With its crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and stunning clifftop walks, Carbis Bay Beach truly is a slice of paradise. I haven’t been anywhere quite like it in England. This picturesque cove is located just a few miles from St. Ives in Cornwall.
What to see and do at Carbis Bay Beach
The main attraction that brings people to Carbis Bay Beach is of course, its clear blue waters and fine white sand. It has been named a Blue Flag Beach (one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches) for over 17 years now.
You can enjoy a range of activities at Carbis Bay Beach, from swimming and paddleboarding, to kayaking and fishing. Fishing fans will enjoy the plenty of mackerel and sea bass to be caught in the bay. The beach is situated in a sheltered bay which means the water is calm, making it perfect to paddle in and safe for children or dogs who want to enjoy the sea.
For those who prefer to stay on land, there’s fewer spots more idyllic than this for sunbathing and relaxing with music or a book. The bay is surrounded by rocky cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop for photos, and there are small waterfalls that trickle down, which further adds to the peaceful energy this beach has.
The coastal path is a must-see for anyone visiting Carbis Bay Beach. The path offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding countryside. Depending on how far you wish to go, it leads to other beaches including Porthkidney Beach to the east and Porthminster Beach to the west.
The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. If you’re a nature enthusiast, it’s an ideal place to try and spot things you may not come across every day.
Is Carbis Bay Beach dog friendly?
Yes, one of the great things about Carbis Bay Beach is that it welcomes dogs all year round. There are some restrictions during the peak season though (from July to September). Dogs are allowed on the beach during these months, but they must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm. Outside of these hours and the other months of the year, dogs can run freely on the beach.
It’s worth noting that there are no dog waste bins on the beach, so it’s important to bring your own bags and dispose of them in the designated bins closer to the street.
The Carbis Bay Hotel, which is located on the beach, welcomes dogs in their outside seating area. The hotel also has a dog wash station, which is perfect for cleaning sandy paws before heading home.
After visiting Carbis Bay Beach with two dogs, I can confidently say that it is a great destination that both dogs and their owners will enjoy!
Places to eat in Carbis Bay
One of the major draws for visiting Carbis Bay Beach is that it is less busy compared to nearby St Ives. This does mean however that there are less eateries/shops/facilities nearby. There are definitely some great places in the local vicinity to eat, but only one is directly on the beach.
Already mentioned above, The Carbis Bay Hotel is the only place on the beach and has several dining options. There’s the Deli which offers takeaway sandwiches and seafood platters. The Beach Club with a laid back vibe offers a menu of pizzas, burgers, and pastas. Then there’s the very upmarket Ugly Butterfly, and The Hungry Gannet. The hotel also owns Lower Deck, open daily throughout the summer months, which serves a selection of hot and cold snacks, pizzas, beverages and ice creams, as well as selling beach items.
About a ten minute walk from Carbis Bay Beach is The Gannet Inn which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as cream tea. The hearty menu is modern British cuisine and has been created by the Rosette winning chef at the Carbis Bay Estate.
There’s nothing quite like fresh fish and chips enjoyed by the sea. You can dine in at Beck’s Fish and Chips or take it away. It’s very popular, we queued to order our fish and chips but I can attest that it was totally worth it! It’s about a 15 minute walk from Carbis Bay Beach.
If you’re after a restaurant that has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, try La Casita. It serves tapas and dishes inspired by the flavours and produce of Spain. You can dine in or takeaway.
Last but not least is The Bean Inn. It’s rare to find a solely vegetarian and vegan restaurant, but this one has been serving the local community for over 20 years. Lots of globally inspired dishes made from local ingredients, perfect for those looking for plant based options.
Suggestion: If you have a dog with you, I’d advise calling ahead to see if dogs are allowed so you don’t end up disappointed!
Parking near Carbis Bay Beach
Carbis Bay Hotel has a small car park open to non-guests, as does Carbis Bay train station, however spaces are very limited.
There is a bigger car park, Porthrepta Long Stay Car Park, which has 180 spaces and is about a 10 minute walk to the beach (note the road to the beach is fairly steep). The postcode is TR26 2NZ. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a parking spot. All the roads close to the beach have double yellow lines so there’s no road parking available.
Additionally there are buses and trains that stop nearby, which are worth considering depending on where you’re travelling from. We were actually staying in Carbis Bay just a dreamy five minute walk from this beach, so I can’t provide a personal opinion on the public transport options!
Walks from Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay Beach is a great starting spot for several walks in the area, all of which provide stunning views of the Cornish coastline and the surrounding countryside. Here are a few walks that I recommend:
Walk to St Ives
This very gentle stroll travels above the railway line. There are relics to see along the way including a Celtic saint’s medieval chapel and a fishermen’s lookout hut, as well as shipwrecks. The walk takes about 30 minutes and the terrain is relatively flat the whole way.
Walk to Porthkidney Sands
A short walk either side of the railway line, this old pilgrim route, St Michael’s Way, follows the footsteps of one of many ancient saints who visited these shores. This circular route takes about an hour and means you’ll get to enjoy a birds eye view of two golden sand beaches.
Walk to Lelant
This walk is longer but it’s worth it for the views. It takes about two hours and follows the South West Coast Path towards Lelant. Along the way, you will pass several secluded coves and beaches. It’s an area noted for rare wildflowers and migratory birds. The walk is moderately challenging, with some steep sections and uneven terrain.
Carbis Bay Beach is in an idyllic cove in a beautiful part of the country. Made up of glorious white sand and clear waters, there’s no better place to take in the sea air and enjoy a slower pace of life. I hope that your visit is as memorable as mine was!
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
