Luxury holiday cottages in Gwithian, Godrevy & Hayle

This stretch of coastline offers a sense of scale and freedom that is increasingly rare. With miles of open sand, fewer crowds and a more natural, undeveloped feel, it’s ideal for those looking to step away from busier destinations while still enjoying some of Cornwall’s best beaches.

At the same time, St Ives sits just across the bay, allowing you to combine space and tranquility with easy access to galleries, restaurants and harbour life.

The beaches here form one continuous stretch of sand along St Ives Bay, creating one of the longest and most impressive coastlines in Cornwall.

The Towans at Hayle were named The Times and Sunday Times Beach of the Year 2024, a fitting recognition of the area’s vast golden sands, rolling dunes and sense of space.

Gwithian Beach offers wide, open sands backed by dunes, popular with families, walkers and surfers.

Godrevy Beach sits beneath dramatic cliffs and looks out towards the iconic lighthouse, with excellent surf conditions and opportunities for wildlife spotting along the shoreline.

Hayle Beach stretches towards the estuary, with vast open space and a quieter feel, particularly at low tide.

Together, these beaches create a landscape of shifting tides and endless horizon, where the sense of space is as much a part of the experience as the sea itself.

Dining along this stretch of coastline is shaped by its surroundings - relaxed, informal and closely connected to the beach, with a focus on good food after time spent outdoors.

At Gwithian, The Rockpool sits among the dunes just moments from the sand, offering a laid-back setting for breakfast, lunch or sunset drinks. It’s also home to Lula, which brings a more atmospheric, Mediterranean-inspired experience, with small plates, cocktails and live music that make the most of the setting - particularly in the evenings.

Sunset Surf Café provides a classic post-surf stop, known for its relaxed atmosphere, seasonal dishes and views across the bay. For something more casual, smaller cafés and mobile beach stops dotted along the Towans offer simple food done well, from coffee and breakfast to cream teas enjoyed overlooking the sea.

In Hayle, the choice expands further. Birdie’s Bistro and Gilbert’s offer a more contemporary café and restaurant feel around the town and harbour, while Philps Bakery is a local institution, known for traditional Cornish pasties and a long-standing connection to the area.

Together, these places reflect the character of Gwithian, Godrevy and Hayle - where food is shaped by the coast, the seasons and a naturally relaxed way of life.

Gwithian, Godrevy and Hayle are perfectly placed to explore the wider West Cornwall coastline.

Head west into St Ives for galleries, restaurants and harbour life, or towards  Carbis Bay for a sheltered beach setting. 

Head north along the coast to discover Porthtowan, Portreath and St Agnes, where dramatic cliffs, surf beaches and former mining landscapes create a wilder, more rugged side of Cornwall.

On the south coast, Marazion and Penzance provide a different perspective, with views across to St Michael’s Mount, historic streets and a growing food and cultural scene.