Carbis Bay
KarrbonsVenue for G7 in 2021
Welcome to Carbis Bay
Tucked between Hayle and St Ives, Carbis Bay is a pristine crescent of golden sand, known for its calm, clear waters. The bay is backed by lush foliage and subtropical flora and the area is very quiet. It’s the ideal spot for young families and those seeking peace and tranquillity. Carbis Bay Beach is one of just eight Cornish beaches to hold Blue Flag status, recognised for its excellent water quality, safety, and top-notch facilities.
Until the nineteenth century, the bay remained largely untouched. However, with the opening of the St Erth to St Ives branch line in 1877 and the Carbis Bay Hotel in 1894, it became a beloved seaside destination.
To the east lies Hayle and the Towans, a three-mile stretch of sand renowned for surfing and where you can discover remnants of Cornwall’s mining heritage. This area also serves as a wildlife haven, home to diverse species of birds, plants, and grey seals. To the west, you’ll find the pretty harbour town of St Ives, famous for its coastal charm, active fishing fleet, and world-class art galleries.
Did you know?
Carbis Bay is a quiet spot which became internationally known because of the G7 Summit which took place there in 2021. Leaders from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom met there to discuss key political issues including global health and climate change.
Things to do in Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay offers a range of relaxing activities, with the beach as its central attraction. The calm waters make it perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, and sunbathing. For guidance or equipment hire, visit the Ocean Sports Centre which is open from April to October.
The South West Coast Path runs behind Carbis Bay Beach, providing picturesque routes to both Hayle and St Ives – and beyond. For a shorter walk take a scenic stroll to Hawkes Point and Porthkidney Sands.
On rainy days, indulge in some pampering at the Carbis Bay Hotel. Their spa offers a heated outdoor pool, hydropool, and sauna pod, all whilst enjoying panoramic views of the bay. Afterwards, visit Carbis Bay’s sister hotel – the Gannet Inn – for an award-winning menu featuring British meals with a modern twist.
For something extra special, try dinner at Ugly Butterfly, a Michelin-recommended restaurant renowned for its sustainable, zero-waste approach and focus on local ingredients.
Did you know?
Hidden throughout Carbis Bay are a secret network of tunnels, dating back to its mining days in the 1700s, or possibly earlier. Wheal Providence was the most famous of the Carbis Bay mines, where iron, coal and tin were extracted from beneath the surface. However, what truly set this mine apart is its production of a rare mineral called Connellite.
Further afield
St Ives’ world-class galleries are within walking distance of Carbis Bay. Check out the Tate St Ives, Penwith Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden to discover the best of the region's artistry.
For fans of wildlife, nearby Hayle is an excellent area for birdwatching, especially at the RSPB Hayle Estuary Nature Reserve. Or, Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary is a fun day out for children, where they can see exotic birds, goats, donkeys and more.
Further along the coast at Godrevy there is the opportunity to see wild seals swimming in the coves, or to take a boat trip to Godrevy Island.
Nearby are other coastal favourites including Mousehole, Zennor, Penzance and St Michael’s Mount which can all be accessed within a twenty-minute drive.
Getting around
Carbis Bay is not far from the A30, which connects to the M5. The A30 runs the length of the county, making it easy to access the north coast by car. As Carbis Bay is on the branch line, St Ives is just a few minutes away. In the other direction, St Erth connects to the main line for services to London. For railway timetables visit Great Western Railway and Transport for Cornwall for bus services.
Carbis Bay Beach is open all year, and is free for all visitors.
There is a seasonal dog ban in place at Carbis Bay Beach in place from the 15th of May to the 30th of September, between 10am and 6pm. Dogs are welcome at all other times.
Carbis Bay Beach’s natural protection from the wind and swell leaves it with calm waters that are ideal for swimmers of all ages.
Carbis Bay is best known for its white beach and calm waters, which make it the perfect destination for swimmers. In 2021, it also hosted the 47th annual G7 summit.
There is a small car park with pay and display at the west end of the beach, or, if this is full, Porthrepta car park a few hundred yards away offers more spaces.
Your weekly dose of Cornish cheer!
When you can’t be in your favourite place all the time, catch up on the latest stories, upcoming events, holiday ideas, and offers with a newsletter straight to your inbox. Terms and Conditions / GDPR compliance: by providing personally identifiable information Visit Cornwall will use it to provide you with ongoing information about their products and services. No one from Visit Cornwall will rent, sell or lease this personally identifiable information to other companies or individuals.
Stay connected
Find us on socials and stay connected with the Cornwall you love.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads and to analyse our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. (Privacy Policy)