The 20 best beaches in and around St Ives

It is a stunning spot, perfect for anyone who loves both beautiful scenery and beach activities. The golden sand is soft and clean, and the views across the water are breathtaking. The beach is popular with surfers, and even if you’re not catching waves, it’s a great place to watch them in action. The location is lively but still has a laid-back vibe, with plenty of space to relax or take a stroll along the shore. A must-visit if you’re in St. Ives!

Can beach for body boarding or surfing as a novice. Coast guard present so safe as a beach can be. Lots of space. Lots of amenities but parking is very challenging so use car parks on the edge of town such as the one off Park Avenue rather than the main car and coach park which is an even further trek.

Beautiful and wide beach Now at this time of the year it's not busy as it's cold. But people are still driving into the water. Nice white sands and stunning views from the top where you actually need to park your car.

Fantastic spot for beach lovers. The view is amazing, and there are some great cafes nearby. Perfect for a seaside stroll.

Excellent beach although it does get very busy, if you’re looking for some waves then this is the spot for you.

Love this beach. It’s not so busy as to be crowded and not full of dogs crapping everywhere (no dogs allowed during peak months). The beach bar is amazing. Open from early until 8pm, cheapest bar in st Ives (£16 gets beer, white and a coke). And the kids chicken nuggets are literally to die for. Drinks, watching the sun go down, nothing better.

Beautiful evening overlooking the beach. Nice walk along the coastal path.

It was very windy when I visited Porthgwidden Beach, but it’s still an incredibly beautiful spot. The water was a vibrant blue, and the sand was clean and soft, making it a perfect place to relax despite the breeze. The beach has a peaceful, tucked-away feel, offering a serene atmosphere that’s ideal for unwinding. Even with the wind, it’s a lovely beach.

St Ives has some of the most beautiful beaches, each with its own unique vibe. Porthmeor Beach is a hit with surfers, while Porthminster Beach kicks off a gorgeous stretch of golden sands that runs all the way to Godrevy Lighthouse. The views are amazing, especially if you take a walk up to St Nicholas Chapel. So next time you're in Cornwall, make sure to check out this incredible spot!

Awesome beach, clean sandy beach, blue water, sunny day...what else you would need for a perfect beach day. Be ready to do some hiking. This beach is accessible from St. Ives station, a 15-20 min walk. Absolutely beautiful. You can stay in Carbis bay and reach to St.Ives by train in just 1-2£ ticket within 10 min, and 20 min by walk. Best time is summer, so you get a sunny daylight. I visited in the end of august,where two days were sunny and 1 day was extremely windy and cloudy. So be prepared with suitable clothing. Now about food, You shouldn't miss the Cornish pasty which gives you cheapest and savory option. Also on the way, you can enjoy St.Ives' beautiful market and have a drink with beautiful sea view.

Porthgwidden Beach is an absolute gem tucked away in St Ives, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots during my visit to Cornwall. This small, sheltered beach offers a perfect retreat from the busier, more crowded beaches in the area, making it ideal for those looking for a peaceful day by the sea. The beach itself is stunning, with soft golden sand and clear, calm waters that are perfect for swimming or just wading in to cool off. The size of the beach adds to its charm—it's intimate without feeling cramped, and the surrounding cliffs provide a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere. The views out to sea are breathtaking, especially during sunset when the sky lights up with vibrant colors. One of the things I loved most about Porthgwidden Beach was how family-friendly it is. The gentle waves make it a safe spot for children to play, and there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax. Despite its smaller size, it never felt overcrowded, even during peak season. The beach also has a few handy amenities, including clean public restrooms and a lovely little café right on the beachfront, which serves delicious snacks, ice creams, and hot drinks. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and enjoy the views. Another highlight is how clean and well-maintained the beach is, with clear efforts made to preserve its natural beauty. The community feel is strong here, and it’s clear that locals and visitors alike take pride in keeping the area pristine. Overall, Porthgwidden Beach is a must-visit for anyone in the St Ives area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, a safe spot for children to play, or simply want to soak up the natural beauty of Cornwall, this beach has it all. I can’t wait to return on my next trip to Cornwall!

Very lovely beach although it gets quite busy in the afternoon with car parking so I recommend coming early and spending the whole day down there

We had an unforgettable experience at this stunning beach. We parked at The Island car park and made the short walk down to Porthgwidden beach, which was practically abandoned on a sunny but windy Tuesday morning. We'd toyed with the idea of booking a wildlife boat tour out to seal island, but had decided not to. To our surprise, within 10 seconds of arriving on the beach, we had a seal playing in the waves just feet away from us! The beach really is a hidden gem. It never became crowded, even when people arrived to enjoy a dog walk or to launch their foil surfboards. A fantastic place to sink into soft, golden-white sand and watch the waves crash against the rocks on a windy day - the perfect peaceful cove before heading into the tourist haven of St Ives!

Small beach with calm crystal clear waters and enclosed by a few big rocks. Parking nearby with amenities and toilets also close. Good if you have children or want to go for a quick dip. We could see a few crabs chilling in shallow waters it was so clear but water was quite cold.

Tiny beach, excellent for a morning swim and/or watching the sun rise.

Wonderful little dog friendly beach (dog friendly all year round). Easy steps to get down to the beach. Even our little Westie managed to get down to them. Plenty of other dogs on the beach for him to play with. This little beach was clean and tidy and couldn’t see any litter or rubbish.

Amazing town, lots of good shops, also lots of bakery shops full of pasties, scones and cakes, what more could you want.

Lovely cove, dog friendly all year round. Beautiful clear waters

Beautiful beach, stunning scenery, soft sand idle for families. Shallow water, a great place to be

Lovely popular beach in centre of St Ives, never saw the tide out so far before here. really opens the bay up. Loads of shops and amenities all around gets so packed in summer, has a festival atmosphere.

Lovely beach but do not drive through the town, very busy, one way systems very tight, 0eople everywhere that dont move and parking is a bloody nightmare! Other than this st ives is bloody lovely! Get some fresh fudge and a nice walk on the beach to go with it!

Well it’s a very quaint harbour . St Ives is a very busy place even out of season . If you want to park , get here early. It is a very photogenic place and has very aggressive seagulls . The harbour front is awash with pubs and coffee shops and the town is full of nice little artisan shops . Including Joe Downs , who makes the most amazing things out of glass . Her copper fish are my personal favourite. Enjoy your stay , be patient with the townsfolk who have to have deliveries to bring the food, drink and all the other things you will buy.

I recently visited St Ives and it honestly felt like stepping into another world. On a sunny day, it’s like being transported to a foreign country – the sparkling turquoise sea, golden sands, and stunning scenery are simply breathtaking. The town itself has such a charming, welcoming atmosphere, with its winding streets, independent shops, and plenty of spots to sit and take it all in. Whether you’re strolling along the harbour, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a drink with a view, everything about St Ives feels amazing. It’s one of those places that leaves you in awe and makes you want to return again and again.

Absolutely beautiful spot for a little rest and a bite to eat, parking is none existent so I wouldn’t even attempt driving down in to the town. I’d recommend parking up by the leisure centre and taking the 10 minute walk down the hill. Parking is £7 for 4hrs or £11 for the day.

Best beaches anywhere! Lots of interesting shops and small art galleries to visit. Not a place to drive around as roads very narrow so walking is essential and this can be steep at times but that does mean great views.

A truly pleasant, albeit often overcrowded place to be. Plenty of shops and restaurants with fantastic views out over the harbour. Seals can also sometimes be spotted within the harbour, although that sadly wasn't the case when I visited.

Fantabulous! Crystal clear water and very clean beach. Family friendly with lifeguards on duty.Lovely atmosphere and picturesque place.

Lovely harbour. Plenty of restaurants and other places to eat and drink. Lots of coffee houses. Large beach and arcades for children.

It's a brilliant beach to swim in and the waves aren't that big. Loads of places to grab a bite and a drink. There are also boat trips which are quite fun, you get to go and see seal island, I'd recommend wearing Slippers as tour shoes will get wet (book a boat trip in advance).

We went from London to visit our relatives who live nearby the beach in December, we thought weather will be poor but it was great! Very beautiful views my partner fallen in love with the beach.. very peaceful and less people around. Car Park was empty, my partner made few new friends…

Visually this is exactly how you imagine an ancient Cornish fishing town. Maze of small alleys and paths frame glorious views of the bay and harbour. Excellent retail therapy, a plethora of great pubs, amazing people watching, art galleries on every corner. Slightly exhausting avoiding cars and vans on streets built for horses.

Lovely town and harbour. Shame that when we visited it was raining but i imagine it would be beautiful with good weather.

Wonderful town on the coast with a beautiful harbour. Crystal clear water. Plenty of places to eat and drink bit parking can be annoying

Very beautiful views everywhere. You can have a walk thru shops and small streets which has a cool vibe. Don’t forget to try ice cream/ coffee from the shops.

Amazing place, really busy and minefield driving for parking also. Best to park at the barnoon car park and walk down. Be mindful 10 min walk and downhill walk and steep uphill walk.

St ives bay is a lovely sandy beach in a small bay with a cafe within steps of the beach. Walking routes around the cove up to the rnli lookout post to the next cove and beyond.

Lovely little cove beach area, with a big cafe serving coffee, cocktails and food. Although dogs aren’t allowed on the beach between 10-6 you can sit and have a drink and watch your kids if they are older and able to play on the beach without you

There are some really nice views around here. I found it impossible to get far being disabled as there are steps everywhere and the roads are really narrow so not great when competing with cars. That aside though it has a nice feel and the views are worth the effort.

Lovely little beach, safe for children to play. Water was calm, rocks to explore and cafe and seating.

The beach could be anywhere in the world, lovely clean sand clear water, great for. Family

Nice and clean water Good for swimming 🏊‍♀️

Amazing beach with a great cafe/bar and toilet facilities. You can treat yourself to a pasty and a glass of champagne- what a untapped combo! Park at Trenwith carpark and get the bus (literally lined up to take you) to the town centre. From there, it's about a very picturesque 10-15 min walk!

Very spacious beach with lots of amenities and watersports. Sea was very nice temparature and clear! Of course it gets busy on warm summer days but still very enjoyable.

Lovely golden sand and clear water! Great for swimming and sunbathing. Close to cafes, hotels and shops in St Ives, so very convenient.

The best beach i have been to and is perfect for watching the sunset. Got different shops on the sand but can get busy at times.

Great beach for all ages. It has very easy access to the village when the tide goes out. It can get a bit busy though.

Lovely sandy beach great place enjoy the sun.

A beautiful and clean beach. We visited midweek on a September afternoon and I was surprised how quiet the beach was. However, I could imagine that it gets very busy during the summer season.

This beach is stunning. White sand clear water. Watch out for the seagulls if you are taking a packet lunch. We learnt this the hard way. My favourite beach in Cornwall so far. Wheelchair accessible near to the beach bar

An easy walk from St Ives or as part of the coastal path to Zennor. Some great views across to St Ives especially early mornings.

Took a short walk from St Ives to here and back, absolutely worth it for the incredible coastal views! I recommend it, just make sure to bring appropriate footwear.

Lovely views on easy walk from St Ives. Can easily make it circular by heading Inland. A long walk further along the coast has difficult sections and is "hard"

Very pretty location with a short walking path. I personally found this to be the nicest area in St Ives! Highly recommend

Quiet. Nice walk. Rugged ground with some off path treks.

Around 1 mile costal walk from St Ives beach. Stunning views from the point. Beautiful place, you need atleast couple of hours to explore the place. Fortunate to spot some sealions. Lots of parking spaces but most of them were full.

Great views of the Cornish Coast, highly recommend.

Situated just a short walk from Porthminster Beach, it’s the perfect base for exploring the town and its stunning surroundings. The area is generally quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for those looking to relax, but it’s still within easy reach of restaurants, cafes, and local attractions. Whether you’re heading to the beach or taking a stroll into St Ives town, everything is conveniently close by.

For uk meaby any seaside in Europe is ages better

☆☆☆☆☆

visited Tate St Ives and it felt like art meeting the ocean. The building itself is bright and open, almost sculpted by the sea breeze. I loved how the light poured in, making every piece feel alive. The works of Hepworth and Nicholson connected beautifully with the town’s spirit. The changing exhibitions kept it fresh and surprising. And stepping outside—those beach views were a masterpiece on their own.

Wide selection of thought-provoking modern art, including a Kandinsky and large-scale installations. Great cafe on top, with super views of St Ives.

don’t even know where to begin… the outside facade and the architecture in this building is amazing! sees one of the most wonderful beaches from the top and the waves are so peaceful. yet i had low expectations of its curation based on reviews here. i visited with my 6 yo daughter and i could not even do justice in close to three hours. the pieces are so good, galleries are so distinct, installations and interactives are balanced with laintings, and the works are amazing. staff was super helpful. shop selection especially books were lovely. i visited london tate many times for free but this experience was worth more than the 14£ ticket price. cafe was crowded as it can be visited for free but the best view is from the galleries.

a lovely experience! most of the reviews i read said they were disappointed and that it wasnt worth the visit however the collection of art is beautiful though perhaps not accessible to those not into modern art. even still, i think the environment and the building itself its worth the visit - though i did get slightly lost and the gallery is smaller than i expected. even saying that, i could spend hours in here staring at the pieces. the cafe and shop are lovely too. staff are kind and welcoming. bought tickets online as part of the 16-25 tate collective for £5 which is well worth it!! maybe not worth anymore if youre not into modern art though.

The building itself is a beautiful round landmark overlooking Portmeor Beach. We stopped by for a short break and enjoyed a cream tea at the café on the 4th floor. The view was amazing, the cream tea was delicious, and the staff were super friendly

Setting is amazing right by the sea, with a good cafe at the top selling nice, good value food. The main collection is small but interesting. I loved the exhibition.

Lovely gallery the big round building is beautiful and as you go in there are some sheltered outdoor seating area with cushions which is a nice spot to relax. Tickets can be purchased as you go in, and the galleries are on the third floor, there is a lift. On the fourth floor there is a gift shop and a cafe. We sat on the balcony. Amazing views of the sea.

One of the best pubs in St Ives, gorgeous location overlooking the harbour beach in the sunshine watching the world go by and the seagulls. Then step inside to the cosy bar with low ceilings, friendly staff, good food and a lovely atmosphere. The steak deal was fantastic with a free bottle of wine and so delicious, cooked to perfection. Would highly recommend. St Ives and Carbis Bay absolutely gorgeous. X

We came here to meet friends, the wine was lovely , the staff are friendly and the service is very good. Guinness was very nice 👌 Stunning views and managed to get a table outside eventually. We didn't mind sitting inside too. We ate here 4 years ago and it was delicious. We didn't eat here this time but the food that went past looked amazing and smelt so good Highly recommend a visit when in St Ives.

The pub is awesome, food and drinks. In our opinion one of the best to get delicious seafood. We had great lobsters and other seafood several times there. Thank you so much!

We've stayed here before it's a great location with parking is off site but nearby. The room we stayed in was clean with lovely views and a slightly sloping floor. The floor made the bed slope and it was disconcerting to find yourself nearly falling out! The shower was lovely but they do not supply shower gel. There was too much furniture in the room and a tricky staircase to use. It's an old building with lots of quirks but the bed needed levelling. The food in the pub was great. We would stay again but not in that room.

A popular spot for both tourists and locals. They have a wide selection of beers at reasonable prices. The Rattler on tap is also a big bonus!

The mussels were great. Plump and perfectly cooked. The crab linguine was very disappointing. Bland and over cooked. The overbearing signs about glassware spoil the feel outside.

Great pub, perfect for people watching and great views of the harbour. Staff were super friendly and had a great choice of drinks - especially 0% beers.

Excellent museum with a broad & diverse history of St Ives. For a small entrance fee this is great value. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

Such a wonderful museum all about St Ives. A great place to spend a few hours especially on a rainy day. Really enjoyed it and the staff are lovely.

Very interesting place showing a lot of local history. Only £5 for adults to go in. The museum was originally the seaman's mission, so the building itself is great to look around. Disabled access via a stair lift, so not suitable for someone who is unable to transfer. The ladies were very knowledgeable and helpful. Great on a day like today we're the weather is a little wild.

A gem! So many interesting collections and we loved learning about the cultural history of St Ives as well as about the industries there. Great little cats activity for younger kids too. Thanks to Eddie and the other volunteer guide (sorry his name escapes me) for making the visit so warm and welcoming. A must visit whatever the weather!

Lovely museum slightly off the beaten track. Decent admission price of £5. Children free. Slight problem for one of our party were the stairs to enter, leave and visit one of the floors of exhibitions. Lots to see. New exhibitions from our last visit a couple of years ago. Good couple of hours spent learning about St Ives history. Recommend.

Nicely presented and interesting selection of memorabilia, from all areas of the history of St Ives. Staff were lovely and encouraged the children to do little activities that they had set up for the holidays. £5 Entry for adults and children are free.

An amazing volunteer run museum showing life in St Ives over the centuries. Free to enter but you will want to give a donation by the time you are ready to leave. If you are in St Ives dont miss this little gem.

Beautiful spot, plenty to see

Great estuary although best for bird watching in other seasons we still saw a good variety when we went on a July afternoon. Nice big bird hide to view from. Path along carnsew road is narrow and the road is busy so be careful while walking.

Beautiful walk, stunning stretch of beach, got Hayle beach just down the road, 7 miles of sandy beaches, local shops, cafes and pubs, plus so many pasty shops, a fun day out

Plenty of birds Lovely nature reserve area

Great time, be careful crossing very busy road to view estuary.

A good number of birds seen at low tide. The path that leads around the Carnsew Pool gives good views from all sides with minimal disturbance to the birds. Parking is conveniently situated on the Asda car park. Further down the road is the Ryan's Field area. This has a well defined path around the area. There is a hide at one end of the area, this is well made and well positioned to give good views.

The RSPB maintains a good hide here which is comfortable, has parking and displays local information. The hide is near the estuary where there is a myriad of wild fowl and waders to see. Often has rare migrants along the estuary but the hide itself does not over look the best bird watching area. A good pair of binoculars or preferably a scope is needed to see the birds and pay careful attention to the tides. There are several car parks along the estuary where good views can be obtained.

Had an amazing time in my surfing class today. The waves were big, but that made it even more exciting. My coach, Charlie, was super helpful and patient—he guided me through getting on the board at the right time and finding the right position. I even learned how to change direction! I really enjoyed the whole experience and will definitely be back for more

Visited here on the 20th of August for a beginners lesson with my partner who had booked this as a suprise and it was one of the best experiences and would definitely recommend trying it at least once! The instructors were very knowledgeable and friendly, a short brief on the beach was then followed by catching the waves lying down and then a little break and learning how to stand then back into the water. It was great conditions and I was standing up in no time on the board riding the waves! 5* for St Ives surf school, it's a must!

The instructors are amazing. I booked 2 lessons for my kids and the progress was just phenomenal. A really nice activity. Good value. Definitely get there 30 mins before your lesson, as advised, as it’s takes a wee while to get wetsuits on!!

We just had a two hour lesson with Hattie, and it was absolutely awesome! It was so fun and special thank you to Hattie who was such a good teacher and very friendly and made it so enjoyable! Would highly recommend and will definitely be coming back! Evie and Giles :)

Had a great time at the surf school. Great surf at Porthmeor beach in October, and learned loads from the instructor (Charlie) as a beginner. Guaranteed good times regardless of your level.

Highly recommend this surf school. All members of staff are knowledgeable, supporting and kind!!!! Thank you for a great coasteeing session. 6th August 2025.

Had the beginner surf lesson with my partner. Staff is really knowledgeable and helpful - really taking the time to individually identify where you can improve! It was a really fun session even though surfing conditions were not optimal (small waves) the instruction made it so we could stand up by ourselves in several waves! Every bit of equipment is included and there is a storage room for our belongings.

Just returned from a wonderful stay in Coach House 1. Spacious, very clean, well equipped with lovely towels, sheets and duvets!! Oh the view was great, two parking places (a real bonus in St Ives) and only ten minutes into the hustle and bustle of the town, but far enough away to be quiet and peaceful. Highly recommended.

Had a lovely stay in St Ives at The Coach house. Fantastic location just a short walk to the beach and town centre and great views from the apartments living space. Very modern, clean and comfortable with everything you could need. Would not hesitate to stay again and recommend to friends and family. Thank you!

These flats are lovely in a great position about 10 minutes walk from the centre of St Ives . 5 minutes walk from Porthminster beach . These luxurious flats have everything you need to enjoy a holiday in St Ives . Lovely picture window in flat 1 with sea views and outside terrace to the rear. Great location for playing golf , approx 7 minutes drive from West Cornwall where we enjoyed a round of links golf. Ideal for visiting other local villages and place of interest . Easy parking too which is an added bonus , I hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did .

The perfect location for a stay in St Ives! The coach house is light, modern and airy, with everything you could need! You can be at the beach and in town with just a few minutes walk. Would definitely recommend!!

We stayed in Coach House 2 which was spotlessly clean with lovely views. There was enough space to park 2 cars with a 10 min walk into the centre of St Ives, a bus stop right outside and Tesco just up the road. Good TV with Netflix and a small selection of children's books & toys. Very enjoyable stay

These apartments are simply fantastic we spent a week over new year with our very relaxes spaniel. The accommodation was first class with a lovely lounge dinning area and bedrooms. The kitchen was state of the art with anhob and 2 intergrall ovens the space was airy and so light it felt like we were abroad with views of the sea from the excellent enclosed balcony. A massive TV with sky in the lounge and TV in both bedrooms. A bit of a hill to climb to get back from the town but an easy walk down an taxis about 4 pounds back if you don't want the walk. Couldn't give this place enough praise. Plus the information provided meant we had everything we needed without having to look for anything. It was everything I could have hoped for and more.

What a fabulous flat! Bright, airy, comfortable and feeling spacious, there is everything for your comfort with walks from the door.

We had a fantastic time staying at Porthia Penthouse. The apartment is beautifully decorated and comes equipped with everything you need. The view from the balcony is spectacular. The beds are extremely comfortable and there are SmartTVs in the lounge and both bedrooms (which saves arguments over what to watch!). There is a parking space right outside and the apartment is well situated in St Ives. It overlooks the beach and is only a short walk into town. The Harbour Spa Hotel is on the same street and the apartment comes with two guest passes. We had such a nice time it was hard to leave!

We absolutely loved our stay at Porthia Penthouse. The location was superb, overlooking Porthminster beach and a very short walk into the center of St Ives. The quality of accommodation was excellent, very well equipped and super fast WiFi. The apartment has a fantastic sense of space and light with amazing views from so many different angles. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our holiday and can't wait to return.

Wonderful accommodation, way beyond expectations

One of a row of stone built properties with a veranda at the very edge of the beach. A good high tide hits the wall immediately below you 😀

Fantastic view! It's worth the taking the coast trail from St Ives. This trail walk also provides very beautiful views of the coast. It's easy to manage for even normal people. Beach is very clean and surreal. There is cave kind of structure at one end of the beach, you can peep inside (not recommended to enter). Train station is just around the corner. So, it's easy to catch the train back to St Erth from here, instead of catching it from St Ives.

Great beach gets busy and is hilly but worth it. Has toilets and beach shop for refreshments and ice cream and beach toys...

Lovely small beach, but boy the hills are steep to get down there and back up again.

Carbis Bay Beach is absolutely stunning – the perfect spot to truly feel the essence of summer! The golden sand, clear turquoise water, and breathtaking views make it a dream destination for anyone looking to relax or explore. It’s not just a beach, it’s a wonderful touristic place where you can soak up the sun, take refreshing swims, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Cornwall. The area feels peaceful yet lively, with plenty of nearby cafes and activities to make the day unforgettable. A true gem where summer really comes alive – highly recommended! 🌞🌊

Beauty. Loved my week here. Blue is now my fsvourite colour. Especially torquoise.

Beautiful beach with calm waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Stunning views!

Gorgeous wide expanse of clean, fine white sand - perfect for sandcastle building and sand sculpting! Strong winds and big waves when we visited so worth taking windbreaks and warm layers, even on a sunny day. We parked - free after 4pm - in the car park at the top of the hill. Steep descent to the beach; not accessible and a tough hill climb for myself, as an able asthmatic on the way back. Well worth it though: we'd definitely go back.