Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

Carbis Bay Beaches

Overview

Carbis Bay, nestled on the Cornish coast, is a sought-after destination famed for its beautiful, sheltered bay and slightly more tranquil atmosphere than nearby St Ives. It's an excellent choice for families, largely thanks to the calm, clear waters of its main beach, Carbis Bay Beach. This Blue Flag award-winning stretch of fine golden sand, privately owned but open to all, gained international recognition hosting the G7 Summit, highlighting its picturesque setting.

Just a short, scenic walk or train ride away lies the vibrant town of St Ives, offering even more coastal charm. Here you'll find the popular Porthminster beach, a classic seaside spot perfect for relaxing. For a different vibe, Porthmeor Beach uniquely combines surfing waves with culture, sitting right below the renowned Tate St Ives gallery.

While Carbis Bay offers tranquility, adventurous visitors might take a day trip to experience the breathtaking, iconic beauty of Kynance Cove further down the coast. For those seeking vast open sands closer by, Porthkidney Sands offers a quieter alternative just along the coast path towards Hayle. Discover even more stunning beaches in our comprehensive guide to the area.

FAQ

Is Carbis Bay good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Carbis Bay is an excellent choice for a family beach holiday. The beach is known for its calm, sheltered waters, making it ideal for swimming and safe for children. The fine golden sand is perfect for building sandcastles and playing. The beach has Blue Flag status, indicating high water quality and cleanliness. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak summer months (usually July and August, or more specifically, from July 13th to September 1st, between 10 am and 6 pm daily). Facilities like toilets and cafes are readily available.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

Can you swim at Carbis Bay beach and what is the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Carbis Bay beach. The bay is naturally sheltered from strong Atlantic swells, resulting in calm and tranquil waters, which are ideal for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The water is known for its clarity and cleanliness, often described as turquoise, contributing to the beach's Blue Flag status. Lifeguard services are available during the summer season for added safety.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

What's the parking situation like at Carbis Bay beach?

There are a few parking options for Carbis Bay Beach. The Carbis Bay Hotel has a small, privately owned pay-and-display car park right by the beach, but it can be expensive and fill up quickly. Another option is the Porthrepta Long Stay Car Park (also known as Station Car Park), located a few hundred yards away (about a 5-10 minute walk) from the beach; this car park is larger and generally cheaper, but the walk to the beach is down a steep hill. Some limited roadside parking may be found in residential areas like Boskerris Road, but restrictions can apply.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

Are dogs allowed on Carbis Bay beach?

Dogs are welcome on Carbis Bay beach, but there are seasonal restrictions. A dog ban is in place from 15th May to 30th September, between 10 am and 6 pm. Outside of these dates and times, dogs are allowed on the beach. It's always a good idea to check the latest local council guidelines before your visit.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

How do you get to Carbis Bay beach by public transport?

Carbis Bay beach is accessible by both train and bus. The Carbis Bay railway station is conveniently located just 100 yards behind the east end of the beach and is part of the scenic St Ives Bay Line, connecting St Ives and St Erth. Several bus services, including the T2 (Truro to St Ives) and the 17 (Penzance to St Ives), stop in Carbis Bay. The Boskerris Road stop is the closest to the beach, about a ten-minute walk away. The Land's End Coaster bus also provides a scenic route to the beach.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

Is Carbis Bay beach privately owned?

Yes, Carbis Bay Beach is privately owned by the Carbis Bay Hotel. However, it is open to the public and free for all visitors to use throughout the year.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

What facilities are available at Carbis Bay beach?

Carbis Bay beach offers a range of facilities. There are public toilets located near the beach club. The Carbis Bay Hotel provides several dining options, including a beach bar, cafe (The Lower Deck, open seasonally), and restaurants. There's also a beach shop selling essentials. Watersports equipment hire and lessons are available from the Ocean Sports Centre directly on the beach.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

Is Carbis Bay good for surfing?

Carbis Bay is generally not a prime surfing destination due to its sheltered nature, which results in calm waters with little to no significant waves. While it might offer gentle surf suitable for absolute beginners on some days, experienced surfers looking for more challenging waves would be better off visiting nearby beaches like Porthmeor in St Ives.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach

People Also Ask

What watersports can you do at Carbis Bay?

The calm waters of Carbis Bay make it ideal for a variety of watersports. Popular activities include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and swimming. The Ocean Sports Centre, located on the beach, offers lessons and hire for SUPs, mega SUPs, kayaks, and wetsuits. They also provide more specialist activities like Hawaiian canoeing, outrigging, and foiling.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

How far is Carbis Bay from St Ives and can you walk between them?

Carbis Bay is approximately 1-2 miles from St Ives. Yes, you can walk between Carbis Bay and St Ives along the South West Coast Path. The walk to Porthminster Beach in St Ives takes around 15-30 minutes and offers beautiful coastal views.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach
Porthminster
Porthminster

Is Carbis Bay beach accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues?

Yes, Carbis Bay beach has some accessibility features. There is a concrete ramp leading onto the beach, and disabled parking spaces are available in the Carbis Bay Hotel car park. Additionally, beach wheelchairs or buggies can sometimes be hired locally, for example, from Porthminster Beach Café (it's advisable to call ahead to confirm availability).
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach
Porthminster
Porthminster

When is the best time to visit Carbis Bay beach to avoid crowds?

Carbis Bay is a popular beach, especially during the peak summer months (July and August) and school holidays. To avoid the largest crowds, consider visiting outside of these times, such as during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn). If visiting in summer, going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can also mean fewer people. The eastern end of the beach tends to be quieter than the area near the main facilities.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

Are there lifeguards at Carbis Bay beach?

Yes, there are RNLI lifeguards on duty at Carbis Bay beach during the peak season. Typically, this is from around mid-July to early September, with patrol times usually from 10 am to 6 pm daily. It's always best to check the specific dates and times for the year you are visiting, as these can sometimes vary slightly. Remember, no flags mean no lifeguards.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

What is the sand like at Carbis Bay beach?

Carbis Bay beach is renowned for its beautiful fine golden sand, often described as having an almost tropical feel. The sand is soft and clean, making it perfect for sunbathing, walking, and children playing.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach

Are there any good alternatives to Carbis Bay beach nearby if it's too crowded?

Yes, if Carbis Bay beach is too crowded, there are other excellent beaches nearby. Porthkidney Sands is a short walk away along the coast path towards Hayle and is a much larger expanse of sand, often quieter and dog-friendly all year round. In the other direction, St Ives has several beaches, including Porthminster (also accessible via the coast path), Porthmeor (popular with surfers), and the Harbour beach, though these can also get busy.
Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Beach
Porthminster
Porthminster
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach

Beaches for Every Taste

Dog Friendly Beaches in Carbis Bay

Nudist Beaches in Carbis Bay

Local gems for everyone

Explore More Local Beaches

📍 21.2km - Carbis Bay
Pedn Vounder

Pedn Vounder

Pedn Vounder is a beach situated in Cornwall, UK, with the name m...

📍 21.2km - Carbis Bay
Sennen Cove

Sennen Cove

Sennen Cove is a well-known beach situated in Cornwall, UK, and h...

📍 4.8km - Carbis Bay
Gwithian

Gwithian

Gwithian beach, located in Cornwall, UK, is a sandy beach with mi...

📍 21.7km - Carbis Bay
Porthcurno

Porthcurno

Porthcurno, situated in the western region of Cornwall, boasts a ...

📍 6.5km - Carbis Bay
Godrevy

Godrevy

Godrevy beach is situated in Cornwall, UK and is a component of H...

📍 4.8km - Carbis Bay
Upton Towans Beach

Upton Towans Beach

Upton Towans Beach is a stunningly beautiful beach located in Cor...

📍 3.9km - Carbis Bay
The Towans

The Towans

The Towans is a stunning beach located near St Ives Bay holiday p...

📍 3.6km - Carbis Bay
Mexico Towans Beach

Mexico Towans Beach

Mexico Towans Beach is a stunning beach located in Cornwall, know...

The fastest way to find the best Carbis Bay Beaches

Carbis Bay Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Carbis Bay: Weather Today

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today might not be ideal for the beach. Expect some drizzle. The wind will be noticeable, with stronger gusts at times. The cloud cover will be significant, so sunshine may be limited, but the UV index will reach 6.45. The air temperature will reach a high of 17.9 °C. The sea temperature is 16.9 °C, and the waves will be moderate.
🌬️

Air

Low / High17°C/17.9°C
Feels Like (High)18.6°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature16.9 °C
Wave Height0.9 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance23%
Rainfall0.6 mm
Rain Duration4 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:42/21:13
Sunshine Hours7.4 hrs
UV Index6.45
Cloud Cover77%
💨

Wind

Speed24.1 km/h
Gusts35.6 km/h
DirectionNW

Find your perfect beach with our expertly crafted lists

Lists

Top 7 Nudist Beaches Near London
Top 7 Nudist Beaches Near Lond...

More Beaches Nearby

Explore More

United Kingdom
United Kingdom Beaches
England
England Beaches
Cornwall
Cornwall Beaches