Local Area Information
Hayle Beach
Three miles of pristine sandy beach stretching from Hayle to Gwithian Towans. Watched over by the coastguard during peak season, this vast stretch of sand is perfect for little ones, with fabulous tide pools for safe paddling at low tide. Dotted along the beachfront you will find small cafés. Public toilets can be found by the Hayle Surf Life Saving Club as well as in or by some of the cafes.
The beach is renowned for its surf. Surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers alike can be found on the beach year-round. Gwithian Towans has also hosted kitesurfing competitions in recent years. Take a peek at the Hayle Beach webcam from the point of view of the Hayle Surf Life Saving Club.
Godrevy Point provides a fantastic vantage point to view Godrevy Lighthouse and many sea birds/animals throughout the year. Sightings include, basking sharks (between May & September), common and bottle nose dolphins and the occasional sunfish.
The lighthouse itself is unmanned but still used for shipping as it's solar powered. The island now forms a safe haven for many seabirds and wildlife.
As many as 100 wild grey seals can be found in Mutton Cove throughout the year, located on the northern side of the headland. It is a fantastic opportunity to see seals in their natural habitat.
There is a National Trust car park past The Rock Pool and additional overflow car parks further up towards the headland during peak season.
Local shop
There is a Mini Market run by Haven which can be found to the left as you leave the site from the main entrance, nearly opposite the entrance to Haven site. They sell everything you may need, including Cornish cream teas and pasties.
Haven Holiday Park
Day passes can be purchased from Haven for use of their pool, play areas and evening entertainment, although availability will fluctuate during peak season.
Cooks Fish & Chip Shop
Just within the Haven Holiday Park, serving pies, pasties, chicken and traditional fish and chips.
Bluff Inn
This pub is very close by the edge of the park above the amazing Riviere Towans' golden sandy beach overlooking St Ives Bay towards St Ives itself. Open all day during the tourist season serving drinks, snacks and meals. Children are welcome and a special children’s menu is provided. There is an outside play area and seating as well as games machines inside for those occasional rainy days. During peak season, there is also an outside bar.
Cove Café
A short walk along the coastal path above the beach from The Bluff Inn or continue on from the Mini Market heading to the beach and you will reach the Cove Café. They serve hot/cold drinks, snacks, ice creams and other hot food.
A fantastic local pub in Phillack, about a 10 minute walk back down the hill from the park. They serve amazing home-made food, Cornish ales and spirits. Booking is essential, particularly for Sunday lunch! Also, make sure you take a torch if walking in the evening because there are very few street lights and limited pedestrian pathways.
Only 20 minutes drive away is St Michael's Mount, a tidal island in Mount's Bay, which is managed by the National Trust. The island is a civil parish and is linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water. With beautiful gardens and interesting history, it is definitely worth a visit.
Paradise Park is a wildlife sanctuary situated in Hayle less than a 10 minute drive from Riviere Towans. There are usually plenty of deals for entrance during the tourist season. It has over 1000 birds and animals and is the home of the World Parrot Trust, along with many other worthy conservation projects. There is also a Jungle Barn, outside play ground and 14 acres of gardens for the little ones to monkey around. For a bit of fun, follow this link to the penguin webcam.
At just of 30 minutes drive from the Towans, Land's End is one of the world's most famous land marks, having been a tourist attraction since ancient Greek times.
At the most westerly point of mainland Cornwall and England, it offers fantastic views across to the Isle of Scilly, the Longships, which are a group of islets highlighted by the Longship Lighthouse and the Seven Stones Reef, which is part of the mythical lost kingdom of Lyonesse. You may even spot the Seven Stones lightvessel.
The First and Last House was originally opened in the early 19th Centry as a souvenir shop, also providing sustenance to travellers arriving and leaving. Still open and serving refreshments today, the souvenirs these days are more than a lump of rock stamped with "Lands End"
In addition to the fabulous views, there is a restored 200 year old farm where you can meet the animals as well as other attractions and restaurants.
Flambards Theme Park is an amusement park on the southern outskirts of the town of Helston, 25 minutes from Riviere Towans, offering entertainment for the whole family.
The Eden Project is one of the must see visitor attractions in Cornwall and is a fantastic day out. Inside the two biomes are plants that have been collected from many diverse climates and environments. Look out for the Roul Roul Partridges that wander around the rainforest biome and, for the adults, try the Rum Bar. The project is located in a reclaimed china clay pit now laid out to beautiful gardens, located 2 km from the town of St Blazey and 5 km from the larger town of St Austell.
The Minack is a unique open air theatre perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean. The brainchild of Rowena Cade, built in the late 1920's by hand by Rowena and helpers. Not only is it a wonderful setting to watch a show, but there is also an exhibition about Rowena Cade where you can learn how the theatre was built. As you walk throughout the site you will see art work etched into the stones by Rowena herself. Well worth a visit and only 20 minutes away from the Riviere Towans site. Impatient to see it? Check out their webcam
