Lansdowne's guidebook
Local Beaches
All of these beaches are within a 10 minute drive from Hayle, some are walk-able. Most of them are best at low to mid tide and all of them can get very busy. I'd recommend arriving before 11am to secure a parking spot.
"Large car park that is currently free for you to access the local beaches. There are a few cafe's nearby and it's on the coast path. Best at low tide as the beach is underwater at high tide."
Harveys Towans Car Park
13 Harveys Towans"Large car park that is currently free for you to access the local beaches. There are a few cafe's nearby and it's on the coast path. Best at low tide as the beach is underwater at high tide."
"Another good spot to access the beach with a car park. Great beer garden overlooking the sea, pub grub and another cafe nearby. If you want to spend the day at the beach you'll need to go at low tide as there's no sand left at high."
22 locals recommend
Bluff Inn
18 Riviere Towans"Another good spot to access the beach with a car park. Great beer garden overlooking the sea, pub grub and another cafe nearby. If you want to spend the day at the beach you'll need to go at low tide as there's no sand left at high."
"Probably my favourite local spot. It's the nearest beach from my house, has a large carpark, amazing coffee and cakes from the cafe, surf school and rentals and the friendliest staff. The road can have a few potholes and traffic wardens are hot at this car park so make sure you don't let your ticket expire. The access to the beach from the car park is down a fairly steep sand dune. The way day is fun but coming back up with surfboards and beach gear can be a slog! If you don't fancy the walk down to the beach, grab a coffee, sit on the sand dunes and admire the views.
The beach is beautiful with views across to St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. The surf is normally pretty mellow here, so perfect for beginners. A great place to spend the day."
7 locals recommend
Sandy Acres Beach
Sandy Acres"Probably my favourite local spot. It's the nearest beach from my house, has a large carpark, amazing coffee and cakes from the cafe, surf school and rentals and the friendliest staff. The road can have a few potholes and traffic wardens are hot at this car park so make sure you don't let your ticket expire. The access to the beach from the car park is down a fairly steep sand dune. The way day is fun but coming back up with surfboards and beach gear can be a slog! If you don't fancy the walk down to the beach, grab a coffee, sit on the sand dunes and admire the views.
The beach is beautiful with views across to St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. The surf is normally pretty mellow here, so perfect for beginners. A great place to spend the day."
"10 minutes drive from the house, this beach is a family favourite. Easy access to the beach from the carpark, there is a small trailer cafe on the beach for snacks and drinks and good surf."
142 locals recommend
Gwithian Beach
"10 minutes drive from the house, this beach is a family favourite. Easy access to the beach from the carpark, there is a small trailer cafe on the beach for snacks and drinks and good surf."
"National trust car park with 2 large fields used for extra parking. The main beach nearest to the cafe is mainly pebbles but you can walk along to gwithian for a sandier option. From the field car parks there are a few beautiful coves at low tide which are great for sunbathing and swimming.
One of the better options for surf and has board rentals. The cafe here serves amazing food and drinks. There's also a pub called the Rockpool which has a nice menu and you can also rent surfboards from the surf school based here.
A short walk along the coast path takes you to Godrevy lighthouse and just around the corner you will often find seals at Mutton Cove.
Another spot where you could easily spend the day."
58 locals recommend
Godrevy
"National trust car park with 2 large fields used for extra parking. The main beach nearest to the cafe is mainly pebbles but you can walk along to gwithian for a sandier option. From the field car parks there are a few beautiful coves at low tide which are great for sunbathing and swimming.
One of the better options for surf and has board rentals. The cafe here serves amazing food and drinks. There's also a pub called the Rockpool which has a nice menu and you can also rent surfboards from the surf school based here.
A short walk along the coast path takes you to Godrevy lighthouse and just around the corner you will often find seals at Mutton Cove.
Another spot where you could easily spend the day."
Beaches further afield
"A lovely beach on the south coast that has a few options for food/drink and about a 20 minute drive."
48 locals recommend
Praa Sands Beach
South West Coast Path"A lovely beach on the south coast that has a few options for food/drink and about a 20 minute drive."
"If you've researched beaches in Cornwall this place was probably at the top. It is truly stunning.
It's a 10 minute walk down to the beach from the carpark and can be challenging if you have mobility issues. That being said, once you are there, it is beautiful. There is a cafe next to the beach serving food and drinks and some lovely coastal walks.
I don't go here that often as it's no longer a secret and can get extremely busy. Space is at a premium, there are often long queues to get to the car park and personally I don't find that all too relaxing.
However, if you haven't been there before I would still recommend it. I'd arrive early (before 10.30am), walk down to the beach before it gets too busy, have a swim, take some photo's, grab a coffee. The more adventurous of you may want to walk along to Lizard's point. It's a gorgeous walk and there are a few secret beaches along the way, where if you are willing to negotiate the steep path down, you'll have the beach to yourselves. There are more food options at Lizards point. A box worth ticking but expect crowds."
223 locals recommend
Kynance Cove
"If you've researched beaches in Cornwall this place was probably at the top. It is truly stunning.
It's a 10 minute walk down to the beach from the carpark and can be challenging if you have mobility issues. That being said, once you are there, it is beautiful. There is a cafe next to the beach serving food and drinks and some lovely coastal walks.
I don't go here that often as it's no longer a secret and can get extremely busy. Space is at a premium, there are often long queues to get to the car park and personally I don't find that all too relaxing.
However, if you haven't been there before I would still recommend it. I'd arrive early (before 10.30am), walk down to the beach before it gets too busy, have a swim, take some photo's, grab a coffee. The more adventurous of you may want to walk along to Lizard's point. It's a gorgeous walk and there are a few secret beaches along the way, where if you are willing to negotiate the steep path down, you'll have the beach to yourselves. There are more food options at Lizards point. A box worth ticking but expect crowds."
"Another one of my absolute favourite spots in Cornwall. You could easily spend a few days down this way. The beach is gorgeous, the coastal walks are stunning and there are a few activities in the form of the Telegraph museum and the Minack Theatre.
Again, be warned that traffic and parking can be an issue here. Also swimming can be dangerous at this spot due to rip currents so please stay within your comfort zone.
Although I don't spend much time at this beach, I do visit this part of Cornwall regularly as in my opinion it has one of the most spectacular stretches of coast path from Treen to Porthgwara."
144 locals recommend
Porthcurno
"Another one of my absolute favourite spots in Cornwall. You could easily spend a few days down this way. The beach is gorgeous, the coastal walks are stunning and there are a few activities in the form of the Telegraph museum and the Minack Theatre.
Again, be warned that traffic and parking can be an issue here. Also swimming can be dangerous at this spot due to rip currents so please stay within your comfort zone.
Although I don't spend much time at this beach, I do visit this part of Cornwall regularly as in my opinion it has one of the most spectacular stretches of coast path from Treen to Porthgwara."
"If i could afford to live here, I would. A great beach for the kids and adults alike. One of the best spots in the county for surf with lots of options for rentals. Plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars.
Tip: If you're planning on visiting Lands End, I would park in Sennen Cove and walk. It's a scenic 20 minute walk, mostly uphill but as long as you don't have mobility problems, isn't too taxing. Along the route there is a shipwreck called HMS Mulheim which you can see from the coast path. Get to Lands End, take some photo's and then walk back downhill to Sennen to enjoy the rest of your day. Lands End itself isn't something I would necessarily recommend but I appreciate it's something that people want to see."
246 locals recommend
Sennen Cove
"If i could afford to live here, I would. A great beach for the kids and adults alike. One of the best spots in the county for surf with lots of options for rentals. Plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars.
Tip: If you're planning on visiting Lands End, I would park in Sennen Cove and walk. It's a scenic 20 minute walk, mostly uphill but as long as you don't have mobility problems, isn't too taxing. Along the route there is a shipwreck called HMS Mulheim which you can see from the coast path. Get to Lands End, take some photo's and then walk back downhill to Sennen to enjoy the rest of your day. Lands End itself isn't something I would necessarily recommend but I appreciate it's something that people want to see."
Surf spots
"Best surf spot in the area. Works through all tides and a few different peaks to share. Rentals at car park"
58 locals recommend
Godrevy
"Best surf spot in the area. Works through all tides and a few different peaks to share. Rentals at car park"
"As good as and sometimes better than Godrevy. Avoid at high tide as cliffs can be a bit close for comfort."
52 locals recommend
Gwithian
"As good as and sometimes better than Godrevy. Avoid at high tide as cliffs can be a bit close for comfort."
"Generally 1ft smaller surf than Godrevy/Gwithian. Works best about an hour before high. Can be quieter than Godrevy/Gwithian. Good option for beginners/improvers. Surf school and rentals at car park"
7 locals recommend
Sandy Acres Beach
Sandy Acres"Generally 1ft smaller surf than Godrevy/Gwithian. Works best about an hour before high. Can be quieter than Godrevy/Gwithian. Good option for beginners/improvers. Surf school and rentals at car park"
"If the swell has more Southerly in it or if the West Coast is taking a beating then this is a good option. Can be a bit fickle and have steep take offs but still a fun wave."
48 locals recommend
Praa Sands Beach
South West Coast Path"If the swell has more Southerly in it or if the West Coast is taking a beating then this is a good option. Can be a bit fickle and have steep take offs but still a fun wave."
"Several options here, depending on conditions. Gets busy and parking can be difficult but sometimes needs must"
215 locals recommend
Newquay
"Several options here, depending on conditions. Gets busy and parking can be difficult but sometimes needs must"
Food scene
"Brilliant little shack offering tasty food at very reasonable prices. Saturday taco nights are a personal favourite. Has a small seating area around the back or offers take away. Also does great coffee and cakes. Pre-order via facebook messenger for takeaway."
31 locals recommend
Feed
11-13 Chapel Terrace"Brilliant little shack offering tasty food at very reasonable prices. Saturday taco nights are a personal favourite. Has a small seating area around the back or offers take away. Also does great coffee and cakes. Pre-order via facebook messenger for takeaway."
"The best seafood in Hayle. Situated on the quay near Asda, Felicia and the team offer up a delicious menu and friendly service. They quite often have live music and serve cold beer and cider from the tap. There are several benches to sit and admire the views of Hayle harbour. Can get very busy but the food is worth the wait."
13 locals recommend
Black Lobster
"The best seafood in Hayle. Situated on the quay near Asda, Felicia and the team offer up a delicious menu and friendly service. They quite often have live music and serve cold beer and cider from the tap. There are several benches to sit and admire the views of Hayle harbour. Can get very busy but the food is worth the wait."
"I can't comment on the food as I haven't had the chance to eat here yet but it's a wonderful spot to have a drink and enjoy the views. Parking along the road or free in Harvey's car park. About a 20 minute walk from my house.
A small beach below, perfect for kids with watersports rentals (SUPs/kayaks) next door."
29 locals recommend
Lula Shack
North Quay"I can't comment on the food as I haven't had the chance to eat here yet but it's a wonderful spot to have a drink and enjoy the views. Parking along the road or free in Harvey's car park. About a 20 minute walk from my house.
A small beach below, perfect for kids with watersports rentals (SUPs/kayaks) next door."
"Classic fish and chip shop. There are several to choose from in Hayle, all of which are good but I tend to get mine from Sanders as you can pre-order online and it's always tasted great. Also has a restaurant to sit in if you prefer."
54 locals recommend
Sanders Fish And Chips
Foundry Square"Classic fish and chip shop. There are several to choose from in Hayle, all of which are good but I tend to get mine from Sanders as you can pre-order online and it's always tasted great. Also has a restaurant to sit in if you prefer."
"You can walk here through the back roads from mine and be here in 15 minutes. Lovely place for a drink with friendly staff and locals. Due to Covid I haven't had the chance to eat from their new menu but the food has always been good and the Sunday Lunches are the best in town."
18 locals recommend
Cornish Arms
"You can walk here through the back roads from mine and be here in 15 minutes. Lovely place for a drink with friendly staff and locals. Due to Covid I haven't had the chance to eat from their new menu but the food has always been good and the Sunday Lunches are the best in town."
"A 10 minute drive to Lelant will take you to The Old Forge. The food is always top quality and the wine selection is great. Has a nice little outdoor area and plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. Highly recommend the tapas and pizzas."
43 locals recommend
The Old Forge Lelant
"A 10 minute drive to Lelant will take you to The Old Forge. The food is always top quality and the wine selection is great. Has a nice little outdoor area and plenty of vegetarian/vegan options. Highly recommend the tapas and pizzas."
"A nice restaurant in the middle of Hayle. Italian dishes and great pizza. Has a lovely terrace out the back with views across the estuary."
18 locals recommend
TERRACE hayle
35 Commercial Rd"A nice restaurant in the middle of Hayle. Italian dishes and great pizza. Has a lovely terrace out the back with views across the estuary."
"Tucked away near to Asda, Salt has some brilliant dishes (monkfish and prawn skewers!!). It's a small bar so can feel a bit cramped later on in the evening as the bar gets busier. But if you book a table for earlier in the evening, the food won't disappoint."
63 locals recommend
Salt Kitchen Bar
25 Foundry Square"Tucked away near to Asda, Salt has some brilliant dishes (monkfish and prawn skewers!!). It's a small bar so can feel a bit cramped later on in the evening as the bar gets busier. But if you book a table for earlier in the evening, the food won't disappoint."
"A lovely vegan coffee caravan. They do the best vegan cakes. Situated in the car park of Asda, next to the black lobster."
9 locals recommend
Be Kind The Vegan Coffee Caravan
"A lovely vegan coffee caravan. They do the best vegan cakes. Situated in the car park of Asda, next to the black lobster."
"great coffee, even better cakes, lovely service and the best views"
16 locals recommend
Blue Bay Cafe
Sandy Acres"great coffee, even better cakes, lovely service and the best views"
"Another brilliant café next to the coast. Lovely breakfast and lunch options"
70 locals recommend
Godrevy Cafe
Godrevy Towans"Another brilliant café next to the coast. Lovely breakfast and lunch options"
"Not too far from my house, this is a lovely spot to have a drink or some food in the sun. A nice starting point for a walk along the cliffs."
18 locals recommend
Hells Mouth Cafe
B3301"Not too far from my house, this is a lovely spot to have a drink or some food in the sun. A nice starting point for a walk along the cliffs."
"Cornish pasties - you can't beat them. Perfect for a lunch on the go. Philps of Hayle are one of the best."
66 locals recommend
Philps Bakery
1 E Quay"Cornish pasties - you can't beat them. Perfect for a lunch on the go. Philps of Hayle are one of the best."
"It wouldn't be a trip to the seaside without an ice cream! People drive for miles to come and get a Mr B's so take advantage of it being on your doorstep. Lots of selection and 2 shop locations in Hayle"
35 locals recommend
Mr B's
10 Fore St"It wouldn't be a trip to the seaside without an ice cream! People drive for miles to come and get a Mr B's so take advantage of it being on your doorstep. Lots of selection and 2 shop locations in Hayle"
Hampson Of Hayle Ltd
20 Chapel Terrace"Another great pasty shop."
Take-away
For when you don't want to cook or you're too embarrassed to show your sunburn!
Domino's Pizza
14 Penpol Terrace"Needs no explanation!"
Balti King
53 Fore St"Classic Indian take-away and restaurant"
Chilli Chinese Takeaway
17 Penpol Terrace"Chinese take away. Best in the area."
McDonald's Hayle
Carwin Rise"2 minute drive away"
Local food shops
Stock up on the essentials
Lidl
Carwin Rise"5 minute walk and it's cheap, what's not to like."
Marks & Spencer Hayle
Marsh Lane"5 minute walk, take the bridge over the A30."
Asda Hayle Harbour Superstore
1 South Quay"Large Asda."
For the Kids
"A great day out for the kids. Your tickets help keep this charity going. Dog-friendly too."
187 locals recommend
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
"A great day out for the kids. Your tickets help keep this charity going. Dog-friendly too."
"A quick drive to the other side of Hayle and you're there. My nieces love this place!"
134 locals recommend
Paradise Park
16 Trelissick Rd"A quick drive to the other side of Hayle and you're there. My nieces love this place!"
"A short walk from the house. There's a decent skate park here if your children are into that kind of thing. If not, there's a nice children's park next to it with swings, slides, climbing frames, zip wire etc."
Skatepark Hayle
41 Beatrice Terrace"A short walk from the house. There's a decent skate park here if your children are into that kind of thing. If not, there's a nice children's park next to it with swings, slides, climbing frames, zip wire etc."
Coast 2 Coast Karting
Chenhalls Road"A fun track and only 10 minutes away"
"For adults, children and dogs. If you're tired of the coastline then why not spend a few hours walking around Tehidy woods. There are lots of very friendly squirrels and sometimes various activities are put on."
110 locals recommend
Tehidy Woods
"For adults, children and dogs. If you're tired of the coastline then why not spend a few hours walking around Tehidy woods. There are lots of very friendly squirrels and sometimes various activities are put on."
"If you fancy learning how to kayak or SUP then this is a good choice as it's locally owned and just down the road. Guaranteed fun for kids and adults! They also operate in the Lizard where you can go coasteering."
12 locals recommend
Hayle Watersports (Lizard Adventure)
North Quay"If you fancy learning how to kayak or SUP then this is a good choice as it's locally owned and just down the road. Guaranteed fun for kids and adults! They also operate in the Lizard where you can go coasteering."