Many will be aware that on Monday 15th July ‘The Times’ and ‘Sunday Times’ newspapers announced in their prestigious annual best beach guide, that the Towans, Hayle, had been chosen, not only as the Best Beach in the South West, but the Best in the UK. The stretch identified was from the beginning of the east bank of the Hayle estuary and running the 3 miles north to Godrevy Head. So roughly half the identified stretch of beach is within the Hayle Town Council boundary and half is within the Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council boundary.
The following text in italics, has been taken from the online article announcing the winners by “Chris Haslam – Monday July 15 2024, 6.00am”
“After visiting 543 beaches this spring, the Towans has been declared the UK’s best”.
“Beyond the dunes lies Cornwall’s most magnificent beach: beginning on the east bank of the Hayle estuary and running for three golden miles north to Godrevy Head. “It’s so vast that geographers have split it into six more manageable sections named Hayle, Riviere, Gwithian, Mexico, Upton and Godrevy Towans, but since they’re all beautiful I’m ignoring the boundaries and naming the entire stretch the Times and Sunday Times beach of the year”
According to the article an eleven point inspection plan was utilised, covering such things; as bathing water quality; beach cleanliness; accessibility; toilet and lifeguard provision; car parking; cafés and shops; dog friendliness; schools and rental outlets; together with its natural beauty.
The announcement was welcomed by Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council, who announced;
“We are delighted to learn that the ‘Towans, Hayle’ has been selected as the Best South West and Best UK Beach for 2024, by ‘The Times’ and ‘Sunday Times’ newspapers, in their annual ‘Best UK Beaches guide. This stretch of golden sand, set within St Ives Bay, is a mecca for local residents and tourists alike.
The breath-taking Atlantic views, stretching from Hayle to Gwithian Towans and beyond, includes the iconic Godrevy lighthouse, making it a popular spot all year round that we, as local residents, can be truly proud of. The area is enhanced by many fantastic local businesses, including cafes/restaurants, holiday parks and surf schools, set within the Parish of Gwinear-Gwithian”.
The news was celebrated on Friday 19th July, at an afternoon outdoor event organised by Hayle Town Council. This was held at the Beachside Holiday Park, Lethlean Lane, Phillack, Hayle.
Attendees included, local businesses, staff and Councillors from both Hayle Town Council and the Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council, local volunteer groups and other connected agencies.
Entertainment was provide by the ‘Bryhers Boys’, who sang several traditional Cornish songs and sea shanties.
Gwinear-Gwithian Parish Council would like to thank ‘The Times and Sunday Times’ Newspapers for their much welcomed decision, along with Hayle Town Council for organising the celebratory event and Beachside Holidays who provided the venue – Carl Gill- Chairman GGPC
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