Visit - A2 The Port of Hayle
A2 The Port of Hayle - Porth Heyl
Global mining port with natural wonders
Named after heyl, the Cornish word for estuary, this Area is dominated by water: rivers, pools, sluicing ponds, quays, wharves, and, of course, the sea. Huge sand dunes lie between the town and the beautiful St Ives Bay, with the dark hills of the West Penwith Moors looming to the west.
‘In the early 19th century, Hayle was the most important mining port and steam engine manufacturing centre in the world’.
Places to visit
The Heritage Centre has three rooms and an outdoor area which are dedicated to displays about all aspects of Hayle’s past: Harvey’s Foundry; The Cornish Copper Company; Shopping; Shipbuilding; Hayle Carnival; Decorative Art and many more.
The Port of Hayle is Area A2 of the World Heritage Site and can be reached by train to Hayle station which takes you into the heart of the town. The Tinner Bus also provides a regular service and there is plenty to discover in this fascinating place that was the most important mining port and steam engine manufacturing centre in the early 19th century.
Head to the Hayle Heritage Centre to discover the town’s rich social and industrial history housed on the historic site of Harvey’s Foundry Square - https://www.hayleheritagecentre.org.uk/
Download the Millponds of Hayle trail and discover the industrial past of the town’s Millpond Gardens and look out for wildlife that lives there today on this family friendly trail - https://www.hayleheritagecentre.org.uk/educational-resources/maps-trails/
Explore Copperhouse Pool on the family friendly activity trail. See what you can spot on this 1.7 mile stroll and take on the challenge of the quiz about what you find on your way - https://www.hayleheritagecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/copperhousetrailweb-jb.pdf
Choose one of the three trails introducing Hayle’s industrial heritage in the Hayle Townscapes Initiative booklet. Or, if you have more time, take on all three. There is so much to learn about the history of Hayle - https://www.hayleheritagecentre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Hayle-Townscape-Initiative-Booklet.pdf
The beautifully illustrated ‘Discover Hayle’ map is available to download. Find out how you can discover the town and surrounding places without a car - https://www.hayletowncouncil.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DiscoverHayleMap.pdf
For train times - https://www.gwr.com/
For bus times - https://www.transportforcornwall.co.uk/
