Porthgwidden Beach Guide
Discover the beauty of Porthgwidden Beach and its inviting golden sands. Located on the north coast of Cornwall in...
by Katy Depledge / Beaches
For those visiting Cornwall in search of the perfect coastal break, the beaches in St Ives are second to none. This picturesque area is renowned for having stunning sandy coves, impressive unspoilt bays and pretty ‘secret’ inlets.
Whether you’re looking to dip your toes in the sea, build sandcastles, or bask in the sunshine, these St Ives beaches offer the perfect setting.
Our expert team are delighted to share their local knowledge on the best St Ives beaches for all activities, to make your next holiday truly unforgettable.
Click the links below for individual beaches, or read on for our comprehensive guide.
• What makes St Ives beaches so attractive
• Harbour Beach
• Porthmeor Beach
• Lambeth Walk Beach
• Porthminster Beach
• Bamaluz Beach
• Porthgwidden Beach
• Map of St Ives Beaches
• St Ives Accommodation
The variety of beaches available in this relatively small area means there is truly a beach for every activity and preference!
Nestled on the Atlantic coast in northwest Cornwall, St Ives Bay forms a shallow crescent shape, covering 4 miles of breathtaking shoreline. There are also numerous other spots to visit, including dog friendly, family focussed and romantic coves.
True to its name, Harbour Beach is situated in the bustling harbour of St Ives. This sandy beach is flanked by shimmering waters on one side and a lively assortment of shops, galleries and cafes on the other.
It is the quintessential seaside town experience. Enjoy the view of boats bobbing on the water, perhaps with a Cornish ice cream in hand – just watch out for the seagulls, as they’re known to steal both pasties and ice cream!
This beach is ideal for those who enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a working harbour. You can watch fishermen bring in their daily catch or take a boat trip to explore the coastline from the sea. There is always a lot going on here, making it an excellent spot for people-watching and soaking up the local culture.
Located beneath the iconic Tate St Ives, one of the best galleries in St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is a golden sandy haven popular with families. This Blue Flag beach boasts numerous facilities, including two cafés (one only operates seasonally), a surf school, and lifeguards during peak holiday times.
This St Ives beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, thanks to the Atlantic swells. The St Ives Surf School offers lessons for all levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll find the right waves here.
The beach is also a fantastic spot for sunbathing and picnicking, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sunshine. With the Tate St Ives providing a cultural backdrop, you can easily combine a day of beach fun with a visit to this world-class gallery.
Dog lovers will appreciate the next entry on our guide to St Ives beaches, Lambeth Walk Beach, which is dog-friendly all year round. Whilst it is inaccessible at high tide, low tide reveals a sandy and rocky beach that connects to nearby Porthminster Beach.
This beach offers a more rugged and natural setting compared to some of the more commercialised beaches. It’s an excellent spot for rock pooling and exploring marine life, making it a hit with children and nature enthusiasts.
The proximity to Porthminster Beach allows for a pleasant walk between the two when the tide is out, giving you the chance to experience both beaches in one visit.
Porthminster Beach is a large, sheltered, sandy beach ideal for families. Conveniently located next to St Ives train station, it also has a car park but be warned, it fills up quickly in the busy season. The harbour and town centre are a short, level walk.
With its calm, clear waters, Porthminster Beach is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. This St Ives beach has a gentle slope and a sheltered position that make it particularly safe for children.
At extreme low tides, you can walk from the harbour beach around the headland. Historically, this was the beach mainly used by the Victorians who came by train from Penzance and further afield.
There’s a lovely award-winning café and restaurant right on the beach with a fabulous terrace, serving delicious local seafood and other treats, making it easy to spend the day here without leaving for refreshments. Discover more great places to eat in our guide to the best restaurants in St Ives.
Bamaluz Beach, nestled between the harbour and Porthgwidden Beach, offers a quiet retreat with sandy shores and views of the remnants of the Wheal Dream tin mine.
While the high walls can block the sun and the beach shrinks at high tide, it remains dog-friendly all year round and is often overlooked by visitors.
This beach is ideal for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful spot; it is rarely busy even in the height of Summer. The historical remnants of the tin mine add an intriguing element to your beach day, allowing you to ponder the rich mining history of the area.
The beach is accessed via a steep set of steps in front of St Ives Museum – why not nip in as you are passing, and add a touch of history to your visit. Winner of the ‘Best Project on a Budget’ at the 2025 Cornwall Heritage Awards, this fascinating local museum is not to be missed!
Bamaluz Beach is a hidden gem, providing a serene escape from the more crowded beaches nearby.
Smaller than some of its neighbours, Porthgwidden Beach is a sheltered sandy spot perfect for soaking up the sun, and is the most popular for families with small children.
Porthgwidden Beach Café is at the head of the beach, offering barbecues in the summer months. Enjoy fresh seafood and other delicious meals, all with a beautiful sea view.
Porthgwidden Beach is particularly known for its picturesque setting, framed by cliffs and offering a cosy, intimate atmosphere whilst still conveniently located near the town. The beach is great for swimming and paddling, with clear waters, gentle waves and safe bathing buoys. There are also plenty of small rock pools to explore.
After a morning on the beach, and a relaxing lunch, why not enjoy a walk up the hill to ‘The Island’, where you will find St Nicholas Chapel, dating back to the turn of the century.
There is also a lookout run by the National Coastwatch Institution. From here, the views are outstanding in both directions, extending to the East past Godrevy Lighthouse to Trevose Head near Padstow, and to the West across to Clodgy Point and the rough cliffs of Zennor.
For more information, why not read our dedicated Porthgwidden Beach Guide.
by Katy Depledge / Beaches
Hi, I'm Katy and I joined the team in February 2020. I love travelling the UK and exploring our beautiful country. From the mig...
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