Mexico Towans Beach is a pretty beach in Cornwall, England. It has soft, golden sand. It sits near a town called Hayle. The beach is part of St Ives Bay. It’s a quiet place to visit. I’m Mary Correa. I’ve written about travel for nine years. I love beaches and want to share why this one is great. This guide tells you everything about Mexico Towans Beach. You’ll learn about its sand, water, animals, and fun things to do.
What Is Mexico Towans Beach?
Mexico Towans Beach has yellow sand. It’s part of a long beach. The beach goes from Hayle to Godrevy Point. It’s three miles long. Big sand hills, called dunes, sit behind the beach. In Cornish, “towan” means dune. The name “Mexico” might come from miners. Long ago, they worked in a place called Mexico. A mine nearby was called Wheal Mexico. That makes the beach name fun and different.
This beach is not busy. Even in summer, it feels calm. The sand is soft. The water is clear. You can swim or play. At low tide, the beach gets very big. You have lots of room to run or relax. The dunes have plants and animals. The beach is special and protected. It’s called a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI. This means it’s important for nature.
Why Go to Mexico Towans Beach?
This beach is great for kids, dogs, and surfers. Dogs can come any time. Lifeguards watch the beach in summer. The waves are good for new surfers. You can look in rock pools. You can walk and see nice views. The sunset is pretty. You can see Godrevy Lighthouse from the beach.
How to Get to Mexico Towans Beach
It’s easy to find Mexico Towans Beach. It’s close to Hayle. From Hayle, go to Phillack Road. Park at Sandy Acres. Then walk to the beach. You must climb dunes to get there. The dunes are tall. This can be hard for some people. If you want an easier path, try Hayle Towans Beach. It’s nearby and flatter.
The Sandy Acres car park has spaces. Buy a parking ticket. Some people get fines if they don’t. Be careful and read the signs. A small café is at the car park. It’s in a big box called a container. You can get drinks or snacks there.
Ways to Get There
- From London: Drive for 4.5 hours. Use the M5 and A30 roads. Or take a train to Hayle. It takes 5 hours. Then walk or take a taxi.
- From Plymouth: Drive for 1.5 hours. Use the A38 and A30 roads.
- From Exeter: Drive for 2 hours. Use the A30 road.
You can also take a train or bus. Hayle has a train station. It’s a 10-minute taxi ride to the beach. Or walk for 30 minutes.

The Beauty of Mexico Towans Beach
Mexico Towans Beach is very pretty. The sand is yellow and soft. At low tide, the beach is wide. Big dunes with grass are behind the sand. These dunes are big in Cornwall. They cover a lot of land. They have 300 kinds of plants. Some plants and animals are rare. You might see a pretty flower called a pyramidal orchid. Or a butterfly called a silver-studded blue.
The water is blue and clean. It’s good for swimming. The beach looks at St Ives Bay. You can see St Ives town and Godrevy Lighthouse. At low tide, rock pools appear. They have crabs, starfish, and tiny fish. Kids love them. The dunes keep the wind away. They are nice for sitting and eating.
Animals and Plants
The beach is protected. It’s an SSSI. This means animals and plants are safe here. Birds like skylarks sing in the dunes. You might see rabbits. The plants hold the sand in place. They stop the dunes from moving. Walk on paths so you don’t hurt the plants.
The water is checked for safety. A group called South West Water looks at the water. They check for bad things like germs. Storms can make the water dirty. Check WaterFit Live online before you swim. It tells you if the water is safe.
Fun Things to Do at Mexico Towans Beach
You can do many things at Mexico Towans Beach. It’s fun for everyone. Here are some ideas:
- Swimming: The water is safe in summer. Swim where lifeguards put red and yellow flags. They are there from May to September.
- Surfing: The waves are small. They’re good for people learning to surf. Surf schools in Hayle can teach you.
- Walking: A path called the South West Coast Path is near. It has nice views. Walk to Gwithian or Hayle.
- Rock Pooling: At low tide, look in rock pools. You’ll see fish and crabs. Bring a bucket for fun.
- Dog Walking: Dogs can run free. The beach is big, so they have space.
- Picnics: Sit in the dunes. They block the wind. Bring a blanket and food.
Tips for Fun
- Look at tide times before you go. The beach is bigger at low tide. Check Cornwall Beaches online for times.
- Wear strong shoes for the dunes. They are sandy and steep.
- Bring sunscreen and water. The beach has no shade except the dunes.
The History of Mexico Towans Beach
The name Mexico Towans is old. “Towan” means dune in Cornish. “Mexico” might be from miners. Long ago, Cornish people went to Mexico. They worked in mines. A mine near the beach was called Wheal Mexico. That could be why the beach has this name.
The beach has been here a long time. Locals and visitors love it. It’s not as famous as St Ives. That keeps it quiet. The dunes are old too. Wind and waves made them. The sand has bits of shells. This helps special plants grow. The SSSI status keeps the beach safe for nature.
How Mexico Towans Compares to Other Beaches
Mexico Towans is part of a long beach. It’s between Hayle Towans and Upton Towans. Here’s how it’s different:
- Hayle Towans: Close to Hayle. It’s busier. It has toilets and cafés. It’s easier to reach.
- Upton Towans: Like Mexico Towans but quieter. Good for walks and surfing.
- Black Cliff Beach: South of Mexico Towans. It’s flatter and easier to walk to. Good for families.
- Porthkidney Sands: Near St Ives. It’s wide but has fewer dunes. Dogs like it.
Mexico Towans is big and calm. It’s not as busy as St Ives beaches. It has lifeguards and good waves. It’s perfect if you want a quiet day.
Tips for Visiting Mexico Towans Beach
Here are tips to make your visit great:
- Best Time to Go: Summer is warm. Lifeguards are there. Spring and autumn are quiet. Winter is good for watching big waves.
- What to Bring: Take sunscreen, water, and snacks. The café is small. Bring a hat and a windbreak.
- Tide Times: Check tides online. Low tide is best for playing. Use Surf-Reports.com.
- Parking: Park at Sandy Acres. Buy a ticket. Read signs to avoid fines.
- Accessibility: Dunes are hard to climb. Try Hayle Towans for an easier path.
- Safety: Swim between red and yellow flags. If you need help, raise your hand. Call 999 for the coastguard.
- Dogs: Dogs can come anytime. Keep them on a leash near plants.
Problems for the Beach
Mexico Towans Beach has some issues. Storms can make the water dirty. South West Water is fixing this. They want less dirt by 2030. You can help by joining their “Your Beach, Your Say” group. Tell them your ideas.
The sea is rising. This could hurt the beach. Some beaches might lose sand. Cornwall could have this problem. Stay on paths to protect the dunes. Local groups clean the beach. You can help clean up too. It keeps the beach nice.
Why Mexico Towans Beach Is Special
Mexico Towans Beach is a hidden treasure. Its sand is soft and yellow. The water is clear. The dunes are tall. It’s quiet, even in summer. Kids, dogs, and surfers love it. The views are pretty. You can see Godrevy Lighthouse. The dunes have special plants and animals.
I’m Mary Correa. I’ve seen many beaches. This one is different. It’s calm and beautiful. I walked the dunes and watched the sunset. It’s a place you’ll remember. You can swim, surf, or relax. There’s something for everyone.
Plan Your Trip
Want to visit Mexico Towans Beach? Check tide times first. Look at water safety online. Bring your dog if you have one. Climb the dunes. Swim in the waves. Look in rock pools. Enjoy this quiet beach in Cornwall.
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Disclaimer:
“This information about Mexico Towans Beach, including its location near Hayle, Cornwall, dog-friendly status, and facilities, is provided for general guidance only. Conditions such as tide times, weather, dog restrictions, parking availability, and safety hazards (e.g., strong currents or steep dune access) may vary and should be verified before visiting. The beach’s natural features, including its dunes and wildlife, are subject to change, and no responsibility is taken for inaccuracies or incidents arising from reliance on this information. Always follow local signage, lifeguard advice, and safety guidelines.”

Mary Correa is a content writer with 9 years of experience. She loves writing about luxury villas and travel. Her articles are easy to read and full of exciting ideas. Mary helps readers discover amazing places to visit and stay. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring new destinations.