The top 9 things to do in Hayle

Nestled at the mouth of the Hayle River on Cornwall’s north coast, the charming harbour town of Hayle is best known for its stunning, 3-mile beach. There are plenty of things to do in Hayle, as well as a great selection of independent shops and a growing number of high-quality places to eat and drink. This lovely spot also has a fascinating industrial history as the world’s most important mining port, home to two 19th-century iron foundries which made beam engines that were exported around the world. 

While a holiday in Hayle is a great base for visits to St Ives, Penzance, Land’s End and Truro, there’s plenty to do in the town itself, whether you want to get active on land or in the water, have a family day out or try some traditional Cornish foods. Visit a wildlife sanctuary, race round a go-karting track, play golf, swim in the sea or the outdoor pool and savour a pasty or a Cornish ice cream – our guide outlines nine of the best things to do in Hayle. 

If you’re intrigued by everything Hayle has to offer, click below to book your holiday with us – and make this vibrant town your next coastal escape. 

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• Head to Hayle Beach 
• Spend the day at a wildlife sanctuary 
• Try a water sport
• Stride out on a scenic walk
• Play a round of golf
• Go bird watching
• Race a go-kart
• Taste some Cornish treats
• Swim in an outdoor pool

Head to the beach 

One of the best things to do in Hayle is to visit its beautiful beach, which starts just north of the town centre. It is simply spectacular and is the start of a 3-mile stretch of gorgeous golden sand, connecting several smaller beaches (when the tide’s out) all the way along St Ives Bay from the Hayle Estuary to Godrevy Point. The stretch nearest the town is called Hayle Towans (‘towans’ means ‘sand dunes’ in Cornish), which leads to Mexico Towans, then Upton Towans, then Gwithian Beach and, finally, Godrevy Beach. 

What’s so great about Hayle Beach? Well, apart from the vast amount of space, it’s much less busy than the beaches at nearby Carbis Bay and St Ives, so there’s plenty of room to play games, walk the dog and generally enjoy the fresh air. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming, surfing and water sports, and if you feel peckish, there are a couple of great beach cafes. Another plus is that the beach is lifeguarded in the main holiday season, too. 

Spend the day at a wildlife sanctuary 

When it comes to looking for things to do in Hayle for the whole family, a visit to Paradise Park in Hayle is a superb day out for all. Set within beautiful sub-tropical gardens is a wildlife sanctuary where you can see more than 1,200 birds of 130 different species, including cute penguins, colourful parrots, rare Cornish choughs, dramatic flamingos and impressive owls and eagles. Watch otters and penguins being fed, spot the red pandas in their den, and help feed the pygmy goats and Ouessant sheep on the fun farm; in the summer months, you can feed the lorikeets with nectar and experience the amazing Eagles of Paradise Display and free-flying bird show. In good weather, the Jungle Express train will take you around the gardens on its small circuit. There’s an extensive indoor play area – an attraction in its own right – as well as outdoor play, a café with tables inside and out (you can bring your own picnic) and a gift shop.

Try a water sport 

The Hayle Estuary is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful nature reserves, and is one of the best things to do in Hayle. You can see it from a unique perspective by booking a sea kayak tour or stand-up paddleboard session with Lizard Adventure. The calm waters are ideal for beginners, and the sessions (two hours' paddleboarding or three hours in a kayak) are suitable for 10-year-olds and upwards, with essential techniques taught in the shelter of the harbour before you venture out. All equipment is included – just bring a swimming costume, towel and trainers or beach shoes.

For beginner surfers and families (ages 5 and up), you can book a two-hour session with Gwithian Surf School, based below the Sunset Surf Café on beautiful Gwithian Towans, which is renowned for its consistent waves. They also offer one-to-one sessions tailored to your skill level – ideal for refining techniques. Wetsuits and boards are provided, and you can have an extra hour in the water after the session to practice what you’ve learnt. 

Stride out on a scenic walk

There are fabulous walks all around Hayle, taking in spectacular scenery and remnants of the town’s fascinating industrial past. Stroll around the Hayle Estuary and the nature reserve, looking out for birds; walk the South West Coast Path through the dunes to Gwithian and back along the beach, with views of the Godrevy Lighthouse and St Ives Bay; or head out along the cliffs to Mutton Cove, where you’re likely to spot seals basking below. You can even hike a 6-mile stretch of the coast path to St Ives, following part of an ancient pilgrim route called St Michael’s Way. In town itself, you can enjoy a circular stroll from Millpond Gardens through a wooded trail with ponds where you can feed the ducks and swans. 

Play golf

Golfers are well served in Hayle, whether you feel like a family-friendly game of crazy golf, want to practise your drives or prefer to play a round at the oldest course in Cornwall. At Penwith Pitch & Putt there’s a 12-hole pitch and putt, 18-hole crazy golf and even 9-hole football golf – great fun for young and old, and there’s no need to pre-book. Hayle Golf has 20 fully floodlit driving-range bays, an all-weather short-game practice area, a golf simulator and a 12-hole short course. Not surprisingly, it’s one of the most popular golf practice centres in Cornwall. For lovers of a full 18 holes, West Cornwall Golf Club, founded in 1889, is just 3 miles away in Lelant, and offers players incredible views of St Ives Bay and the Hayle Estuary. 

Go bird watching

The peaceful Hayle Estuary is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to a wide variety of wetland birds. It’s renowned nationally as a superb area for bird watching, with various trails through the site, as well as viewing platforms and hides. In spring and autumn, you’ll see huge flocks of migrant wading birds, gulls and terns, often numbering in the thousands. In summer, if you are lucky, you may even spot an osprey. Just remember to bring binoculars and a camera.

Race a go-kart

Coast 2 Coast Karting, just outside the town, offers an adrenaline-fuelled experience for beginners and experienced drivers on a challenging outdoor track. Junior karts cater for eight years and upwards, while the single-engine pro karts are among the fastest in Cornwall. 

Taste some Cornish treats

When in Hayle, don’t miss out on some of the best pasties in Cornwall from the renowned Philps bakery. Established in 1958, it’s still run by the same family and pasties are made to traditional methods using family recipes and locally sourced ingredients. Philps has two shops in Hayle – a huge one on East Quay where there’s often a long queue, and a smaller one in Foundry Square that the locals call their ‘secret spot’. Choose from short crust or flaky pastry, with a filling of steak, mince, chicken, cheese or vegetables, and if you don’t want to eat one straight away, they’re great for putting in the freezer.  

Another treat not to miss is a delicious ice cream from Mr B’s, made and sold in the centre of Hayle, using the best Cornish and Italian ingredients. Opt for a classic such as vanilla, chocolate or strawberry, or try one of their extraordinary creations such as Triple Choc Chunk Fudge Chunk Choc Chip Ripple, topped with a fresh, homemade sauce. They also offer sorbets, dairy-free ice creams, waffles, crepes and other desserts – your only problem is deciding which to have. 

Swim in an outdoor pool

In the summer months, if you feel like an alternative to the sea, head to Hayle’s outdoor swimming pool. A favourite with locals and great for little ones who might be daunted by waves and salty water, it has waterslides, sun loungers and picnic tables, plus showers, changing rooms and WCs. Bear in mind that online pre-booking is essential for each swim session – you can do it online from eight days in advance. After your swim, relax with a cup of tea and a slice of cake in the welcoming café. 

Stay in Hayle

Discover more of Hayle’s great mix of seaside relaxation and fun-filled days out. Book your self-catering cottage with us and start planning your Cornish getaway today.

Written by Katherine Sorrell

Freelance Content Writer

Cornwall-based writer aiming to share my love of this inspiring place far and wide.