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Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

By the Down The Cove editorial team

Hayle

Once a busy port in the days of copper and tin mining, Hayle sits at the mouth of its river on St Ives Bay in West Cornwall. Behind its huge three-mile sweep of sand, the Towans, lies a tidal estuary whose muddy flats are a magnet for birdwatchers.

Read the guide
The vast dune-backed Towans beach at Hayle stretching along St Ives Bay towards Godrevy lighthouse.
Quick notes for your visit

Beach and cove guide

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Hayle is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.

Best forOpen coastal character with sand, pebbles, cliffs or coves depending on the tide and weather.

Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

Hayle was a very busy cargo port in the days of copper and tin mining and is situated in the mouth of the Hayle River. The estuary with its muddy tidal flats is a popular destination for bird watchers.

The Towans

Hayle has a huge sandy beach known as the Towans - meaning sand dunes. The dunes back onto the beach which is a three mile stretch of sand that reaches from Hayle to Godrevy lighthouse. The lighthouse is situated at the east end of the Towans on an island just off the mainland.

The beach is popular for families and also for surfers and kite surfers.

Sea Fishing in Hayle

Hayle estuary is very good for big bass, large mullet, flatfish and even the odd sea trout (which must be released as you are not allowed to land these)

Browse coastline guides

Common questions

Where is Hayle?
Hayle is on the coast of West Cornwall, set at the mouth of the Hayle River on the edge of St Ives Bay, a short distance from St Ives itself.
What is Hayle known for?
Hayle is known for its huge sandy beach, the Towans, which runs for around three miles towards Godrevy lighthouse, and for its tidal estuary that is a popular spot for birdwatching.
What does 'the Towans' mean?
'Towans' is the Cornish word for sand dunes. At Hayle the dunes back a three-mile stretch of beach reaching all the way from the town to Godrevy lighthouse.
What is there to do in Hayle?
You can enjoy miles of sandy beach, surf and kitesurf, watch wading birds on the estuary and walk towards Godrevy. The estuary is also good for bass, mullet and flatfish fishing.
Is Hayle worth visiting?
Yes. With three miles of dune-backed sand, a wildlife-rich estuary and views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy lighthouse, Hayle is a fine base for a West Cornwall beach holiday.

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Grilled mackerel fillet with rocket and lemon on a plate

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Editorial illustrations; explore the guides for place and recipe details.