Carbis Bay Beach

Carbis Bay Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand nestled between St Ives and Hayle on Cornwall’s north coast. This sheltered crescent of beach is privately owned by the Carbis Bay Hotel but remains open to the public year-round. With its calm, turquoise waters and pristine sand, it’s an idyllic spot for families and couples alike. The beach boasts Blue Flag status and has seasonal lifeguard cover during peak summer months. Visitors will find toilets, a café, and watersports equipment hire available on-site, making it easy to spend a full day soaking up the Cornish sunshine.

While not known as a surfing hotspot due to its sheltered position, Carbis Bay excels as a swimming beach. The gentle slope into the sea and typically calm conditions make it perfect for paddling and swimming, especially with young children. At low tide, the expansive beach reveals rock pools teeming with marine life, offering hours of exploration for curious beachcombers. The South West Coast Path runs along the clifftops, providing breathtaking walks with panoramic views across St Ives Bay.

Carbis Bay Beach welcomes dogs from October to mid-May, but they are banned during the busy summer season. The beach’s golden sands are ideal for building sandcastles or simply lounging in the sun, while the crystal-clear waters invite snorkelling and paddleboarding when conditions allow. As the day winds down, visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets from the beach or the terrace of the beachside restaurant. With its picture-postcard beauty and excellent facilities, Carbis Bay Beach offers a slice of Cornish paradise suitable for all ages and interests.