Upton Towans is a picturesque nature reserve, just 2 miles away from the town of Hayle and a short drive away from St Ives. The Towans are formed mainly of dunes which rise behind the ‘3 miles of golden sand’. For nature lovers, there’s a vast array of wildlife to be found here.
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How to get to Upton Towans Hayle
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Upton Towans is in quite an isolated spot in Cornwall, along the scenic road between Hayle and Portreath.
By Car | Driving is by far the easiest way to get to Upton Towans. The best parking is in Upton Towans car park (TR27 5B5).
By Taxi | There are so many taxi companies to choose from in Cornwall. Try to use the local company wherever you’re staying. If you’re travelling from St Ives, I recommend A1 Cars.
By Bus
From St Ives, Carbis Bay, Lelant and Hayle | Board the T2 Tinner bus heading to Truro. When you get to the end of Hayle past Lidl, carry on for a bit longer down the road and get off at the St Ives Bay Holiday Park. The safest way to enter the dunes from here is to walk through the St Ives Bay holiday park.
From Penzance and St Erth | Board the T1 Tinner bus bound for Truro. Get off the bus at the stop before Lidl in Hayle. Carry on walking down the road and turn left up the hill when you reach Lidl. Follow the road until you reach the St Ives Bay holiday park. Walk through the Holiday Park to reach the dunes.
From Truro, Redruth and Camborne | Catch the T2 Tinner bus bound for St Ives. Get off the bus at the St Ives Bay Holiday Park. The bus will go through the village of Connor Downs and then cross a bridge over the A30. The holiday park will be the next stop.
Things To Do at Upton Towans Nature Reserve. Cornwall;;
Walk the Public Footpath
A footpath runs through the majority of the Upton Towans nature reserve. It’s also possible to walk over the dunes. Getting lost in the dunes is something that everyone should do.
You won’t have to worry about not being able to get back as Godrevey lighthouse and the sea will guide you back. When you’re up high on the dunes, you’ll be able to see brilliant views across the bay of St Ives town, Porthgwidden beach, and Porthminster beach. Further along the Bay, you can see the St Ives steeple, Carbis Bay and Carbis Bay beach, as well as Lelant Beach.
Have a Picnic
BTaking a picnic to Upton Towans is a scenic treat. Base yourself at the top of a dune for fantastic sea views, or find a sheltered dip (great for kids).
Visit Gwithian Beach
There’s a multitude of rock pools that kids will love, and it’s great for surfing too. Why not pay a visit to the Sunset beach and surf cafe, an excellent local cafe with fantastic views of Godrevey Beach. The cafe is one of the best beach cafe’s in Cornwall. Everything is cooked fresh from local suppliers do you can be guaranteed to have a fantastic meal.
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