The Towans in Hayle has been crowned the UK’s and southwest England’s beach of the year, according to the Times and Sunday Times annual best beaches guide.

The 16th edition of the guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK's 50 best beaches.

In his insightful description of the Towans, Chris Haslam, the award-winning chief travel writer at The Times and Sunday Times, writes: “The Towans’ water quality is rated as excellent, it’s dog-friendly and the cleanliness, car parking, lifeguarding, catering and toilets are top notch.

“The water sports facilities are superb and the beauty is beyond question. But there’s something here that’s not on the checklist: a sense of space in untamed nature that lowers your heart rate, reduces the cortisol and loosens the limbs.”

Chris Haslam has personally visited and inspected all 50 beaches included in the guide in the past eight weeks. The guide showcases the unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist.

Criteria include water quality, cleanliness, accessibility, car-parking facilities, lifeguard presence, hygiene levels at restrooms and showers, and dog-friendliness. 

The 2024 guide only features beaches which are rated as “excellent” for water quality by the national environment agencies. And as always, this guide covers only mainland beaches.

The best beaches in the southwest also include Porthcurno and Kynance Cove.

Chris Haslam said;  "My Jack Russell, Dave T Dog, and I have journeyed 5,583 miles and explored 543 beaches. The 50 beaches that made our list are graced with outstanding natural beauty, superb infrastructure, and a clear sense of pride from those who live, work, and play there.

“I’m still in awe of the beauty of the UK coast. From Kynance to Caithness, and Brancaster to Benone, the beaches of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the most magnificent on earth.”