St Ives Cornwall - A Guide - Local Information

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St Ives Cornwall

Beaches

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St Ives - Beaches

There is no doubt that St Ives is one of the most beautiful towns in Cornwall, if not in the whole of the UK. One of the things that makes it so special is the location. Because of the geography of the coastline he town is almost surrounded by the sea, with beaches on all sides. This is one reason for the town's reputation as an artists colony. Many talk about "the quality of light" and on certain days, when the weather is right this just has to be seen to be believed.

The only downside to all this is the town's sheer popularity. During the Summer months, particularly August, the place is absolutely rammed. By far the best time to visit, as we did before we moved here, is October to February. Unlike many resorts, this place is still very much alive in the winter.

All of the beaches around the town and the local area are sandy and meet clean water standards. Most have lifeguards during the summer months. Dogs are not allowed on most between Easter and 30th September.

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Beaches

Harbour Beach - Central for Town
St Ives has a tidal harbour with the main sandy beach at the far end. This is very sheltered and is a great spot if you just want to chill out for a while. Also a great place for kids to play, as the water is quite shallow and there plenty of things to explore. Because this is close to the centre of town and the shops, this is a good place to come if you are a couple with children. One of you can watch over them while your partner goes of to explore the town. There are a number of cafes, restaurants and food outlets on the harbour front nearby. You can hire deckchairs during the main holiday season.
Local Tip: Watch out for the seagulls, for some reason they're particularly aggressive around this part of town.

Porthgwidden Beach - Sheltered Cove
If you continue past Harbour Beach, following the path along the waterfront, you'll reach the lovely sheltered cove that holds this beach. Because it is quite small and enclosed, this is a good place if you have small kids, it is easier to keep any eye on them and they have less chance to wander off. There is a great cafe where you can sit down for lunch or dinner, also a snack bar and shop.
Local Tip: To save a bit of money, particularly if you have kids, buy your cold drinks and snacks at the Co-Op (Royal Square) or Woolworths (Harbour) before coming down.

Porthmeor Beach - Surfing and Tate
This is my favourite, particularly at quiet times. I think this is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen anywhere. It is the town's biggest beach and faces north onto the Atlantic Ocean. Because of this it is very much the surfers beach and gets tremendous surf when the conditions are right. During the holiday season it is patrolled by lifeguards, who set up flags to show the safe areas for surfing, bodyboarding and swimming. The Surf School runs classes for all abilities and can provide all equipment needed. Overlooking the beach is Tate St Ives, fantastic architecture and (sometimes) great art.
Local Tip: Come down here in the evening when most of the crowds have gone. Bring a bottle of wine and a picnic, watch the sun go down over the headland.

Porthminster Beach - You Could be in Greece
This is located on the eastern side of town. For some reason I always think of this as St Ives' "continental" beach. It has that feel to it and on a sunny day you could be in Spain or Greece. A long stretch of sand, with a small stream running through the middle which kids love to play around. There is a mini putting course just behind if you want something to do. Also the excellent Porthminster Beach Cafe.
Local Tip: If you want to eat at the cafe do book in advance. It is extremely popular, possibly because of the great views but mainly because of the food !

Carbis Bay - Views Across The Bay
This is just outside St Ives, another sandy beach with great views over St Ives Bay. This tends to be a bit quieter than the town beaches in high season and has a large car park behind. Useful if you have young kids and need to cart around all the associated equipment such as buggies and changing mats. There is also a cafe and snack bar.
Local Tip: Carbis Bay railway station is only a short walk away so this is an easy place to get to by train.

Porthkidney Sands - Beautiful and Unspoiled
This beach is a bit of a local secret, so I wasn't sure whether to include it. It can be found between Carbis Bay and the Hayle estuary. There is a very small car park next to the church in Lelant village, but the best way to get here is to take the short walk along the coast path from Carbis Bay. The western part of the beach is a long strand of sand beneath the cliffs. Further along this opens out with dunes behind the main beach. At the far end you reach the river, there is a footpath across the golf course which leads to Lelant church.
Local Tip: There is only a small snack bar on the beach, closed outside the high season. Best to take everything you need such as food, drinks and sunscreen.

Gwithian Towans
A long stretch of beach and dunes adjoining the neighbouring town of Hayle and to the east of the Hayle Estuary. A few minutes drive from town, in fact you can see the Towans directly in front of you across the bay from The Harbour. This is a nice place to come if you want to get away from the crowds in town, or you you simply fancy a change of scene.
Local Tip: Only bathe or swim in the designated areas, marked by flags. The currents and tides around the estuary can be very dangerous.

Beach Safety
The RNLI have an online guide to beach safety. This includes lots of useful information and a range of factsheets that you can download.

RNLI Beach Safety Guide

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