Hayle Beach

The stretch of sand at Hayle runs for nearly two miles along the Cornish coast, split by the Hayle estuary into two distinct sections - Towans Beach to the north and Hayle Beach proper to the south. It's one of those working beaches where you'll spot surfers and kitesurfers sharing the water alongside families hunting for shells in the rockpools when the tide's out.

The northern section gets hammered by Atlantic swells and draws serious board riders, particularly in autumn and winter when the waves are up. The southern bit is gentler, backed by dunes and easier on the eye if you're after a proper swim rather than a session. The sand here is proper golden stuff - you won't find much glitter, just honest beach. Low tide reveals vast expanses of flats perfect for kids who want to run about without drowning.

If you're based at Haven Riviere Sands Holiday Park just down the road, Hayle Beach is essentially your garden. St. Ives is only twenty minutes away for when the mood takes you, and the beach itself costs nothing - you just show up. Summer weekends get rammed, obviously. Winter and spring mornings are when locals know to come.

This is a proper working beach with real character rather than one of those sanitised resort stretches. Families will manage the southern end fine for a day, walkers can trek the whole thing at low tide, and if you're into surfing or water sports, you've landed in the right spot. Allow two hours minimum if you're actually doing something; half a day if you're being thorough.