So you have travel plans to Cornwall, yet Hayle is missing from your list! It is known to happen because very little has been done to put Hayle on the world map for tourist and nature enthusiasts.
A visit to this little picturesque town is reason enough for you to return time and again to this little slice of heaven. Trust us when we say that Hayle, tucked away in the west of Cornwall, will keep reminding you of its bounty of nature long after you have left.
Before we begin to wax eloquent about Hayle, let us talk a bit about its geography. Situated right at the mouth of Hayle River, Hayle is an estuary which was once very famous for mining copper and smelting. The beach stretches for about three miles starting from the Hayle River to Godrevy Light House. The entire stretch offers extremely scenic sandy beaches for swimming, sunbathing and extreme water sports. It also attracts migratory birds during the season, making it a perfect holiday spot for avid bird watchers at the estuary.
The modern Hayle town was built during the 18th Century. There is sufficient evidence to prove the existence of a busy industrial civilization during the Neolithic age producing tin and copper from Hayle. In fact, Hayle is in the world heritage list because of its historic mining landscape.
Indeed, Hayle is a haven for adventure sports. With a constant breeze from the Atlantic Ocean, surfing and wind sailing is best done here along with snorkelling, diving and kite surfing. Watch out for Gwithian beach near Godrevy for the best water sports options. To upgrade your level of surfing, you could also register for a short course at The Gwithian Academy of surfing offering certificate courses for beginners and experienced.
Camping in remote places in Hayle is an experience worth trying out. Hayle has also bagged the “Walkers are Welcome” status due to its pristine roadways and walkways providing markings for hiking. So hikers pack your boots when you explore Hayle. A walk along the countryside holding a camera would probably be the best way to soak in the ambience of Hayle and carry pleasant memories back home. Travellers with the luxury of time can also enjoy some golf time at the Gwinear Pitch and Putt, Penwith Pitch and Putt and other Golf Clubs in the area.
When in Hayle, be sure to visit the Paradise Park, particularly if you are travelling with children. The aviaries will keep them in awe. A cliff walk to the Godrevy Head will provide the best view of Godrevy Island, Newquay, St. Ives and beyond. A further short climb to the top of the cliff is home to about a hundred seals found swimming in the sea. Enjoy your sunset here, while relishing some delicious ice-cream from the nearby ice-cream vans. A visit to the Hayle Towan’s Beach will completely de-stress you from your mundane life. Relax on this sandy beach and allow your children to go wild, while the vigilant lifeguards are on duty for your safety.
For a gastronomic delight, visit any of the restaurants providing mouth watering local delicacies. Antoninis, Sander’s Fish and Chips, Salt Kitchen Bar and Trevaskis Farm are a few places that will leave you with pleasant food memories. When in Hayle, it is best to try out some local sea food at Sander’s Fish and Chips, the mouth watering boneless wonder just melts in your mouth. Wash down your scrumptious lunch at Mr. B’ Ice Cream Parlour, a local ice cream that gives the big ice-cream brands a run for their money.
Hayle is a self-sufficient town with its own cafés, banks, super market and more. There is an of holiday rentals to choose from in Hayle. You can choose to stay on a beach side or a mountain side and you are spoilt for choice in this little port town of Hayle. There are also properties like Rosewarne Manor which is strategically located, providing wedding and anniversary venues for their guests.
Hayle can be approached by air, road and rail. The closest airport connecting you to Hayle is Land’s End airport, which is 19.9 km from Hayle. The closest rail station would be Hayle railway station for those commuting via train. Road trips with friends and family is always fun, so back your bag, carry your picnic basket and zip through the picturesque roads to Hayle and soak up nature at her best in this little slice of heaven.