Places to Visit
Discover the wonders of West Cornwall as you embark on an unforgettable journey through picturesque landscapes and captivating destinations. Hayle & the Towans offer an unrivalled location for your holiday, where you can bask in the warm waters of the St. Ives Bay on the stunning golden sand beach. With its prime position, Hayle is the perfect starting point to explore the attractions of West Cornwall, such as the quaint fishing port of St. Ives, the magical sight of St. Michael’s Mount, and the world-famous Eden Project. Birdwatchers will delight in the estuary’s diverse birdlife, while nature lovers will find solace in the designated areas of Specific Scientific Interest. Hayle’s rich history and heritage, including its mining legacy, add to the charm of this remarkable destination. Prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and diversity of West Cornwall, where every moment promises to be an adventure.
Hayle & the Towans
The unrivalled location for your West Cornwall holiday.
Hayle (Cornish for Estuary) is situated within the beautiful natural setting of the Hayle Estuary and on the fabulous beach and sand dunes of the St. Ives Bay. Some of the warmest waters in the country can be found here at this amazing beach. The golden sand beach stretches some three miles to Godrevy Lighthouse, so that even on the busiest Saturday in August, there is always space to find your own hideaway.
Hayle is extremely well placed to visit all the attractions of West Cornwall and only about six miles around the bay you will find the quaint fishing port of St. Ives with its narrow streets and artists’ studios. Go south and in about the same distance you will see the magical sight of St. Michael’s Mount. Land’s End and The Eden Project are within easy driving distance.
Don’t forget to check out the Poldark and Rosamunde Pilcher filming locations, many within a short drive. However, with a town full of excellent local shops as well as many high street names, markets, restaurants, bars and boutiques and one of the best beaches, on your doorstep, why go further.
There are large areas designated as sites of Specific Scientific Interest and are a favourite of nature lovers. The wide estuary, managed by the RSPB and the UK’s most south westerly, is an important stopping off point for migratory birds, making Hayle a great place for birdwatchers. Apart from these, Hayle offers great places of interest to seek out on the town trail, walks through areas of times gone by, as well as some of the most beautiful coastal walking in the country. Hayle was the first town in Cornwall to be awarded “Walkers Are Welcome” status. Here footpaths and trails around the town are well maintained and well-marked and with the coastal path on our doorstep, it’s an ideal place to get out and be part of the countryside.
With an amazing history, world Heritage status and an historic harbour full of fishing and pleasure boats coming and going on the tides, Hayle has so much.
From the mid 18th century Hayle became world recognised for being in the forefront of mining development and engineering expertise. Historically an important trading port for tin and during this time copper smelting flourished in the town, the importance of which saw the town’s harbour and townscape being granted World Heritage Site status in 2006. The Hayle Heritage Centre is situated in a Cornish Mining World Heritage Site in the heart of Hayle. Discover the town’s mighty industrial past, its pre-history and the stories of its people in this free, family-friendly Heritage Centre.
For the more sport inclined, Hayle offers excellent swimming with lifeguarded areas of the beach, surfing, kite surfing, fishing, riding, skateboarding. However, if all that is just too much, take the opportunity just to sit back, unwind and relax in this amazing part of West Cornwall.
Click here for local maps and walks.
St Ives
With its narrow streets and glorious beaches, St Ives is a must visit location!
Hub of culture, history, enjoyment and relaxation. All this and only 6 miles or 15 minutes by car.
Spend a lazy day exploring the ancient streets of this iconic fishing village. A mecca for artists for centuries, St Ives boasts galleries and museums including Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. There are craft shops, boutiques, bistros, cafés and restaurants for fine dining. St. Ives has it all. Stroll along the harbour and watch the fishermen bring in their catch and see the occasional seal swimming between the boats, hoping for the odd discarded fish.
Don’t just look at the sea… get in. St. Ives has surfing schools, and opportunities for swimming, fishing or simply take a pleasure boat trip along the coast to seal island. Young or old there’s something for you.
In the evening sit back and relax in one of St. Ives’ many great pubs or eateries… whether it’s a pasty or fish and chips on the harbour wall or dinner in a Michelin recommended restaurant overlooking the bay, there will be something to please every taste.
St. Ives is great to visit in all seasons. High season when everywhere is bustling or other quieter seasons with the festivals including the St. Ives arts and food festivals. In high season it is great to take the train from Lelant and enjoy the beauty of the St. Ives Bay coastline. The train takes you right into the town with easy access to beaches as well, without having to worry about finding somewhere to park.
Whatever the time of year, St. Ives is an exciting, exhilarating place to visit.
Falmouth & the Estuary
Falmouth has a proud naval heritage. A bustling town with plenty of museums, galleries and restaurants.
The north coast boasts locations such as Holywell Beach, where many Poldark beach scenes have been filmed including those with Dwight Enys and Caroline Penvenen and near St Agnes Head, about 17 miles, you can find the setting for Nampara, Ross Poldark’s family home.
The abandoned mining buildings at Botallack, St. Just about a half hour’s drive from hayle provide the perfect stand ins for the Poldark family mines of Wheal Leisure and Grambler.
Enjoy a walk along this beautiful stretch of coast path with soaring falcons overhead, seals in the waves and on a clear day views to the Isles of Scilly soaking in this evocative cornish atmosphere.
The multi award winning National Maritime Museum Cornwall found on the waterfront,houses a huge collection of boats, retells stories of intrepid explorers and provides an observation window where you can see what’s happening underwater in the harbour.
There is Pendennis castle,one of the finest fortresses built by Henry VIII., the Falmouth Art Gallery and beautiful sub tropical gardens.
Falmouth is a foodie paradise, with everything from the delicious delis, food festivals, waterside restaurants, traditional pubs and the famous Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips.
All is and just 40 minutes, 22 miles, by car, from Riviere Towans.
Penzance & Mounts Bay
The last stop on the line with a beautiful bay!
Only 8 miles or 20 mins by car. The commercial centre of West Cornwall with day trip Ferries to the Isles of Scilly.
Penzance, from the Cornish Pen Sans, meaning holy headland, has long been the commercial hub of the Land’s End peninsula. The narrow streets wind down to the harbour where luxury yachts moor alongside the smaller fishing boats. Chapel St. the most historic part of Penzance is home to the Egyptian House, the Georgian Theatre, possibly the oldest remaining Georgian theatre in the country, the Turk’s Head, believed to be the oldest pub in the town and much more. The Dolphin Inn near the harbour is thought to be the first place in Britain where tobacco was smoked.
There is a regular ferry service from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly and also air links from Land’s End Airport. A great idea for a day out.
Further along is Newlyn, home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the United Kingdom. Watch the large fishing boats and trawlers pull up alongside to unload the catch.
Across the waters of Mounts Bay rises St. Michael’s Mount, a small tidal island crowned by a medieval church and castle. Take a few hours to explore this island world and discover legend, myth and over a thousand years of incredible history.
Lizard Peninsula
The Lizard Peninsula is untamed and beautiful!
The Lizard Point is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the southernmost part of the British mainland. Located just 21 miles or a 35-minute drive away from Toms Holidays, it is easily accessible by car.
The Lizard Peninsula is a vast and sparsely populated area that consists of moorland, valleys, hills, and stunning coastline. Although it takes a bit of a drive to get there, the rugged and unspoiled beauty of the peninsula is well worth the effort.
As you explore the area, you’ll discover a wide range of activities to enjoy. For example, the famous Goonhilly Earth Station, the world’s largest satellite earth receiving station, is situated on the Lizard Peninsula. Although the visitors center is closed at the moment, you can still see the massive antenna dishes from the roadside.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, located on the banks of the Helford River, next to the village of Gweek, is a fantastic day out. Spend time learning about these fascinating creatures, as the sanctuary is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Day).
In addition, you can visit Marconi’s two stations, where he conducted groundbreaking wireless experiments on the Lizard near Poldhu in 1900. With determination and vision, Marconi paved the way for the worldwide communication we have today. The Marconi Centre, opened in 2001 by the National Trust and Marconi PLC to mark the centenary of his first transatlantic signal, has been restored to how it would have looked in Marconi’s day, and the small museum is open regularly Easter to October.
The multi award winning National Maritime Museum Cornwall found on the waterfront,houses a huge collection of boats, retells stories of intrepid explorers and provides an observation window where you can see what’s happening underwater in the harbour.
There is Pendennis castle,one of the finest fortresses built by Henry VIII., the Falmouth Art Gallery and beautiful sub tropical gardens.
Falmouth is a foodie paradise, with everything from the delicious delis, food festivals, waterside restaurants, traditional pubs and the famous Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips.
All is and just 40 minutes, 22 miles, by car, from Riviere Towans.
The Scilly Isles
The Isles of Scilly are a glorious destination, just over the water!
The Isles of Scilly are truly a treasure of Cornwall! Known for their stunning fauna and flora, and designated as an “Area of Outstanding Beauty.” The archipelago consists of five inhabited and fifty uninhabited islands, each with its own unique beauty and charm.
To access these islands, visitors can take a boat from Penzance or a skybus from Land’s End airport. St. Mary’s offers ferry services to the outer islands. Spend the day on St. Mary’s exploring the beaches, headlands, historic sites, and town shops and restaurants, or take a boat ride to one of the other islands.
One must-see attraction is the world-famous Tresco Gardens, which boasts exotic plants from around the world. Alternatively, sit back and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Isles of Scilly, watching boats sail between the islands.
The Isles of Scilly offer a range of activities and attractions that are not mentioned in the text. For example, visitors can explore the islands’ rich history and culture by visiting ancient sites such as the Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones at Bant’s Carn and Innisidgen, or the historic castles and forts that dot the landscape.
For those seeking more adventure, the Isles of Scilly offer opportunities for water sports. Visitors can also go fishing for a chance to catch fresh seafood, or take a guided nature walk to learn more about the islands’ unique ecosystems.
Lastly, no matter what you choose to do, the Isles offer an incredible destination for an amazing day out. Why not make it a part of your next holiday and experience the natural beauty of these islands first hand.
Sennen Cove & Lands’ End
A wonderful beach and the most westerly point of England!
18 miles or 40 mins. by car. Lands’ End… something for everyone.
A place of stunning scenery and outstanding natural beauty. No visit to Cornwall is complete without a visit to the most westerly point in England.
Be thrilled by the 4D interactive Lost World cinema experience, wonder at the exciting world inspired by Arthurian legend and explore the First and Last House.
Spend time exploring a perfectly restored 200 year old Cornish farmstead …..Greeb Farm…At this child friendly attraction your little ones can get up close and say hello to sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, miniature ponies and even ferrets.
Looking for a more peaceful day. Explore the paths and cliff top trails leading northeast towards Sennen Cove or in the other direction south east towards Nanjizel Beach and watch out for soaring seabirds, seals and dolphins and be amazed at the breath-taking views and beauty of the Cornish Coastline.
Lands’ End is a great choice for a day out. If you are looking for action packed experiences look no further… There is a huge choice of activities, from a huge outside pirate ship play area, Arthur’s Quest, an interactive world of discovery and ‘A Grand Experience’, a new experience for all ages featuring iconic characters Wallace & Gromit, Morph and Shaun the Sheep. There is also a 4D experience wherein you don’t just watch a movie – with squirting water, air blasts, seat movement and more, you’ll feel like you’re right there in the middle of the story!
There are many events and festivals at lands’ End and Firework displays throughout August. Checkout their website for details.
Lands’ end has restaurants and shops but most importantly it is a place of stunning scenery and natural beauty. Within minutes of leaving the bustle of the Lands’ End attractions, you can be sitting atop a cliff watching seals and sea birds, enjoying the amazing views and on a clear day, you can see all the way across the sea to the Isles of Scilly!
Truro
Truro is Cornwall’s only city. The centre for leisure and retail!
In just 30 mins / 20 miles you can experience this bustling, cosmopolitan city.
A vibrant centre of shopping, culture and impressive architecture right in the centre of Cornwall.
Truro Cathedral with its impressive gothic towers dominating the skyline is an island of peace, tranquillity and beauty in a bustling city. Spend some moments appreciating its Victorian stained glass and its grandeur, illustrating the city’s prosperity in the 19th century.
A maze of small streets and alleyways surrounding the Cathedral are home to an impressive array of independent traders. From boutiques to bookshops and designer interiors to delicatessens. There are cafes, bistros, artisan ice creameries, bars and traditional pubs.
A fabulous city full of life there to explore.
Visit the Shelterbox Disaster Relief Visitor Centre –
A groundbreaking new visitor attraction in the heart of Truro where you’ll discover the story of Shelterbox and find out what it takes to respond to disasters around the world.
There’s lots to do for all ages and a visit is the perfect solution to a rainy Cornish day.
Try packing a ShelterBox – see if you can fit everything a family might need into the iconic green ShelterBoxes. Can you complete the Disaster Challenge with your family? Pick up a leaflet and hunt for clues around the visitor centre. Get hands on with our tents, shelters and aid items like LuminAid solar powered lights. There’s lots to do for all ages and a visit is the perfect solution to a rainy Cornish day.
Not far from Truro you’ll find Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm
Deep in the heart of the Cornish countryside, we’ve been making the most of our orchards for over 25 years. Whether it’s getting to the core of great flavour or thinking outside the box, we know what it takes to make apples special. Optional guided tours take you on a Cyder making journey – from apple to Cider! Take a tractor ride through our Orchards, and sample over 40 varieties of Cyder, wine and preserves free of charge.
Redruth & Camborne
Two bastions of West Cornwall’s industrial heritage.
6 miles 15 mins. by car.
The home of West Cornwall’s industrial heritage and home to some of the most important events in mining history.
These two towns along with Hayle, were the centre of Cornwall’s industrial revolution and responsible for worldwide developments in mining for decades. South Crofty mine between Redruth and Camborne finally closed in 1998 but in 2019 there is still hope it will reopen and one day become productive again. The whole area is a world heritage site and there are various visitor centres, including East Pool Mine showing beam engines and engine houses as they would have been. Huge steam engines rumble through the streets of Camborne on Trevithick Day and people come from all over England to honour their famous son, Richard Trevithick.
At the King Edward Mine at Camborne.The museum offers a chance to meet and talk with knowledgeable guides who will be able to interpret Cornish mining for you. Explore the many buildings with their magnificent working mining machinery. Over a long history, Cornish tin and copper ore from deep underground was brought above ground and processed to produce tin concentrate.
East Pool Mine was one of the most important mines in the area. On a visit, you can explore the inner workings of this monument to the industrial revolution and experience the lives of Cornish miners from days gone by. Also at Taylor’s Engine House which was once at the heart of East Pool Mine, you can see a pumping engine which is the third largest ever made and ran 24 hours a day. Friendly and knowledgeable guides can tell you more about the men who used to work here. There are also great activities for younger visitors too. Don’t miss the view from the top.
There’s a fun brass rubbing trail, with nine clues hidden around the mine. Ask at Reception for this free family activity when you arrive and see if you can complete the picture. Also there is a ‘Poisoned Powder Trail’ relating to the mine’s production of the poison arsenic.
Not an obvious choice for some but these places offer interesting, informative activities and fun for all the family and only 15 minutes from Hayle.
Newquay
Newquay is west Cornwall’s hub for night life and surfing!
Only 25 miles or 45mins. by car.
Love surfing, Love Music, Love life…..Love Newquay
Newquay with its renowned Fistral Beach is home to the UK’s surf scene with top world class competitions, festivals and events: Boardmasters surf and music festival, Bands in the Sands, with international acts such as James Arthur and many more. A vibrant party town surrounded by great sandy beaches.
Get close to over 1,000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals at Newquay Zoo or take an underwater safari at Newquay’s Blue Reef aquarium.
A bit peckish… no problem. Newquay has a huge and varied range of cafes, bars and restaurants from fine dining at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen to toasties at Café Cloud.. Newquay has something for everyone.
Newquay zoo is home to an amazing array of animals, set amongst 13 acres of established sub-tropical gardens. Visit the African Savanna exhibit, with wildebeest, antelope, and strikingly beautiful zebras. View these animals roaming in a mixed species herd from a viewing platform that gives you a birds-eye view. Look high up into the trees to see red pandas, meerkats on sentry duty and the otters playing in their stream below. As well as a large variety of unusual species, the Zoo has a village farm with more familiar faces that children love.
The Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay has over 40 naturally themed habitats take you on a fantastic journey from local waters to exotic seas. The centrepiece is the spectacular coral reef housed within an amazing ocean display. Living amongst the reef are exotic species like angelfish, pufferfish, wrasse, and hundreds of other brightly-coloured fish. Not to mention the big sharks, rays, moray eels, and the venomous lionfish.
You can stroll down the tunnel and get close to all the amazing sea creatures. Again great for a day out.