St Ives Harbour Beach

As the tide’s goes out, a soft sandy beach is revealed in front of the shops, pubs, cafes and galleries that line the harbour wall in St Ives. With such easy access you won’t go short of ice creams and hot pasties while you relax in the sun.

The beach is bordered on both the south and east side by stone piers which shelter it from the wind and strong currents, making it an ideal spot for swimming and building sandcastles. Smeaton’s Pier, on the eastern side was originally built in the 1760s but then lengthened at the end of the 1800s when the lighthouse was added.

St Ives Harbour is still very busy with boats in the summer and when the tide is in swimmers should be careful of moving craft. At the southern end of the beach is the town’s Lifeboat Station, and when emergencies take place, the lifeboat is launched into the harbour or taken across the beach by a large tractor.

Small boats can be launched from the slipway at the north end of the harbour, however access is very difficult, particularly during the summer season, as is parking nearby.

Please note: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between the 1st July and the 31st August (10am - 6pm) when a seasonal dog ban is in place. (2023)