Hayle Train Station

Hayle train station has been serving the Cornish town of Hayle since it first opened in 1852 and is a valued transport link for the small town and its surrounding areas.

Sitting on the line spanning between Plymouth and Penzance, Hayle offers direct access to key regional towns and cities. The station first opened as a part of the West Cornwall Railway in 1852, replacing the former Hayle Railway station. During this period, Hayle was a busy junction with passenger and freight services operating around the local area. However, this hustle and bustle began to wane along with the decline of shipping in the Hayle estuary, which unfortunately meant that the town was no longer part of a key transit area.

Despite the decline of freight and goods services, passenger trains to and from Hayle train station are still popular. With Hayle proving to be a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak summer season, you can even stay in a camping coach at Hayle train station, which has been turned into a unique accommodation choice for families, couples, and groups of friends.

You can reach Hayle from across Cornwall and the rest of the UK, with trains operated by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry. Popular routes on CrossCountry trains include Penzance to Hayle, Plymouth to Hayle, Bristol to Hayle, York to Hayle, and Edinburgh to Hayle.

Facilities at Hayle train station include free public Wi-Fi, bicycle parking, CCTV of the bike storage area, a car park which is open 24 hours a day, and lost property.

Things to do in Hayle

Like much of Cornwall, Hayle is beloved for its stunning natural beauty and incredible coastlines, with all the charm of a Cornish town. Hayle has its very own beach, as well as a vibrant waterway leading to the estuary with rivers and pools meeting in the town. If you love a waterside walk, Hayle really is the place to visit! Hayle sands and Hayle beach is perfectly primed for a beachy stroll, a picnic, or a relaxing day laying out in the sun, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the coastal beauty of Hayle.

It wouldn’t be a day out at the seaside without fish ’n’ chips – and Hayle has plenty of places to choose from! There are a number of chip shops in Hayle town centre and closer to the seaside, where you can find a freshly fried fillet of cod – all you have to do is find the perfect spot to sit and eat al fresco.

Not far outside of Hayle town centre is Paradise Park and JungleBarn, where you’ll find a whole menagerie of rare birds and animals, as well as play areas and a miniature railway to keep the little ones entertained! If you’re on a weekend visit to Hayle, or perhaps staying for even longer in the school holidays, a visit to Paradise Park is certain to excite your little ones’ interest in nature, with all of their favourite animals to see. Make sure to check their website for special events, offers, and meet & greet sessions with some of their most beloved animals.

When visiting Hayle for longer than one day, you’re likely to check out some of Cornwall’s surrounding towns. St Ives has long been a tourist favourite, but while you’re there be sure to visit the Tate St Ives art gallery. Sister to galleries in London and Liverpool, Tate is home to some of the world’s greatest art, with local and regional pieces on display too. Get inspired – visit Tate St Ives!