Porthgwidden Beach — Attraction in St. Ives

Porthgwidden Beach is an absolute gem tucked away in St Ives, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots during my visit to Cornwall. This small, sheltered beach offers a perfect retreat from the busier, more crowded beaches in the area, making it ideal for those looking for a peaceful day by the sea.

The beach itself is stunning, with soft golden sand and clear, calm waters that are perfect for swimming or just wading in to cool off. The size of the beach adds to its charm—it's intimate without feeling cramped, and the surrounding cliffs provide a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere. The views out to sea are breathtaking, especially during sunset when the sky lights up with vibrant colors.

One of the things I loved most about Porthgwidden Beach was how family-friendly it is. The gentle waves make it a safe spot for children to play, and there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax. Despite its smaller size, it never felt overcrowded, even during peak season. The beach also has a few handy amenities, including clean public restrooms and a lovely little café right on the beachfront, which serves delicious snacks, ice creams, and hot drinks. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and enjoy the views.

Another highlight is how clean and well-maintained the beach is, with clear efforts made to preserve its natural beauty. The community feel is strong here, and it’s clear that locals and visitors alike take pride in keeping the area pristine.

Overall, Porthgwidden Beach is a must-visit for anyone in the St Ives area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to unwind, a safe spot for children to play, or simply want to soak up the natural beauty of Cornwall, this beach has it all. I can’t wait to return on my next trip...

We had an unforgettable experience at this stunning beach. We parked at The Island car park and made the short walk down to Porthgwidden beach, which was practically abandoned on a sunny but windy Tuesday morning. We'd toyed with the idea of booking a wildlife boat tour out to seal island, but had decided not to. To our surprise, within 10 seconds of arriving on the beach, we had a seal playing in the waves just feet away from us!

The beach really is a hidden gem. It never became crowded, even when people arrived to enjoy a dog walk or to launch their foil surfboards. A fantastic place to sink into soft, golden-white sand and watch the waves crash against the rocks on a windy day - the perfect peaceful cove before heading into the tourist...

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...