RIVIERE TOWANS
Morwenna is set in a rolling dune landscape called Riviere Towans. There are 300 privately owned chalets and lodges set in over 40 acres, so even in the height of the season the site never feels crowded. You are only 500m from the steps/slope to 3 miles of wide sandy beach that extends from Hayle Estuary all the way to Gwithian and the Godrevy lighthouse.​
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The park has a wonderful history with many families having spent holidays here over four generations. As early as the 1920’s families enjoyed freedom, space and peace the Towans offered. Initially there were bell tents and wooden caravans, spread amongst the dunes for the summer. Gradually these became more permanent structures and the “Huts” arrived.
The park here at Riviere Towans is approximately forty acres and any part is only minutes away from the beach. There is space for children to run and play over the dunes; there are children’s play areas and sand pits dotted around the site. There are some lovely areas where you can just sit and watch the fishing boats on the blue waters of the bay or the sun setting behind St. Ives.
THE BEACH
Beach – Hayle beach can be accessed via several points. The nearest is around a 400m walk, across the car park and down the public footpath to the right of The Bluff Inn. This leads to an easy access ramp, next to the Lifeguard station, down to the wide sandy beach. There are also steps further along near the Cove Café. Additionally there is sloping path down to the beach near the chalets in the C section of the site.
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Dogs – Well behaved dogs are welcome at Morwenna. However there are a few rules on the site. Dogs must be kept on a lead whilst on site, and obviously you must clean up any deposits!!
Also for the benefit of our neighbours, please do not leave your dog alone in the chalet if he/she tends to bark. This also applies if your dog tends to chew things, as any damage will be deducted from your security deposit.
Please note: During July and August, dogs are restricted on certain sections of the 3 mile sands during the day (10am till 6pm). You will need to walk along the coast path past the Cove Café and use the next steps (Mexico Towans).
THINGS TO DO
Hayle town (Heyl is Cornish for "Estuary") is still a working port and harbour. It has an impressive industrial history being synonymous with mining related industries such as tin and copper smelting.
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Hayle Estuary is an RSPB Nature reserve with an abundance of wildlife.
Godrevy Lighthouse offers the chance to see seals and dolphins which are regularly sighted off it's waters.
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On the Penwith peninsula there are many picturesque harbours to visit along with many exciting visitor attractions such as Land's End, St.Michael's Mount and Paradise Park.
THINGS TO DO
St Ives is the most visited town in the South West and sits across the bay from Morwenna. It is easy to see from the lounge window. Consequently parking can be a problem in the height of the summer. Our advice would be to not even try to park in the centre of town during the peak season.
However the town is well served by a park and ride system, operating from Lelant Saltings station, where you can take one of the most picturesque railway journeys in the country right into the centre of town. From the station you can wander the old streets, visit the many restaurants and coffee shops or just laze on one of the beaches. The Tate Gallery St Ives houses many works by prominent St Ives School artists as well as pottery by Leach and Hamada. Entry to Barbara Hepworth's studio and garden is included with entry to the Tate - so if you fancy a painting holiday in Cornwall, this is the place to start!
Surfing
Morwenna is situated within easy traveling distance of a full range of good surfing beaches. There are several surf schools in Hayle, offering tuition & equipment hire. The beaches adjacent to the site offer good north coast surfing conditions but there are many other surfing beaches to explore too.
To the north, Porthtowan, Perranporth and Newquay (Fistral) beaches are well known popular surfing locations that make the most of the north coast conditions. A very short distance away, is Porthmeor beach, one of the three St Ives beaches, which is popular with surfers, operating lifeguard patrols and with its own surf school.
LOCAL FACILITIES
Food Shops – There is a small convenience store about 100m from the main entrance turning left. There is an Asda, Co-op and a Lidl supermarket in Hayle. There is also a Marks & Spencers/ Next/Boots/Costa on the main A30 roundabout.
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Pubs – There are two Pubs close by (plus plenty more in Hayle). The nearest is The Bluff Inn which is around 300m from Morwenna. It offers a range of family dining options plus amusements for the children. The Bucket of Blood is a more traditional pub about a 500m walk, turning right out the main entrance. There are several more pubs in Hayle that are a short walk via the footpaths that lead past the Cricket Pitch to the North Quay Bridge.
Restaurants – There are numerous restaurants and takeaways in the Hayle area. Close to the chalet, the Bluff Inn serves food and there is a Fish & Chip shop just opposite the Spar.
A special recommendation goes to Philps Pasties, just by the North Quay. These are take-away only, but we think they are the best around, definitely worth trying at least once during your stay!
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Transport
Buses -There is a bus stop near the main entrance to the site which is served by at least one service. Many more buses stop on the main road (by the Texaco Garage).
Trains – Hayle station is near the centre of town just behind the main parade of shops and restaurants. Trains from the station run between Plymouth & Penzanze. Some trains from London Paddington also stop here or St Erth, the next station. Changing at St Erth, it is possible to pick up the branch line to Carbis Bay and St Ives which offers a picturesque way to visit these popular towns .