towans’, by the way, means ‘sand dunes’ in Cornish, and Hayle Towans is, in fact, backed by sand dunes which are home to a wide range of plants and animals. The sea here is known for its clear waters, and the unspoilt sandy beach, popular with families, surfers and dog walkers, is usually considerably less busy than those of nearby Carbis Bay and St Ives.
Lifeguards at Hayle Beach
The beach at Hayle Towans is lifeguarded between 10am and 6pm during the main holiday season, which in 2025 is from 3 May to 28 September, weekends in October, and the half-term week of 25 October to 2 November.
Dogs on Hayle Beach
Bring your canine companion for a walk on the sands or a play in the surf at Hayle Towans, the nearest beach to Hayle town centre. It’s dog-friendly all year, except for July and August, when furry friends are not allowed between 10am and 6pm – meaning you can still happily have an early-morning play or a sunset stroll.
Facilities at Hayle Beach
For yummy breakfasts, lunches and drinks - including their famous hot chocolate - The Cove Café in the cliffs above Rivere Towans is your go-to. You can also head to the Bluff Inn, slightly closer to Hayle town, which serves meals all day and has another incredible view. Please note that there are no public WCs on Hayle Towans.
Car parking at Hayle Beach
There are several car parks in the town itself, but if you’d prefer to be nearer the beach, head for the car parks at Hayle Beach, Harvey's Towans or Riviere Towans. As you go further off the beaten track, some of the smaller roads can be bumpy, so take care of your suspension!
Accessibility at Hayle Beach
For anyone using a wheelchair or pushing a buggy, there’s a concrete ramp by the Bluff Inn which provides easy access to the beach.
Stay with us in Hayle
Whether you want to sunbathe, build sandcastles or surf the waves, our selection of holiday properties in Hayle includes family cottages, dog-friendly destinations and couples’ retreats, all perfect for spending days on the town’s glorious beach. For more information, just click the link below.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.