Hayle
OS Grid ref:- SW560373
Hayle, surrounded by three miles of golden sands and situated
on the opposite bank of beautiful St. Ives Bay, is one of Cornwall's oldest ports.
The estuary is regarded as an international quality bird-watching spot. Birdlife include avocets, ospreys and a host of wading birds.
During the industrial Revolution the old wharves were once part of a large engineering business 'Harvey's of Hayle', the remains of this extensive complex, the hammer mill and the old mill pond, now encompassed by a park, can still be seen.
The large stretch of towans or sand dunes on the Hayle estuary is an ideal spot to swim, sunbathe or walk and offer superb views of St. Ives across the bay.
Phillack Church was originally the parish church of the town of Hayle and dates to the fifteenth century. Much of the present building dates from the nineteenth century. The small stone, projecting over the gable of the south porch is believed to date from the sixth century. It is inscribed with the Chi-Rho symbol of early Christianity.
Hayle offers a wide range of leisure activities and accomodation. Nearby Godrevy Lighthouse provided the inspiration for Virginia Wolff's novel 'To the Lighthouse'. The Hayle estuary, stretching from Copperhouse to Lelant Saltings as an international quality bird-watching spot and provides a feeding ground for many species of migratory birds.
Paradise Park
Paradise Park is home to a large collection of the world's rarest birds are kept, they include flamingos, toucans and parrots, as well as the Cornish otter sanctuary. Otter and penguin feeding times can also be viewed by visitors.
Paradise Park was established in 1973 as a tropical bird garden, since then otters, red pandas, native red squirrels and the rare Cornish Chough can all be seen here. The 'Fun Farm' is a favourite with children, and daily events bring visitors closer to the wildlife. The Park is set around a Victorian walled garden, and features tropical plants which thrive in Cornwall's mild climate. In 2005 the new JungleBarn indoor play centre was opened, so that there is plenty of active fun for children even the weather is cold and wet.
Open:- all year, daily, 10am - 5pm, last admission 3pm in winter.