Amanda’s guidebook to Hayle and St Ives Bay
Sightseeing
There's so much to do in West Cornwall that it is impossible to list everything. This is just a selection of some of places to eat, beaches, attractions and walks in the Hayle area which we hope you'll enjoy.
The southerly end of a vast, three mile long, sandy beach stretching from the town of Hayle towards Godrevy. There's a footpath from the town along the estuary to reach it or you can park and walk from Riviere Towans.
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Hayle Beach
The southerly end of a vast, three mile long, sandy beach stretching from the town of Hayle towards Godrevy. There's a footpath from the town along the estuary to reach it or you can park and walk from Riviere Towans.
Gwithian beach lies at the north end of of the long stretch of sand on St Ives Bay and is a popular place with locals for surfing and relaxing on the beach. There are car parks and cafes nearby.
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Gwithian Beach
Gwithian beach lies at the north end of of the long stretch of sand on St Ives Bay and is a popular place with locals for surfing and relaxing on the beach. There are car parks and cafes nearby.
Accessed via the village of Lelant, this beach lies on the western side of the Hayle estuary. Beautiful pale sands stretch out below dunes and at low tide it is possible to walk round the point to Carbis Bay or you can join the coastal path which will even take you as far as St Ives. It's not safe to swim from this beach because of hidden currents and rip tides.
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Porthkidney Beach
Church RoadAccessed via the village of Lelant, this beach lies on the western side of the Hayle estuary. Beautiful pale sands stretch out below dunes and at low tide it is possible to walk round the point to Carbis Bay or you can join the coastal path which will even take you as far as St Ives. It's not safe to swim from this beach because of hidden currents and rip tides.
The most south westerly estuary in the UK, the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve is a great place to see a variety of wetland birds.
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RSPB Hayle Estuary
The most south westerly estuary in the UK, the Hayle Estuary RSPB reserve is a great place to see a variety of wetland birds.
The National Trust looks after this iconic lighthouse (not accessible to visitors) and provides 2 car parks north of Gwithian with great views and access to the coast path. A walk round Godrevy Point to the north leads to views of a hidden cove below you where you may be lucky enough to see grey seals - but please keep quiet so as not to disturb them. If you like hiking, continue along the coast path past rugged cliffs to view another inaccessible cove, Hell's Mouth! There is a cafe here on the other side of the B3301.
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Godrevy Lighthouse
The National Trust looks after this iconic lighthouse (not accessible to visitors) and provides 2 car parks north of Gwithian with great views and access to the coast path. A walk round Godrevy Point to the north leads to views of a hidden cove below you where you may be lucky enough to see grey seals - but please keep quiet so as not to disturb them. If you like hiking, continue along the coast path past rugged cliffs to view another inaccessible cove, Hell's Mouth! There is a cafe here on the other side of the B3301.
Food scene
This pub serves a mixture of burgers, Cornish and Canadian dishes (yes the landlords are from across the water!) with a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes too. Cocktail menu, beer garden.
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The Cornish Arms
86 Commercial RdThis pub serves a mixture of burgers, Cornish and Canadian dishes (yes the landlords are from across the water!) with a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes too. Cocktail menu, beer garden.
Overlooking the RSPB nature reserve on the Hayle Estuary, Birdies is open 9-5 every day for imaginative breakfast, lunch and tea options using local ingredients, plus dinner on Fridays and Saturdays (evenings must be booked in advance).
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Birdies Bistro
Overlooking the RSPB nature reserve on the Hayle Estuary, Birdies is open 9-5 every day for imaginative breakfast, lunch and tea options using local ingredients, plus dinner on Fridays and Saturdays (evenings must be booked in advance).
A lovely bistro/deli serving great breakfasts, lunches, coffees, drinks and pre-booked evening meals. Not open on Mondays.
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The Old Forge Lelant
A lovely bistro/deli serving great breakfasts, lunches, coffees, drinks and pre-booked evening meals. Not open on Mondays.
A waterside pizzeria and brasserie serving handmade stone baked pizzas, fresh fish, pasta and veggie options. The outside terrace overlooks the estuary (better views
when the tide’s in!). Takeaway available.
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TERRACE hayle
35 Commercial RdA waterside pizzeria and brasserie serving handmade stone baked pizzas, fresh fish, pasta and veggie options. The outside terrace overlooks the estuary (better views
when the tide’s in!). Takeaway available.
A local takeaway fish and chip shop which always provides great value. Alongside traditional battered cod they also offer a healthy steamed option with a wedge of lemon. Burgers, chicken and pies also on the menu.
Chandler's Plaice Fish & Chips
1 Copper TerraceA local takeaway fish and chip shop which always provides great value. Alongside traditional battered cod they also offer a healthy steamed option with a wedge of lemon. Burgers, chicken and pies also on the menu.
A famous pasty shop on East Quay in Hayle serving hot flaky pastry pasties and a selection of sandwiches and cakes. Gets very busy at the weekends so why not continue on to their outlet on Foundry Square where there's typically no queue?
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Philps Bakery
1 E QuayA famous pasty shop on East Quay in Hayle serving hot flaky pastry pasties and a selection of sandwiches and cakes. Gets very busy at the weekends so why not continue on to their outlet on Foundry Square where there's typically no queue?
A local butchers and deli which makes great pasties with shortcrust pastry (in my opinion, the proper way to make a Cornish pasty!). They also make a selection of pies and cakes and sell Cornish cheese.
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Hampson Of Hayle Ltd
20 Chapel TerraceA local butchers and deli which makes great pasties with shortcrust pastry (in my opinion, the proper way to make a Cornish pasty!). They also make a selection of pies and cakes and sell Cornish cheese.
Delicious and unusual artisan ice cream and gelato made in Hayle using Cornish produce and Italian fine ingredients. They also have an outlet at the other end of Hayle, near Asda.
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Mr B's
10 Fore StDelicious and unusual artisan ice cream and gelato made in Hayle using Cornish produce and Italian fine ingredients. They also have an outlet at the other end of Hayle, near Asda.
Nestled under the viaduct near the harbour, Salt is open from breakfast to dinner and serves full english breakfasts, ciabattas, burgers, seafood and grills made from local and seasonal ingredients. Good selection of cocktails, wines and local beers.
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Salt Kitchen Bar
25 Foundry SquareNestled under the viaduct near the harbour, Salt is open from breakfast to dinner and serves full english breakfasts, ciabattas, burgers, seafood and grills made from local and seasonal ingredients. Good selection of cocktails, wines and local beers.
Another great place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or tea with more adventurous options. Sit in or takeaway and they have a range of frozen Duckies Deli Meals available to re-heat at your holiday home.
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Duckies Cafe
5 Penpol TerraceAnother great place for breakfast, brunch, lunch or tea with more adventurous options. Sit in or takeaway and they have a range of frozen Duckies Deli Meals available to re-heat at your holiday home.
A family-run farm shop where you can get fresh local produce including Baker Tom's bread, homemade frozen meals, meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, cheese, chutneys, jams, ... and even gin!
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Richards of Cornwall
Carwin RiseA family-run farm shop where you can get fresh local produce including Baker Tom's bread, homemade frozen meals, meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, cheese, chutneys, jams, ... and even gin!
The perfect stop off after a beach walk or surf at Godrevy, the Rockpool is the perfect place for coffee, cake or a spot of lunch. A relaxed cafe bar for daytime enjoyment (not open in the evening).
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The Rockpool
1 Godrevy TowansThe perfect stop off after a beach walk or surf at Godrevy, the Rockpool is the perfect place for coffee, cake or a spot of lunch. A relaxed cafe bar for daytime enjoyment (not open in the evening).
A traditional beach cafe in a unique former Coastguard lookout, the Jam Pot serves lovely homemade cakes, cream teas, pasties, rolls and snacks. Wonderful views over the sea towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
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The Jam Pot Cafe
113 Gwithian TowansA traditional beach cafe in a unique former Coastguard lookout, the Jam Pot serves lovely homemade cakes, cream teas, pasties, rolls and snacks. Wonderful views over the sea towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Godrevy Beach Cafe is owned by the National Trust so if you are a member you can park for free in the car park. It offers an imaginative menu for breakfast/brunch and lunch (good veggie options) and afternoon tea (scrummy cakes!) plus ice cream and warming drinks. Sea views from the balcony.
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Godrevy Cafe
Godrevy TowansGodrevy Beach Cafe is owned by the National Trust so if you are a member you can park for free in the car park. It offers an imaginative menu for breakfast/brunch and lunch (good veggie options) and afternoon tea (scrummy cakes!) plus ice cream and warming drinks. Sea views from the balcony.
Enjoy breakfast bagels and pastries, lunchtime pizzas, bruschettas and salads, hot drinks and cakes all day or book a table for a Friday or Saturday summer evening with mezze, sourdough pizza and Cornish gin, wine and beer with a wonderful view towards St Ives and the setting sun.
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Cove Cafe
80 Riviere TowansEnjoy breakfast bagels and pastries, lunchtime pizzas, bruschettas and salads, hot drinks and cakes all day or book a table for a Friday or Saturday summer evening with mezze, sourdough pizza and Cornish gin, wine and beer with a wonderful view towards St Ives and the setting sun.
Street food at its best. Amazing bagels. They provide breakfast and lunch. Open till 4ish. Good choice for vegans.
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Feed
11-13 Chapel TerraceStreet food at its best. Amazing bagels. They provide breakfast and lunch. Open till 4ish. Good choice for vegans.
A lovely Tapas/wine bar. Large portions, order less than you think you'll want! Wine quite expensive but a great selection and delicious. Staff very friendly.
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Harry's Cali-Style
25 Penpol TerraceA lovely Tapas/wine bar. Large portions, order less than you think you'll want! Wine quite expensive but a great selection and delicious. Staff very friendly.
Surfing and watersports
If you want to buy or hire surf gear and clothing, this shop should have all you need.
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Down The Line Surf Co Ltd
Market SquareIf you want to buy or hire surf gear and clothing, this shop should have all you need.
Learn to surf or fine tune your technique at this Academy of Surfing Instructors Accredited Surf School (one of only three in Britain).
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Gwithian Academy of Surfing
1 Godrevy TowansLearn to surf or fine tune your technique at this Academy of Surfing Instructors Accredited Surf School (one of only three in Britain).
Hire a paddleboard, take out a kayak or learn to kitesurf with iconic St Michael's Mount as a backdrop. This watersports venue even offers yoga and a beach coffee bar!
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The Hoxton Special - Kitesurf, Paddleboard, Yoga and Coffee
Beach RoadHire a paddleboard, take out a kayak or learn to kitesurf with iconic St Michael's Mount as a backdrop. This watersports venue even offers yoga and a beach coffee bar!
A stunning art deco seawater lido, part of the pool is now warmed by geothermal energy. There's a great cafe at the poolside too. Booking required for the pool.
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Jubilee Pool Penzance
Battery RoadA stunning art deco seawater lido, part of the pool is now warmed by geothermal energy. There's a great cafe at the poolside too. Booking required for the pool.
Visitor attractions, gardens and historic houses
A lovely family attraction for times when you are tired of the beach (!) or the weather is iffy, Paradise Park has over 130 species of birds, red pandas, red squirrels, pets corner and indoor JungleBarn play area, set in 14 acres of gardens.
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Paradise Park
16 Trelissick RdA lovely family attraction for times when you are tired of the beach (!) or the weather is iffy, Paradise Park has over 130 species of birds, red pandas, red squirrels, pets corner and indoor JungleBarn play area, set in 14 acres of gardens.
Built on top of a steep island in Mounts Bay, iconic St Michael's Mount was once a monastery and is now a private castle looked after by the National Trust. Visitors cross to the island by causeway or by boat at high tide. The tropical gardens on the seaward side of the island are a delightful surprise.
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Mont Saint-Michel
Built on top of a steep island in Mounts Bay, iconic St Michael's Mount was once a monastery and is now a private castle looked after by the National Trust. Visitors cross to the island by causeway or by boat at high tide. The tropical gardens on the seaward side of the island are a delightful surprise.
A less well known historic house and 16th Century garden in the care of the National Trust. Atmospheric and beautiful with a link to Cornwall's tin and copper mining history.
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Godolphin House & Gardens
A less well known historic house and 16th Century garden in the care of the National Trust. Atmospheric and beautiful with a link to Cornwall's tin and copper mining history.
The sculpture garden at the Barbara Hepworth Museum is a must for art lovers. So cleverly designed in such a small space and her workshop with stone carving tools feels as if the artist has only recently stepped outside.
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Musée et jardin de sculptures Barbara Hepworth
Barnoon HillThe sculpture garden at the Barbara Hepworth Museum is a must for art lovers. So cleverly designed in such a small space and her workshop with stone carving tools feels as if the artist has only recently stepped outside.
Set overlooking the beautiful beach of Porthmeor in St Ives, the Tate is an uplifting place to visit even if the latest art exhibition is not to your taste.
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Tate St. Ives
Set overlooking the beautiful beach of Porthmeor in St Ives, the Tate is an uplifting place to visit even if the latest art exhibition is not to your taste.
In a beautiful valley overlooking St Michael’s Mount, woods, stream and dramatic vistas provide the perfect setting for large-scale exotic and sub-tropical planting at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.
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Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
In a beautiful valley overlooking St Michael’s Mount, woods, stream and dramatic vistas provide the perfect setting for large-scale exotic and sub-tropical planting at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.
An ancient Romano-British village in a rugged Cornish landscape, Chysauster was built about 2000 years ago and the low-walled remains of courtyard houses offer clues to life in the past. Managed by English Heritage.
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Chysauster Car Park
An ancient Romano-British village in a rugged Cornish landscape, Chysauster was built about 2000 years ago and the low-walled remains of courtyard houses offer clues to life in the past. Managed by English Heritage.
Explore a Cornish tin mine which was still working until 1986. Underground tours available plus museum and shop.
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Mine de Geevor Tin
Explore a Cornish tin mine which was still working until 1986. Underground tours available plus museum and shop.
Enjoy a ride on this little known heritage railway, lovingly preserved by volunteers. The train trip takes about half an hour but it's the sounds and smells of steam trains that make it special! Open from mid-May on Sundays, Thursdays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
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Helston Railway
Enjoy a ride on this little known heritage railway, lovingly preserved by volunteers. The train trip takes about half an hour but it's the sounds and smells of steam trains that make it special! Open from mid-May on Sundays, Thursdays and Bank Holiday Mondays.
City/town information
A beautiful harbour town with a fabulous mixture of beaches, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Parking is difficult so take the train from the park and ride at St Erth to St Ives - running along the coast it is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the UK. Frequent service.
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St Ives
A beautiful harbour town with a fabulous mixture of beaches, art galleries, shops and restaurants. Parking is difficult so take the train from the park and ride at St Erth to St Ives - running along the coast it is one of the most scenic railway journeys in the UK. Frequent service.