The Times' best beach in the UK: An ode to our home
We were delighted to see Towans Beach in Hayle crowned The Times and The Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2024, we are lucky enough to live and work on the doorstep of this beach and the rest of St Ives Bay.
Many of us here at the brewery love nothing more than a coastal explore, or a surf at this spot when time and tide align. Here's our thoughts on what makes the place so special.
Miles of Sand and Sea
Hayle Towans Beach sits at the top of St Ives bay, it extends into miles of golden sands and clear blue waters, making it perfect for a day of beach activities, be that swimming, surfing sunbathing or sandcastle building. It's the trickier part of the bay to access, with no immediately located car park, so it retains some tranquillity and peace and quiet in comparison to other beaches in the area. It does have a number of campsites and holiday parks in close proximity too, and a walk down from it at Gwithian is the amazing Three Mile Beach.
Family-Friendly Fun
If you want a day of sandcastle building and beach games then Hayle Towans are perfect. Miles of sand and space mean that a full blown beach Olympics is doable. The beach is lifeguarded through the summer months too, meaning you can swim under the safe and watchful eye of the RNLI lifeguards.
More adventurous
For the more adventurous, this part of St Ives Bay can be amazing for sports like surfing, stand-up paddle boarding or kite surfing. There are plenty of surf schools up and down the beach, with amazing coaches who'll have you up and riding in no time at all.
A Perfect Pairing for St Ives Brewery
After a day at the beach you can come and see us at St Ives Brewery. Stay for a drink in the taproom or buy some beers to take home with you. Alternatively, you can enjoy our beers at local places just off Hayle Towans beach like Cove Cafe or Chomp at Three Mile Beach.
If we are picking a beer or tow of choice to enjoy on the beach, or in view of the sea, then we are going for Slipway IPA or Helles Mouth Cornish Lager. Both are perfectly refreshing Cornish craft beers that are inspired by our award winning home and taste that little bit better with your toes in the sand.
