Mother Ivey's Bay
Nestled away from civilisation and with a subdued atmosphere, a sunny day out at Mother Ivey’s Bay is a nice way to enjoy the simpler things in life.
Contacts and Links
Address: Mother Ivey's Bay, Trevose Head, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8SL
Experience Mother Ivey's Bay
Tucked away on the North Coast between Trevose Head and Stepper Point, Mother Ivey’s Bay is a stunning paradise ideal for a relaxing soak in the sea or sandcastles and sunbathing on the beach. While the waters are generally calm, and best suited to swimmers, paddle boarders, and the like, there is still a decent swell on windy days that will suit surfer beginners.
Explore Mother Ivey's Bay
If the sea and sand isn't your thing, then make sure to take advantage of the stunning selection of coastal paths located around Mother Ivey's Bay. The surrounding area is all part of Carnewas to Stepper Point Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South West Coast Path passes right through it, allowing walkers spectacular views out over the North Coast.
It's not your typical Cornish harbour-side hotspot, but Mother Ivey's Bay provides the perfect environment for those looking for a serene dip in the sun on a warm summer's day.
The History of the Bay
Mother Ivey’s Bay is named after a witch who was said to have lived in the area in the sixteenth century. According to local legend, after a family of pilchard processors refused to feed the starving villagers with their leftover pilchards, Mother Ivey cast a curse upon their land, decreeing that if the soil on their farm was ever broken, death would follow.
The family is said to have ignored the curse—not long after, the eldest son was killed after being thrown from his horse, seemingly confirming the existence of the curse. Superstition in the area continued right through into the modern era. During the 1970s, a man using a metal detector on the field had a heart attack, and not long afterwards a foreman suffered the same fate.
In 1997, pipes were laid underneath the ground, though prior to this and upon insistence from the owner, an exorcism on the ground was performed. Supposedly, the curse was now lifted.
Now, Mother Ivey’s Bay is home to a popular holiday park and a lifeboat station at the north end of the Bay. The Bay nests peacefully, away from urban life, within one of Cornwall’s 12 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
If you’re interested in the operations of the RNLI, Padstow Lifeboat Station is located at the north end of the bay, and houses an operational Tamar Class Lifeboat called Spirit of Padstow. The station is open to visitors 10am to 4pm on weekdays.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know about getting to Mother Ivey's Bay.
Mother Ivey's Bay, Trevose Head, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8SL
The nearest car park is the National Trust Car Park at Trevose Head, around a twenty minute walk from the beach and free to National Trust members. Alternatively, there is a pay and display at Harlyn Bay, which is around a mile’s walk from Mother Ivey’s Bay.
The only bus nearby Mother Ivey’s Bay is the 56 bus, which travels between Newquay and Padstow. The closest stop on the line to Mother Ivey’s Bay is Mother Ivey’s Corner, which is around a mile’s walk northwest from the Bay.
Dogs are welcome all year round at Mother Ivey’s Bay, though they must be kept on a lead between 10am and 6pm.
Mother Ivey’s Bay is privately owned but is freely accessible from the South West Coast Path.
There is no parking at Mother Ivey’s Bay. Visitors coming by car will need to travel to the National Trust Car Park at Trevose Head or Harlyn Bay Car Park.
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