The Ultimate St Ives Beach Guide

Four main beaches, four very different personalities. St Ives packs a genuinely varied stretch of coastline into a small area, which means the “best” beach really depends on what you’re after: a family paddle, a first surf lesson, or a quiet rock pool session out of the wind. Here’s how to pick the right one, plus the practical details on lifeguards, facilities and tides.

Here’s a video I shot in the crystal-clear waters off Porthgwidden Beach back in 2021.

Which Beach Should You Choose?

How many beaches are there in St Ives?

Four main sandy beaches sit right on the doorstep of the town: Porthmeor, Porthminster, Harbour Beach and Porthgwidden. Each faces a slightly different direction, so wind, waves and shelter vary noticeably between them. Carbis Bay, a short walk or one train stop away, is worth considering too.

There are also two smaller beaches – Bamaluz and Lambeth Walk.

Which St Ives beach is best for small children?

Porthminster is the family favourite: calm, sheltered water, a wide stretch of golden sand, an excellent café, and it’s a short walk from the train station. Carbis Bay is a strong alternative if you want something even quieter and more sheltered.

Parking at Carbis Bay can be tricky unless you’re staying within walking distance of the beach.

Which beach is best for surfing and bodyboarding?

Porthmeor is the surf beach: a broad, north-facing sweep of sand below the Tate that catches the bulk of the Atlantic swell, with a forgiving beach break that works well for learners. St Ives Surf School operates right on the beach for lessons. If Porthmeor is too big or too crowded, Carbis Bay is calmer and better for building confidence, while Gwithian and the Towans, further round the bay, offer more room to spread out and are a magnet for kitesurfers when the wind is up.

Gwithian just outside Hayle town is my go-to beach for surfing and bodyboarding. The main car parks are run by the National Trust, handy if you’re a member like me, but getting a space in summer can be a real challenge. There’s also off-road parking just outside the beach entrance, though this can get busy too on a nice summer’s day with good surf, so be prepared to walk in if the car parks are full.

Which beach is the most sheltered from the wind?

Porthminster and Porthgwidden are the most sheltered of the town beaches, tucked in against the headland. Carbis Bay, just around the coast, is calmer still, which is part of why it’s the go-to for nervous swimmers and young families.

Is Porthgwidden beach good for rock pooling?

Yes, Porthgwidden’s sheltered, rocky edges make it a nice option for a slower morning exploring rock pools, especially at low tide. It’s also one of the quieter beaches, so it tends to feel less hectic than Porthmeor or the Harbour in peak season.

It’s also a great place to spot seals.

Safety, Facilities & Tides

Are there lifeguards on Porthmeor and Porthminster beaches?

Yes, both are lifeguarded through the main season, along with Carbis Bay. As with any patrolled beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags and check current lifeguard operating hours, since cover typically runs seasonally rather than year-round.

Can you hire deckchairs, windbreaks and parasols?

Beach hire kit is available at the busier beaches in season, typically from a hut or kiosk near the main access points. Availability and pricing change year to year, so it’s worth checking on arrival rather than assuming.

Are there public toilets near all the beaches?

Yes, all the main town beaches have public toilets nearby, generally close to the main access points. They can get busy at peak times, so factor in a short wait during the height of summer.

Is the water clean and safe for swimming in St Ives?

St Ives’ main beaches have a strong bathing water record and Carbis Bay in particular has held Blue Flag status. As with anywhere on the coast, it’s worth checking the current bathing water quality and any active pollution alerts before you swim, especially after heavy rain.

Porthgwidden Beach has safety markers just offshore, put there because of heavy boat traffic in the water beyond them. Don’t swim past the markers, and you’ll be safe.

Can you swim in St Ives harbour?

The harbour is a working area with boat traffic, so it isn’t set up or recommended for swimming in the way the open beaches are. Stick to Porthmeor, Porthminster, Porthgwidden or the Harbour Beach itself (the sandy stretch, not the working harbour water) for a proper swim.

Can you walk between the beaches at low tide?

At low tide, a lot more sand is exposed around the harbour and headland, making it easier to walk between some of the beaches than at high tide, when the sea can cut sections off. Always check the tide state before you rely on this, since it changes throughout the day.

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