Beaches in St Ives

Porthminster

North-east facing family beach, looking across St.Ives bay towards Godrevy. Almost half a mile of wonderfully clean sand and generally calm water. Sheltered from most of Atlantic swell. Safe for swimming. Located just below the railway station. Watch the sunrise over the towans.

• Nearest car-park: Railway station
• Toilets: yes
• Lifeguards: yes
• Surfing: No
• Refreshments: Restaurant and cafe
• Beach Huts: Yes
• Dogs: Banned Easter to Oct 1st 8am-7pm

Porthmeor

North-west facing surfing beach. Open to full Atlantic swell so not as safe for swimming as Porthminster. SW, S or SE winds best for surf. N, NE or NW wind is on-shore. Great sunset views from eastern end of beach.

• Nearest car-park: Porthmeor
• Toilets: yes
• Lifeguards: yes
• Surfing: yes, wind and swell permitting.
• Refreshments: Restaurant and cafe
• Beach Huts: Yes
• Dogs: Banned Easter to Oct 1st 8am-7pm

Porthgwidden

Gorgeous sandy cove tucked away on East side of the Island, facing North-East. Sheltered from the prevailing SW winds. Safe for swimming ,but keep inside bouys or strong ebb tide will whisk you away! Best for the morning sun, in shade late evening.

• Nearest car-park: Island
• Toilets: yes
• Lifeguards: No
• Surfing: No
• Refreshments: Restaurant and cafe.
• Beach huts: Yes
• Dogs: Banned Easter to Oct 1st 8am-7pm

Harbour Beach

The sluice gates on Smeatons pier are kept closed these days, and this has caused large amounts of lovely sand to build up in the harbour. Very sheltered unless wind is from the South or South-East. Sit and watch a working harbour, see the mackerel boats landing their catch, the pleasure boats taking their passengers to Seal Island, and the children pier jumping! At low water on a spring tide you can walk across to Porthminster beach, and the sand banks form beautiful paddling pools for children.

• Nearest car-park: Smeaton's Pier (short stay only)
• Toilets: yes (Smeatons Pier, behind Sloop or behind Lifeboat House)
• Lifeguards: No. Beware boats. This is a working harbour.
• Surfing: No
• Refreshments: Restaurants and cafes all along wharf
• Beach huts: No
• Dogs: Banned Easter to Oct 1st 8am-7pm