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Beach Guide For St Ives

There are few towns anywhere which can rival St Ives for both number and quality of beaches. There are no less than five beautiful sandy beaches within easy walking distance of St Ives town centre. 

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The fine golden sand and turquoise waters of St Ives Bay are some of the cleanest in Europe, regularly receiving the coveted Blue Flag awards. The beaches have lifeguards patrolling throughout the season. They have much to offer too with the  family friendly beaches of Porthgwidden and Porthminster to the surfing beach of Porthmeor. There is also the harbour beach, which traps the sun nicely and also the dog friendly beach of Bamaluz. Just round the headland you will find the beautiful beach of Carbis Bay and a little further afield there are the large expanses of beaches at Hayle and Gwithian.

Everyone's favourite beach, gently shelved and sheltered, ideal for families. You’ll only get surf here on the windiest of days. Clean golden sands lapped by a translucent turquoise sea. It doesn’t matter what vista you choose, what time of day or whatever the weather, its just plain beautiful. Facilities here include: a beach cafe, beach restaurant, beach shops, deck chair & wind break hire, beach hut hire, putting green, tug of war and games on beach (high summer), toilets and public car park above beach. The beach is policed by life guards and is accessed via a few steps/ramp.

Porthminster

Porthmeor

If you’ve got a surf board then this is the beach to head for. North/North west facing, overlooked by the Tate Gallery and The Island. Clean golden sands. I would recommend a visit here at dusk as the sunsets are fantastic. Step around the corner onto The Digey and there you’ll find surf and surfer silhouetted by a setting ball of fire... Breathtaking stuff. The beach is close to the town amenities and boasts a well renowned beach restaurant, beach shop, surf board hire, beach hut hire and toilets close by.

Small, gently shelved and sheltered beach situated on the south side of ‘The Island’. Popular with families as you have the peace of mind that your children will be in full view wherever you pitch your towel! Close to town, with beach cafe and a very nice restaurant overlooking the beach. Toilets are at the top of the ramp which leads down to the beach. This has become famous locally over the years for sand sculptures by local artists and I must say are very life like. Car parking is nearby at ‘The Island’ car park.

Porthgwidden

The remains of Wheal Dream tin mine overlook this quiet, sandy beach. Situated between the harbour and Porthgwidden beach, Bamaluz often goes un-noticed by the majority of visitors.


The beach itself is fairly sheltered from all but an onshore breeze but the high walls can also block out some of the sun. At high tide the beach is also greatly reduced in size and can almost disppear on a spring high.


It is also just below the St Ives Museum.

Bamaluz

Sheltered and picturesque, again popular with families as it has calm waters most of the time. Crystal clear turquoise and gently shelved. Very similar in size and shape to Porthminster Beach, so if your fortunate to be staying at the St Ives end of Carbis Bay, then both are within walking distance along the coastal path. Facilities include beach shop, beach cafe, deck chair and windbreak hire and beach hut hire. Car parking is at front of The Carbis Bay Hotel.

Carbis Bay

Sheltered from all the elements within the harbour walls. Popular at low tide. (when the harbour starts to fill up you’ll get you’re feet wet!!) Ideal beach for people watching and families having fun. Soak up the views or have a walk across what must be the cleanest harbour in Britain. Close to all town amenities. In fact step off the beach and you’re in the town. Beach shops, deck chair hire and plenty of places to grab a snack. The nearest toilets and car park can be found at the rear of The sloop inn.

Harbour Beach

ACCOMMODATION

Here is a selection of quality accommodation available to book in St Ives. Please click on the logo above to view.

PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

After you’ve enjoyed your day you will no doubt be looking forward to a nice meal to round things off.  You’ll find a small selection of pubs and restaurants above with options to suit all budgets.

WEBCAMS

Look no further,

 they're all here!!

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