Hayle Estuary
50° 11' 49" N 5° 26' 6" WHayle Estuary has stunning panoramic views which take in all of St Ives Bay.
The sand dunes that hug the beach go all the way to Gwithian beach, nearly three miles away.
Away from the beach as you travel inland you can find the Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve, which is the most south-westerly estuary in the UK. It’s home to a wide variety of wetland birds. Winter is easily the best time to visit, when you can see a vast flocks of teals and wigeons and maybe a vagrant ring-billed gull from North America.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Café (Seasonal)
- Hazard: Tides (Rising / Falling)
- Hazard: Strong currents
- Hazard: Deep Water
- Limited access for wheelchairs
- Lifeguards (Summer only)
- Dogs allowed (Winter only)
- 5 minute walk from carpark
History of Hayle Estuary
Hayle is a small town situated in the west of Cornwall. It has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of human settlement in the area since ancient times. However, it was during the industrial revolution that Hayle became an important hub for the tin and copper mining industry. The town’s location on the River Hayle and its proximity to the coast made it ideal for transporting minerals from the mines to the ports for export.
In the late 18th century, the industrialist Richard Trevithick built a steam engine at Hayle, which revolutionized the mining industry and helped to make Hayle an important center for engineering and innovation. The town also became a hub for shipbuilding, with many vessels being constructed and launched from the town’s quayside.
Hayle was also an important center for the manufacture of rope, canvas, and other textiles used in the shipping industry. The town’s strategic location on the coast and its close proximity to the tin and copper mines of Cornwall and Devon made it an important center for trade and commerce.
Today, Hayle is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and rich industrial heritage. Many of the town’s historic buildings, including the Old Foundry and the steam engine house, have been preserved and converted into museums and visitor attractions, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the town’s rich history and industrial legacy.
Travel / Parking information for Hayle Estuary
Directions to Hayle Estuary
To reach the Hayle Estuary and its beaches, including Hayle Beach and Porthkidney Beach in Cornwall, travelers can take the A30 highway, which provides direct access to Hayle. From there, follow local signs towards Hayle town center for Hayle Beach, or continue towards Lelant for Porthkidney Beach. For those arriving by public transport, Hayle is served by regular train and bus services, with stations and stops conveniently located for beach access.
Parking for Hayle Estuary
Parking for Hayle Beach is available at the large Hayle Towans car park, situated close to the beach with ample spaces. For Porthkidney Beach, visitors can use the St Uny Church car park in Lelant, offering easier access to the beach via a short walk. Both locations have parking facilities that cater to day visitors, with charges applicable during the main tourist season. Early arrival is recommended during peak periods to secure a spot due to the popularity of these stunning Cornwall beaches.
Aerial video of Hayle Estuary, Cornwall
Hayle is positioned beautifully by the sea with a full 3 miles of golden sandy beaches which have helped it to develop as a popular holiday destination. The panoramic views from the beach take in all of St Ives Bay, from St Ives to the north-west all the way across to Godrevy Lighthouse to the north-east.
