Hayle is located in the South West of Cornwall, close to the major tourist areas of St Ives, Carbis Bay, Portreath, and the Lizard Penninsula. Although Hayle is often used as a gateway to exploring the rest of Cornwall, there are plenty of things to do in Hayle with kids.
Hayle is situated in a beautiful location on the South West Coast path, a 630-mile walk around South West England from Poole Harbour in Dorset to Minehead in Somerset. The town’s proximity to so much natural beauty makes Hayle a great place to stay for a beach or walking holiday and the perfect stop on a Cornwall road trip.
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Hayle Cornwall Map
Best Things to do in Hayle With Kids in 2022
There are so many things to do in Hayle, Cornwall, with kids, from fantastic parks to scenic walks and ample day trip options. Here are the very best things to do in Hayle in 2022:
1. Paradise Park
Home to over 1200 birds and animals, there’s something for all the family here. Kids will love the fun farm, which features miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
There’s a huge array of birds to see, too, including toucans, owls, cranes, and lorikeets. The ‘flight of the rainbows’ talk allows visitors to feed the lorikeets small pots of nectar inside an enclosure.
One of my favourite parts about Paradise park is the kid’s play area. A large play space featuring a picnic area and wooden castle play space. Make sure you take a look at the shop on your way out. There are plenty of brilliant souvenirs and unique gifts to be found.
A day at paradise park will be packed with all the sights there is to see. Daily events and talks include Otter feeding, penguin feeding, and bird shows. The Jungle express train is an added bonus. A scenic ride on kids train around a small section of the park (An extra fee of £1 applies).
Paradise Park also features ‘The Jungle Barn’, a large indoor soft play area with massive slides. Toddlers will love the special toddler zone, which has a ball fountain.
Location TR27 4HY
Website | paradisepark.org.uk
2. Hayle Sands Beach
This huge expanse of beach makes up the ‘3 miles of golden sands’ visible from St Ives. The beach is far less touristy than some of the nearby beaches, so you’ll feel a degree of wilderness.
Hayle Sands beach is right next to Porthkidney beach, but it’s impossible to walk between the two beaches due to the Hayle estuary running through the middle. The beach gets even bigger at low tide as it joins onto Gwithian and Godrevy beach next to Upton Towans Nature reserve.
You can reach the beach via a small bridge from the Copperhouses side of Hayle, then a short walk on a small footpath.
Location | TR27 5AF
3. Phillips Pasties
Phillips Bakery is a family-run pasty shop which arguably has some of the best pasties in Cornwall. A trip to Hayle isn’t complete without trying a Phillips Pasty.
Location | East Quay (TR27 4BJ) and Foundry Hill (TR27 4HW).
4. Upton Towans Nature Reserve
Located at the far end of Hayle, Upton Towans beach is an amazing place to walk to from Hayle. Upton Towans beach is part of the ‘3 miles of golden sand’ visible from St Ives Bay.
Location | TR26 5AF
5. Hayle Playpark and skatepark
Hayle skatepark is located next to Hayle playpark. The skatepark comprises 2 bowls, with one suitable for more difficult tricks and the other being smaller and more standard for beginners or younger kids.
The small play park has plenty for all ages, including a rocking dinosaur for the younger ones and a climbing frame. The park area also features two tennis courts, football goal posts and a large grassy area popular with families with very young kids.
Location | TR27 4ED
6. Godrevey Beach
Godrevey beach is located in the far East of Hayle’s ‘3 miles of golden sand’ and backed by Upton Towans Nature Reserve‘. The beach is one of the best family beaches in Cornwall.
When the tide is out, it’s possible to walk from Hayle Sands to Godrevy beach. During high tide, you can walk via the road up past Lidl and past the St Ives Bay holiday park to reach the beach. View more of the best surfing spots for families here.
7. Go Karting Hayle
Located past Copperhouses and towards St Erth, an outdoor Go Karting track is ideal for learning. Visitors can arrive and drive. Sessions are 10 minutes long and suitable for anyone, whatever experience level.
8. Outdoor Swimming
The outdoor swimming pool in Hayle has always been popular with both locals and tourists alike. The pool is also heated and reaches temperatures of up to 26 degrees. However, the pool is only open during the summer months, usually from June to October and during the May half term.
Location | TR7 4BP
9. A walk at Milpond
Once the centre of industry, Millponds now consists of a public garden, children’s play area, and amphitheatre leading to the old Rope Works’ woodland setting, the riverside trail, and the ropewalk.
Kids will love to spot the resident wildlife, including ducks, swans and a huge range of bird species.
Location | TR27 4HX
10. Birdwatching at Hayle Estuary
Hayle estuary is a mix of a tidal estuary, tidal pools and marshlands. A variety of bird species can be spotted all year round. During spring and Autumn, you’ll get the chance to see migrant birds and gulls and terns. See if you can spot the Little Egrets and Oystercatchers present at the estuary all year round.
King George V Memorial Walk
The best part of the estuary to visit with kids is the King George V Memorial Walk which runs through the Copperhouse Pool section of the estuary. It’s flat, so it’s ok to bring a pushchair. Click here for a downloadable guide from the RSPB to help you get around the estuary.
Things to do near Hayle with Kids
11. Trevaskis Farm
Trevaskis farm makes a great family day out. Visitors can walk around the farm and see the resident animals, including cows and pigs. Kids will love seeing a huge variety of fruit and veg being grown. Activities vary seasonally, but the year’s highlight is strawberry picking season, where visitors can pick their own strawberries in the farm’s many tunnels. It’s also great fun to come during apple picking season for a different experience.
After seeing the farm, you can visit the farm shop, where all the freshly grown produce is displayed and other local Cornish foods. There’s even a restaurant serving up fresh Cornish produce and unique desserts.
12. Rosewarne Manor Pitch & Putt
Location | Gwinear Road, Hayle, TR27 5JQ
The award-winning family restaurant, which is very popular for hosting numerous events and celebrations, provides a place within its beautiful garden for families to play crazy golf. Cornwall offers a huge range of crazy golf courses, but this place is not one to be missed!
With a wonderful atmosphere and a reasonable price, your family will have so much fun at this crazy golf course. What more can you ask if you can enjoy the superb food prepared by award-winning chefs at their large garden with patio ala al fresco dining after spending a great time playing the crazy golf?
Website | rosewarnemanor
13. The St Ives Branch Line
As you walk out of Hayle towards St Erth and Lelant, past the Hayle Estuary, you can walk to Lelant Saltings for a scenic ride on the St Ives Branch line, a scenic ride railway route linking the mainline station of St Erth with the picturesque town of St Ives. You can either go on a round trip to St Ives or hop off at some of the stops.
A short walk from Lelant Station via St Uni Church gives access to Porthkidney beach, a vast beach backed by dunes. Porthkidney beach is an ideal location for picnics and walks.
If you get off the train at Carbis Bay, you can enjoy a beautiful beach with clear seas (great for a family day out). Its possible walk from Carbis Bay to St Ives along the South West Coast path, and it will take less than an hour. You could also continue on the train to St Ives, a popular holiday resort with no less than 4 beaches and plenty of independent shops and fantastic local food.
Visiting Hayle from St Ives
The distance between Hayle and St Ives is 6.4 miles. Driving will take you around 12 minutes if the road is clear. The T2 bus from St Ives to Hayle takes about 20 minutes. The most scenic way to get from St Ives to Hayle is by train. Catch the St Ives branch line to St Erth and change onto a mainland train to Hayle. However, this route will take significantly longer.
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Places to stay in Hayle
Holidaycottages.co.uk have a wide range of cottages in and around the Hayle area in picture-perfect locations around the beach and estuary.
The White Hart Hotel | This historic hotel dates all the way back to 1838. The hotel is located in the Copperhouse side of Hayle, with nearby access to the estuary and Hayle Sands beach. Rooms feature original works of art and a mini-fridge, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Breakfast is usually included in the room rate.
The Cornubia Inn | Featuring a bar, shared lounge, water sports facilities and free WiFi, The Cornubia Inn has great ratings for family stays.
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