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Morwenstow
A fascinating area of coast steeped in a history dominated by Parson Hawker
near Bude, Cornwall
Opening times for 17 May 2024
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Open dawn until dusk. No overnight camping or parking. Donation welcome.
Tea room
Rectory Farm tea-room (tenant-run) is next to the car park. Please ring 01288 331251 for opening information.
Dogs
Dogs welcome under control, particularly around livestock and cliff edges
Uneven surfaces and steps to Hawker's Hut from the coastal path. No toilets or designated parking (remote location).
Level access to food outlet
Steps/uneven terrain
The footpaths are uneven in places and there are steps down to Hawker's Hut
By road
On minor roads off the A39 north of Bude. Follow signs for Crimp and Shop, then Morwenstow.
Parking: on site
Sat Nav: use EX23 9SR
On foot
Is just off the South West Coast Path. Take the footpath that heads inland at Vicarage Cliff.
By bus
Go Cornwall Bus service number 217 from Bude to Gooseham via Morwenstow. The bus stops at Crosstown, a 344 yards (315m) walk to the car park and church at Morwenstow. Follow the right hand fork in the road with a sign directing towards Rectory Farm.
Highlights
Hawker's Hut
The smallest building the Trust cares for. Built by Reverend Hawker in 1843, this tiny hut perches on the cliff top.
Vicarage Cliff
A stretch of coast known for shipwrecks and twisted distinctive geology, formed 300 million years ago.
Rectory Farm tea-room (not National Trust)
Award winning tea-room, serving traditional light lunches and afternoon teas.
Top trails
Trail
Hawker's Hut walk
This gentle clifftop walk encompasses breath-taking views of North Cornwall's coast and a visit to Reverend Hawker's famous hut.
Trail
Morwenstow circular walk
Explore our 3-mile route starting from the car park next to the Rectory Farm Tearooms. This circular walk at Morwenstow takes in the coast as well as the Tidna Valley.
Places to stay
There are a number of holiday cottages and a bothy just across the border in North Devon.
Peppercombe Coastguard Cottage 1
A whitewashed cottage with an interesting history in a woodland area in Peppercombe Valley.
Peppercombe Bothy
Skip the hassle of putting up your tent this summer and stay in this coastal stone hut with sea-views for miles.
Combe Cottage
A country escape with a nearby stream and heaps of rustic charm, with slate floors and a stone fireplace.
About Morwenstow
Morwenstow nestles on the Cornish coast north of Bude near the border with Devon. There are some wonderful walks here, whether you are looking for a short stroll out to enjoy the cliff top views, or prefer a longer circular route.
Learn more about the intriguing history of vibrant local characters such as Parson R.S. Hawker, the vicar of Morwenstow in the nineteenth century. Hawker’s Hut, driftwood-built, can be found on the cliff edge near his church. The church at Morwenstow has been standing for more than a thousand years, with parts of it dating back to Norman times.
Rectory Farm, owned by the National Trust, has some buildings originally built in the fourteenth century when they were lived in by monks. The tenants now run an award-winning tea-room.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Morwenstow.