Scenic coastal haven with golden sands hailed as the ‘perfect’ beach for winter days
- UK Hidden Gems
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
An award-winning beach in the South West of England has been described as “beautiful” even during the colder months.
This beach, just a mile from St Ives in Cornwall, is a favourite for families looking for soft sand and for walkers in search of spectacular views.
The beach has earned several top honours, including a Blue Flag Award, a Seaside Award, and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
There are plenty of walking routes nearby with incredible scenery. One of the most popular trails follows the South West Coast Path towards St Ives, where walkers can spot a medieval chapel and ancient field systems.
Because Carbis Bay is calm and sheltered, it’s also known as a great place for swimming and paddleboarding.
If you’re driving, there’s a small pay-and-display car park at the west end of the beach, and a larger one just a short distance away.
For those using public transport, both the T2 bus from Truro to St Ives and the 17 bus from Penzance to St Ives stop at Carbis Bay.
There’s also a train station just 100 yards behind the east side of the beach, making it easy to reach without a car.
Dogs are welcome most of the year, except from May 15 to September 30, when a dog ban is in place between 10am and 6pm. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer season to ensure everyone stays safe.
One visitor shared: “A really beautiful, wide, sandy beach. There are toilets, parking and water sports in summer. Even in winter, the views are stunning… until the mist rolls in.”
Another commented: “Lovely beach, soft golden sand and easy to get to, but be careful – the tide comes in fast. In summer it must be amazing, and in winter it’s bracing but clears your head!”
A third visitor added: “What a gorgeous beach! We had fantastic weather and felt so lucky. The small waterfall and stream on the sand were perfect for kids to splash in safely.”
Someone else described Carbis Bay as a “picturesque haven”, saying the “golden sands and clear blue waters” create the “perfect setting for a day of exploring.”
They added: “The sheltered bay keeps the waves gentle, making it great for both new and experienced paddleboarders.”
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Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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