Hayle

Hayle is a town on the north Cornwall coast at the eastern end of St Ives Bay, with 3 miles of golden sand at Hayle Towans backed by some of Cornwall’s largest dune systems. The town grew up around its harbour, which was a major centre for copper smelting and engineering during the industrial revolution. The harbour area is undergoing a long-term redevelopment that is gradually bringing new life to the waterfront.

Beaches and Wildlife

Hayle Towans stretches for 3 miles along St Ives Bay and rarely feels crowded even in peak season. The beach is popular with families, surfers and dog walkers. The RSPB Hayle Estuary reserve, at the edge of town, is the most south-westerly estuary in the UK and draws migratory and wading birds including curlews, oystercatchers, little egrets and - in winter - teals and wigeons. The South West Coast Path leaves Hayle along the estuary, passes through Lelant and Carbis Bay, and reaches St Ives in roughly 7 miles.

Things to Do

The wildlife sanctuary and conservation centre in Hayle is home to over 1,200 birds, red pandas, otters and Humboldt’s penguins. It is the base of the World Parrot Trust and the Operation Chough breeding programme. The JungleBarn indoor play centre on site makes it a reliable wet-weather option for families. Sea kayaking and paddleboarding sessions run from Hayle Harbour along the estuary.

Where to Stay

Over 40 holiday properties are available in and around Hayle, with beach chalets in the Towans and converted houses in town among the most common. St Ives is 3 miles west by road, Godrevy lighthouse and seal colony about 3 miles north-east. Hayle has its own rail station on the St Ives Bay Line, one stop from St Erth junction on the main line.