Everything you need for your dream Cornish holiday is right here in Carbis Bay. With its crystal clear turquoise waters and soft golden sands, it feels closer to the Mediterranean than the Cornish coast, often compared to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. However, it still holds onto its Cornish charm, with a strong sense of local culture, cuisine and creativity.
Whether you are travelling as a family, bringing the dog, planning a romantic escape or simply looking to unwind, Carbis Bay has so much to offer.
Read on for our local guide to Carbis Bay, from art and shops to beaches, walks and more.
Art & culture
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden © Bowness. Photo © Kirstin Prisk.
Carbis Bay sits just moments from St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most celebrated creative hubs, long loved by artists for its unique light, coastal scenery and relaxed pace of life.
Hop on the train from Carbis Bay into St Ives. It’s a short journey, but one of the most scenic in the UK, hugging the coastline with uninterrupted sea views along the way.
Art lovers are spoilt for choice here. Visit Tate St Ives for a rotating programme of modern and contemporary exhibitions inspired by the landscape and artistic heritage of the area. Just a short walk away, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers a more intimate experience, set within the artist’s former home and studio, where her sculptures sit amongst subtropical plants.
Beyond the galleries, St Ives is full of independent studios, small exhibitions and working artists. Wander through the narrow streets and you’ll find everything from contemporary ceramics to coastal-inspired paintings, making it just as much about discovery as destination.
Beach Days
Porthminster Beach, St Ives
Carbis Bay Beach is right on your doorstep — a sheltered bay with soft white sand and calm, clear water, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and slower days by the sea.
Along this stretch of coastline, each beach has its own distinct feel, all within easy reach.
Just a short journey away:
Porthkidney Sands (5 minutes drive / 20–25 minute walk)
Tucked away at the far end of Carbis Bay, this quieter stretch of sand sits alongside the Hayle estuary. Wide, peaceful and often less busy, it’s ideal for dog walks and slower, more relaxed beach days.
Porthminster Beach (5 minutes drive / short train ride)
Wide and sandy with gentle waters, this beach in St Ives is backed by palm trees and a popular beach café, giving it a relaxed, Mediterranean feel on warmer days.
Porthmeor Beach (5 minutes drive/short train ride)
More open and exposed, this is St Ives’ surf beach, known for its rolling waves, golden sand and lively atmosphere. It’s a favourite for surfers and sunset watchers alike.
A little further along the coast:
Gwithian Beach, Hayle (15–20 minutes drive)
Set within the sweeping dunes of Gwithian Towans, this vast stretch of sand feels wild, open and beautifully unspoilt. With views out to Godrevy Lighthouse, it’s perfect for long coastal walks, dog-friendly beach days and some of the best surf on the north coast. The space here means it never feels crowded, even in peak season.
Coastal Walks
South West Coast Path, Zennor
Carbis Bay is perfectly placed for exploring the South West Coast Path, one of the UK’s most spectacular walking routes.
From your doorstep, you can join the path and head towards St Ives for an easy, scenic walk with sweeping sea views and plenty of spots to stop along the way.
For something a little more adventurous, continue beyond St Ives towards Zennor. This stretch is wilder and more rugged, with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and a real sense of escape. It’s a favourite for those looking to experience Cornwall at its most untamed.
Around Gwithian Towans, you’ll find a different kind of landscape — rolling sand dunes, wide open skies and miles of paths to wander. It’s ideal for slower walks, dog-friendly exploring and taking in views towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
Food & Drink
The Bean Inn, Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is a hub of great places to eat, offering a mix of delicious local food and high-quality dining, all within easy reach.
Carbis Bay:
- Beck’s Fish and Chips: A go-to after a day by the sea — classic fish and chips, perfect to take down to the beach.
- The Gannet Inn: A slightly more refined option with a cosy feel, offering seasonal menus and locally sourced ingredients.
- Romano’s: A long-standing local favourite for Italian dishes, great for relaxed, family-friendly meals and easy evenings out.
- The Cornish Arms: A classic local pub if you’re looking for a proper Cornish pint.
Just a few minutes away in St Ives:
- Porthminster Beach Café: Beachfront dining with fresh, seasonal dishes and sweeping views across the bay.
- Porthmeor Beach Café: A more laid-back option, perfect for post-swim lunches or sunset dinners overlooking the surf.
Further Afield
Scarlet Macaws Flying, Paradise Park and JungleBarn, Hayle
If you feel like exploring a little further, Carbis Bay is perfectly positioned for easy day trips to some of Cornwall’s most loved spots:
- Paradise Park (10 minutes drive)
A great option for families, especially with younger children. This wildlife sanctuary is home to colourful birds, small animals and play areas, making it an easy, fun day out. - Land’s End (30–35 minutes drive)
One of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks, known for its dramatic cliffs and far-reaching sea views. It’s worth visiting for the scenery alone, with plenty of coastal walks and viewpoints nearby. - Zennor (15–20 minutes drive)
A small, characterful village just along the coast from St Ives. Known for its rugged beauty, it’s a great starting point for coastal walks or a slower afternoon exploring, with a well-known pub and incredible views. - Godrevy Lighthouse & seal cove (20 minutes drive)
This stretch of coastline is perfect for a walk, but it’s the seals that make it special. From the cliffs above, you can often spot a whole colony resting and playing below — a simple, memorable experience for all ages. - St Michael’s Mount (30 minutes drive)
A tidal island with a historic castle and gardens, reached on foot at low tide or by boat. A brilliant mix of history, views and a little adventure.
Stay at the Gallery, Carbis Bay
The Gallery, Carbis Bay
If you’re staying in Carbis Bay, The Gallery is perfectly placed for making the most of the area.
Set above the bay with views towards Godrevy Lighthouse, it’s tucked away yet still close to Carbis Bay beach, St Ives and the surrounding coastline.
An architect-designed, beautifully converted space, The Gallery offers a calm, relaxed base for exploring.
