Porthgwidden Beach St Ives
A sheltered, picturesque cove in St Ives with golden sands, turquoise waters, and frequent seal sightings. Perfect for relaxation and wildlife encount...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny daylight, fewer crowds
Porthgwidden Beach St Ives
Best Time
Sunny daylight, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sheltered, picturesque cove in St Ives with golden sands, turquoise waters, and frequent seal sightings. Perfect for relaxation and wildlife encounters.
"It's a lovely beach to watch the sunset and also a great beach for surfing. It’s very beginner friendly and welcoming."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for morning to secure a spot and enjoy the beach before it gets busy. :car:
🦭 Seal Encounters
You might spot seals playing near the shore! Keep a respectful distance and enjoy the magic.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seal Spotting
Near the shore
Keep an eye out for Sammy the seal and his friends playing in the waves – an unforgettable wildlife encounter!
Porthgwidden Beach Cafe
Beachfront
Enjoy a meal or drink while watching seals and the bay. A cozy spot, even on a rainy day.
Golden Sands & Turquoise Waters
Main beach area
Relax on clean, soft sand and admire the vibrant blue, clear waters. Perfect for unwinding.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for morning to secure a spot and enjoy the beach before it gets busy. :car:
🦭 Seal Encounters
You might spot seals playing near the shore! Keep a respectful distance and enjoy the magic.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Cornish weather is unpredictable. Layers are key – it can be sunny one moment, windy the next!
🚶♀️ Walk from St Ives Station
A scenic 15-20 min walk from the station. Or take the train from Carbis Bay for a quick hop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for morning to secure a spot and enjoy the beach before it gets busy. :car:
🦭 Seal Encounters
You might spot seals playing near the shore! Keep a respectful distance and enjoy the magic.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Cornish weather is unpredictable. Layers are key – it can be sunny one moment, windy the next!
🚶♀️ Walk from St Ives Station
A scenic 15-20 min walk from the station. Or take the train from Carbis Bay for a quick hop.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surfing Spot
Great for beginners and welcoming to surfers, especially on windy days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Porthgwidden Beach for its beautiful, clean sand and vibrant blue waters, offering a peaceful escape. Many highlight the joy of spotting seals playing nearby and the convenience of the beachfront cafe. While some note it can get busy with limited parking, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many finding it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Cornish coast.
"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."
Highway Video
"A lovely beach to watch the sunset and also a great beach for surfing. It’s very beginner friendly and welcoming."
James
"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."
Anu Verma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porthgwidden Beach is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from St Ives town center and station. You can also take a short train ride from Carbis Bay to St Ives and then walk.
Parking is available, but can be limited and fills up quickly, especially in the afternoon. The Island car park is a popular option. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, it's a scenic 15-20 minute walk from St Ives station, offering lovely coastal views along the way.
Yes, you can take a train to St Ives station and then enjoy a walk to the beach. Alternatively, staying in Carbis Bay and taking the train to St Ives is also a convenient option.
Take the train from Carbis Bay to St Ives (a quick and inexpensive journey) and then enjoy a 15-20 minute walk to Porthgwidden Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Porthgwidden Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. You can enjoy it freely.
Entry to the beach itself is free. However, there are charges for parking in nearby car parks.
Porthgwidden Beach is accessible at all times, as it's a natural public space. The Porthgwidden Beach Cafe has its own operating hours.
Yes, Porthgwidden Beach is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy the coast.
As a public beach, you cannot book specific spots. It's first-come, first-served, so arriving early is advised for the best experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Porthgwidden Beach is a sheltered, sandy cove with turquoise waters, flanked by rocky embankments. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and is great for relaxing and wildlife spotting.
Yes, its sheltered nature and calm waters make it a good choice for families. The soft sand is perfect for playing.
Yes, the waters are generally calm and clear, making it suitable for swimming, especially during warmer months.
You can relax on the sand, swim, sunbathe, watch for seals, and enjoy the views. It's also a spot for foil surfing.
It can get busy in the afternoons, especially during peak season. Mornings are generally quieter and more peaceful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Porthgwidden Beach Cafe is located right on the beach, offering food and drinks with a view of the bay and potential seal sightings.
Don't miss trying a traditional Cornish pasty from one of the local bakeries in St Ives. The cafe at Porthgwidden also offers refreshments.
Absolutely! Porthgwidden Beach is a perfect spot for a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the beach clean.
The cafe offers meals and drinks, and is known for being a cozy spot to watch seals play in the bay.
While the cafe offers direct beach views, St Ives town has many restaurants and pubs with beautiful sea views overlooking the harbour.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the turquoise waters, golden sands, rocky embankments, and the charming Porthgwidden Beach Cafe. Sunrise and sunset can offer stunning light.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Evenings can provide beautiful sunset colors.
Yes, seals are often spotted playing near the shore, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
The rocky embankments on either side of the beach offer elevated perspectives. The beach itself provides a great foreground for capturing the sea and sky.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the beach and sea. A telephoto lens can be useful for seal spotting. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the sand and to find easier parking. Pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and beach toys. The walk from St Ives station is manageable for most families, but consider the train from Carbis Bay if little legs get tired easily.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Watersports Enthusiasts
Consider: Check the tide times and wind conditions before you go. Porthgwidden is best when there's a bit of swell and wind, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. The beach cafe is a great place to refuel after a session.
📸 Photographers
+1Best light: Aim for early mornings for soft, diffused light and fewer crowds, or late afternoons for warm, golden hour hues. Don't forget your camera if you hear about seals in the bay – it's a wildlife photography dream!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Porthgwidden Beach
This beach is particularly known for its potential for wildlife encounters. Seals are frequently spotted playing in the bay, offering a magical experience for visitors. The Porthgwidden Beach Cafe provides a cozy vantage point to enjoy refreshments while observing these marine mammals.
Despite its serene ambiance, Porthgwidden Beach can become quite popular, especially during peak times. Parking is limited, so arriving early is a key tip for visitors. The beach is also a welcoming spot for surfers, particularly beginners, who can take advantage of the waves on breezier days.
Navigating St Ives and Porthgwidden Beach
Parking in St Ives is notoriously challenging. The Island car park is a common choice for visitors heading to Porthgwidden, but it tends to fill up rapidly, especially during the summer months and busy afternoons. Planning your arrival for the morning is highly recommended to avoid parking frustrations and to make the most of the beach's quieter hours.
Once you're in St Ives, exploring the town before or after your beach visit is a must. Wander through the narrow streets, browse the independent shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The proximity of Porthgwidden to other St Ives beaches like Harbour Beach and Porthmeor means you can easily explore multiple coastal spots in one day.
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