Porthminster Beach sits on the eastern side of St Ives, a short walk below the railway station and close to the town centre. This crescent of golden sand looks out across St Ives Bay towards Godrevy Lighthouse, backed by a grassy, sloping hillside dotted with Edwardian villas. A wooded headland separates it from Carbis Bay on one side, while the other leads round towards St Ives harbour, and at low tide, the sand joins up with the harbour beach to form one long stretch.
The beach holds both a Blue Flag and a Seaside Award, recognition of its water quality, safety, and environmental standards, and one of only a handful of Cornish beaches to carry both. Sheltered and gently shelving, it is considered one of the safer swimming spots in St Ives, with RNLI lifeguards on patrol from mid May to late September, generally between 10am and 6pm, though it is always worth checking the exact dates for the current year and swimming between the flags when lifeguards are present. Offshore winds can pick up here on occasion, so those bringing inflatables should take a little extra care.
A seasonal dog restriction applies between mid May and late September, with dogs kept off the beach between 10am and 6pm during that period, though welcome at all other times. Council officers do patrol during the summer months, so it is worth checking the signage on arrival if in doubt.
Facilities are excellent for a beach of this size. Porthminster Beach Café, just above the sand, has built a strong reputation for its seafood and outdoor dining, and there is also an eighteen hole mini golf course and a promenade running along the back of the beach, along with public toilets and beach shops. Sand chairs and all terrain beach wheelchairs can be borrowed from the café, on a first come, first served basis, so it is worth calling ahead to reserve one.
Parking is at the St Ives Station car park, which sits directly above the beach with level paths and ramps leading down, making access straightforward for buggies and wheelchairs alike, though spaces do fill quickly in summer. An easier alternative during the busiest months is the St Erth Park and Ride, which brings you into St Ives by branch line train with views over the bay on the way in.
With its combination of shelter, facilities, and easy access from the town, Porthminster is generally considered one of the best family beaches in St Ives, calmer and more sheltered than the more surf focused Porthmeor Beach on the other side of town.
Weather
Plan your visit
Places near this beach
Walks
- Hayle to St Ives Walk Passes nearby
Where to park
- Station Long Stay Parking, St Ives
Cafes
- St Ives Bay Ice Cream and Coffee House
- Porthminster Cafe
Attractions
- Porthminster Mini Golf
Shops
- Beach Shop
Toilets
- Porthminster Toilets
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