Hayle Towans

Hayle Towans is a vast expanse of golden sand backed by one of Cornwall's biggest dune systems, at the southern end of St Ives Bay - the start of Hayle's 'Three Mile Beach', which joins with Gwithian and Godrevy beaches at low tide. 'Towans' is the Cornish word for dunes, and this wild, rolling dune system is part of the Gwithian to Mexico Towans Site of Special Scientific Interest, with nature reserves such as Upton Towans supporting rare plants, silver-studded blue butterflies and breeding birds. The beach is lifeguarded in summer (May to September) and dogs are welcome all year round. Families can enjoy rock pools, beachcombing, surfing, sand yachting, kite buggies and walking the dunes, with pay-and-display car parks at the Towans and Gwithian nearby.