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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Hayle Towans Beach

Hayle Towans is a vast, dune-backed sweep of golden sand marking the start of Hayle's three-mile beach within St Ives Bay. At low tide the sand seems to run forever, joining neighbouring Gwithian and Godrevy, and its sheer scale means it rarely feels crowded, with big skies, consistent Atlantic swell and miles of room to walk.

A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

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 Towans Beach 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.

RNLI Lifeguards are on duty

2025

Easter School Holidays 05 April - 21 April

Weekends Only 26 April - 27 April

Daily 03 May - 28 September

Weekends Only 04 October - 19 October

October Half Term 25 October - 02 November

Patrol times 10am - 6pm

Browse coastline guides
Beach Safety Guide

Common questions

Where is Hayle Towans Beach?
Hayle Towans sits on the eastern side of St Ives Bay, just north of the town of Hayle on Cornwall's north coast. It is the first stretch of the three-mile beach, with Upton Towans and Gwithian continuing north-east along the dunes.
What is Hayle Towans known for?
It is known for its sheer size and spacious, big-sky feel, backed by some of Cornwall's largest sand dunes. At low tide it links into the wider St Ives Bay towards Gwithian and Godrevy, making it superb for long beach walks as well as classic family days.
What's the nearest town to Hayle Towans?
Hayle is the nearest town, just to the south, with St Ives a short drive around the bay. The villages of Phillack and Gwithian lie close by along the coast.