Discover the 9 Best Breathtaking Beaches in St Ives, Cornwall

St Ives in Cornwall

Welcome to St Ives, Cornwall, a hidden gem in England to the southwestern coast known for it’s beaches and charming cobble streets. This historic, picturesque, and fishing town is heaven for nature lovers, beach lovers and art enthusiasts. This place is surrounded by glorious beaches where golden sand meets clear crystal water. In addition to beaches and art galleries, there are many other things to do and places to see like, including the St Ives Museum, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Museum of Tate St Ives, Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton Museum, Leach Pottery and National Maritime Museum.

So let’s come with us to dive into the world of Beaches in St Ives Cornwall to find out which beach suits you best, according to your preference.

St Ives:  A Paradise of Beaches

When you step foot in St Ives, you are immediately captivated by it’s undeniable charm and natural beauty. With crystal clear waters, pristine sandy beaches and breathtaking coastal landscapes, this small town offers a slice of heaven on Earth.

The Top Beaches of St Ives

Porthmeor Beach

On the Southwestern side of St Ives, the beach that comes first after the cliffs is Porthmeor Beach which is situated just below the Tate St Ives Museum. This beach is heaven for surfers because of high rising waves of water. Despite surfing, Porthmeor Beach is also a good choice for families with a variety of facilities available here. One of the joyful benefits of this beach is that this beach is close to St Ives Hotels, Cafes and Restaurants.

Life Guard Service: There’s a lifeguard service available by RNLI during the summer months from May to September between 10 am to 6 pm. In the absence of RNLI, a small team of professional lifeguards, St Ives Surf School Staff and a qualified surf life-saving club teamed up to advise the visitors and to assist them when necessary

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, it’s a Dog-Friendly Beach in St Ives. But there is a temporary ban from May to September between 10 am to 6 pm.

Car Parking Facility: A paid small car park is available at Porthmeor Beach. But charges for car parking vary with time.

Porthminster Beach

Porthminster Beach, located just below the St Ives Railway station. With the stunning views stretch out to St Ives Bay and Godrevy Light-House. This Beach is popular for it’s clear-crystal water and earned respect as one of the friendly beaches in St Ives. Porthminster Beach is a popular destination for surfing, swimming, and paddle-boarding having a local guard service during the peak months of summer. This Beach is famous among artists, and writers and attracts them in a vast amount on a sunny day. Porthminster Beach is an outstanding family beach and has been consistently rewarded with Blue Flag awards. Porthminster Beach Cafe, an award-winning cafe in St Ives mostly known for it’s seafood, where you can enjoy your meal with calm.

Life Guard Service: There’s lifeguard service available by RNLI during the summer months from May to September between 10 am to 6 pm.

Dog-Friendly Beach:  Yes, Porthmeor Beach is a Dog-Friendly Beach. But there is a temporary ban from May to September between 10 am to 6 pm.

Car Parking Facility: No, there’s no car parking facility at Porthminster Beach. But there are many car parks nearby, including:

• St Ives Railway Station Car Park
• The Sloop Car Park
• Balnoon Car Park
• Park Avenue Car Park
• Trenwith Car Park

Carbis Bay Beach

If we talk about the history of Carbis Bay Bach, this beach is known by various names like Barripper, Porthrepta, and Carrack Garden Cove. You will see several ships wrecked at Carbis Bay Beach because in the past this beach was used by fishermen. This Beach is good for sunbathing and paddle-boarding. It’s clear-crystal water has been loved by tourists, artists, and locals for many decades.

Carbis Bay is a worthy beach to visit in St. Ives in the Summer Season because it’s not very crowded in the Summer. Another reason for the popularity of this beach is that this Beach is officially owned by Carbis Bay Hotel, which ranks as the best hotel and resort in England and the fourth best in the world in 2021.

Life Guard Service: There’s Life Guard Service available at Carbis Bay Beach by RNLI from July to September 2^nd.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, it’s a Dog-Friendly Beach in St Ives Cornwall. But there is a temporary ban from May to 30th September between 10 am to 6 pm.

Car Parking Facility: Yes, a paid car parking facility is available at Carbis Bay Beach. But charges for car parking vary with time.

St Ives Harbour Beach

St Ives Harbour Beach, some people are confused about whether it’s a Beach or a Harbour. It’s both. It is an active Harbour with a beach to take care of ships. This beach is located in the heart of the town, so you can easily access the facilities of the town.

St Ives Harbour Beach is one of the picturesque Beaches in the UK, where colourful boats bow in the turquoise water. Most favorite spot on Harbour’s Beach is the beautiful houses on the beach by Smeaton’s Pier. This Super spot is known as “Kittys Corner” for sunbathing.

Well, it’s not an ideal beach for swimming and surfing. It is the place to praise the beauty and admire the views of the town.

Life Guard Service: There’s no Life Guard Service available at St Ives Harbour Beach.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, St Ives Harbour Beach is a Dog-Friendly Beach in St Ives. But there is a temporary ban from July to August 31st between 10 am to 6 pm.

Car Parking Facility: Yes, there are many car parking facilities available at St Ives Harbour Beach, including:

• The Island Car Park
• Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
• Smeatons Pier Car Park
• Porthmeor Beach Car Park
• St. Ives Trenwith Car Park

Bamaluz Beach

Bamaluz Beach is the Hidden gem between Harbour and Porthgwidden Beach. This Beach is close to St Ives Museum. Bamaluz Beach is dependent on tides. To access this Beach, you have to walk down pretty steep steps. At high tides the size of this beach reduces. Though it’s not one of the popular beaches like the beaches of St Ives, still it’s quite good for dog walking. Bamaluz Beach is made up of coarse and pebbles. This Beach also provides the opportunity to explore rock pools at low tide.

Life Guard Service: There’s no Life Guard Service a Bamaluz Beach.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, it’s a Dog-Friendly Beach, where dogs are allowed all year round.

Car Parking Facility: No, there’s no car parking facility at Bamaluz Beach, but there are many car parks nearby, including:

• The Island Car Park
• Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
• Smeatons Pier Car Park
• Porthmeor Beach Car Park
• St. Ives Trenwith Car Park

Porthgwidden Beach

Porthgwidden Beach is often ignored by people. Being Small in size, yet offers a blend of natural beauty and charm. Due to it’s location and charming atmosphere, Porthgwidden gets crowded in the tourist season. So it’s advised to arrive early to get a good and secure spot.

Another feature of Porthgwidden Beach is for sunset lovers. As the sun sets the sky is painted in mesmerizing colors, casting a magic glow over the beach that gives a feeling of freshness to mind and soul.

Life Guard Service: No, there’s Life Guard Service available at Porthgwidden Beach.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, Porthgwidden Beach is a Dog-Friendly Beach in St Ives Cornwall. But there is a temporary ban from July to August 31st between 10 am to 6 pm.

Car Parking Facility: Yes, there are many car parking facilities nearby, including:

• The Island Car Park
• Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
• Smeatons Pier Car Park
• Porthmeor Beach Car Park
• St. Ives Trenwith Car Park

Porthkidney Sands

Porthkidney Beach is located between the well-known places of Carbis Bay and Hayle near the village of Lelant. When we talk about the history of Porthkidney Beach, this Beach holds tales of ancient settlements and maritime traditions. Late spring and summer months are the best time of year to visit Porthkidney Beach. There are many access points to this beach at the Lelant end. At the end of Carbis Bay, the dunes rise to form a cliff, which makes the view worth impressing. The north end of Porthkidney Beach is popular for surfing, but it may be challenging for inexperienced people. Porthkidney Sands is also a Dog-Friendly Beach all year round with no restrictions.

Life Guard Service: There’s no Life Guard Service available at Porthkiney Beach.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, it’s a Dog-Friendly Beach in St Ives, but there is a temporary ban from July to August 31st between 10 am to 6 pm.

Car Parking Facility: Yes, there are many car parking facilities available at Porthkidney Beach nearby, including:

• Porthkidney Sands Car Park
• Porthrepta Long Stay Car Park
• Lelant Beach Car Park

Clodgy Point Beach

Clodgy Point Beach stretches out into the sea from Porthmeor Beach into St Ives. This Beach isn’t easily accessible. The possible way to reach this beach at low tide is a steep path down from the coastal path which provides a good chance of seeing wide and marine life like dolphins and seabirds etc. Most people ignore this beach, because of it’s inaccessibility. But this is one of the beaches that provides the opportunity to see the never-forgettable views of the coastline. If you are looking for a family-friendly and secluded beach, then Clodgy Point Beach is the best option.

Life Guard Service: No, there’s no Life Guard Service available at Clodgy Point Beach.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, Clodgy Point Beach is a Dog-Friendly Beach, where dogs are allowed all year round.

Car Parking Facility: Yes, there are many car parking facilities available at Clodgy Point Beach nearby, including:

• Porthmeor Beach Car Park
• Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
• The Island Car Park
• Smeatons Pier Car Park

Lambeth Walk Beach

The unique name Lambeth Walk Beach is often overlooked despite being in the centre of town. The beach is named after the popular craze of dance in the 1930s, located between Harbour Beach and Porthminster Beach. This Beach disappears and is nearly impossible to access at high tide. At low tide, this sandy beach emerges and links with Harbour and Porthminster Beach. Lambeth Walk Beach is one of the Beaches in St Ives with no restrictions for dogs all year round. Efforts are being underway by local organizations to ensure a pristine environment for visitors.

Life Guard Service: No, there’s no Life Guard Service available at Lambeth Walk Beach.

Dog-Friendly Beach: Yes, it’s a Dog-Friendly Beach in St Ives, where dogs are allowed all year round.

• The Island Car Park
• Barnoon Long Stay Car Park
• St Ives Railway Station Car Park
• The Sloop Car Park

Conclusion

St Ives is a coastal paradise, mostly renowned for it’s pristine beaches and art galleries, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in St Ives natural beauty and vibrant art scene. This town is home to hidden gems like Porthmeor Beach and Gwithian Beach. Where you can catch world-class waves and experience mesmerizing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you prefer laughing by the water’s edge or venturing into the waves, St Ives’ beaches offer an idyllic setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. St Ives also offers the places the coastal hikes and trails for people, who prefer to explore on foot. It would not be wrong to say that if you want to explore art and culture, scenic hikes or a coastal paradise of beaches. Then St Ives is the best place to make remarkable memories that will last a lifetime.