The holiday booking company Simply Sea Views has called a small Cornish town the most beautiful location for a coastal getaway in the UK.
Hayle in Western Cornwall is a small port town that features centuries of history, beautiful surroundings and attractions to interest all the family.
The Cornish word for ‘Estuary’, Hayle is just a 15-minute drive away from St Ives, but has far fewer tourists, making it the ideal spot for a peaceful break.
Granted a World Heritage Status in 2006, the town has a rich history as a popular port during the Industrial Revolution, exporting locally mined copper.
Whilst a number of quays are still evident, Hayle is now much more geared for tourists, featuring plenty of beautiful parks and beaches.
One of the most popular places to visit near Hayle is the Gwithian Beach, found just three miles from the town centre.
A sandy beach, Gwithian stretches for three miles and is widely used by surfers and visitors looking for a scenic walk in the countryside.
Visitors can get food from the two cafes located nearby the carpark and in the dunes, however dogs are only allowed in the Godrevy section of the beach from May 1 to September 30.
Families looking for a fun day out in Hayle should also consider visiting Paradise Park, a nearby wildlife sanctuary that features a wide range of animals.
Home of the World Parrot Trust, there are a range of 1,200 birds, including 80 types of parrots, along with red squirrels and harvest mice.
During the summer months, Paradise Park also holds a number of shows where visitors can see birds being fed or free-flying.
Finally, visitors to Hayle who are looking to buy some souvenirs to mark their time in the town should visit the Old Foundry Chapel.
Originally built by the Wesleyan Methodists as both a chapel and school in 1845, the building’s beautiful architecture has since been repurposed into a marketplace.
Currently, the Old Foundry Chapel features 16 different shops, selling arts and crafts, antiques and clothing, plus a restaurant serving Cornish food.
