Carbis Bay holidays have a little bit of everything. There’s a thriving culture scene, the beautiful beaches and of course, plenty of restaurants to keep the foodies happy.
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A local’s guide to Carbis Bay holidays…
Where is Carbis Bay?
About 1 mile from the town of St Ives on the north coast of Cornwall, Carbis Bay is one of the lovely coastal towns that line St Ives Bay.
Brilliantly positioned along the coast, it lies about 10-15 minutes’ drive from Hayle, and about 5-10 minutes’ drive from St Ives which can also be reached by train in just 3 minutes, or by walking along the South West Coast Path in about 20-30 minutes.
Central London to St Ives is approximately 300 miles which takes around 5.5 to 6.5 hours, while the drive from Birmingham takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
You can reach Carbis Bay by train from London. The journey involves taking a train from London Paddington to St Erth (about 4.5 to 5.5 hours), followed by a short 3-minute transfer on the scenic St Ives branch line to Carbis Bay.
Things to do in Carbis Bay
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of our favourite Carbis Bay attractions. Once the home and studio of the legendary sculptor, the site was turned into a museum dedicated to her life and work after her death. There’s a peaceful feel to the gardens, still dotted with sculptures left by Hepworth, and the house attracts art enthusiasts from all over the world.
If you’re determined to get out on the South West Coast Path and stretch your legs during your Carbis Bay holiday, why not walk the 1.2 miles to neighbouring St Ives? This section of the coast path runs above the railway line, and it’s an easy walk with no steep climbs to worry about. Keep your eyes peeled for relics from the past along the way. You’ll pass a fisherman’s hut, a medieval chapel, and you might even spot the odd shipwreck.
However you make your way to St Ives during your stay, make sure you pay a visit to the Tate St Ives. Perched right on the sands of Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall’s own Tate hosts contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.
Carbis Bay cottages with sea viewsBeaches in Carbis Bay
How does a privately-owned, Blue Flag beach on your doorstep sound? Carbis Bay beach manages to capture everything we love about the British seaside with all the glamour of the Med. This gleaming white sandy beach stands out for miles, and even on the warmest summer day there’s plenty of room for everyone. There’s zero surf at Carbis Bay Beach, which is great news if you’re holidaying with small children. They’ll be safe to enjoy a paddle in the crystal waters, and what a setting for your first family break.
With one of Cornwall’s bluest bays, holidays in Carbis Bay are all about enjoying serious beach time. Just along the coast at St Ives you’ll find Porthmeor Beach, another Blue Flag holder with everything going for it. This one’s popular with surfers, and it operates a seasonal dog ban.
For a beach with a picture postcard view, check out Porthminster Beach. This perfect arc of golden sands showcases spectacular views of Godrevy Lighthouse, and it’s the perfect spot for those all-important family selfies! If you prefer a sleepy cove for your beachy day, Porthgwidden Beach is a popular spot for families, and it’s the area’s smallest.
Carbis Beach ApartmentsRestaurants in Carbis Bay
Now, holidays in Carbis Bay tend to revolve around the area’s many restaurants – and there’s no judgement from us! With so much to see and do and all those delicious menus waiting to tempt you, we’d be the same. For a modest village, Carbis Bay’s home to a diverse foodie scene, so there’s plenty of choice to keep the whole family happy.
FAQ’s about Carbis Bay
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What are Carbis Bay holidays like?
This is a destination where you can spend the morning immersing yourself in The Barbara Hepworth Museum, before tucking into a world-class meal with a view you can’t peel your gaze from. Just a short hop on the branch line train from bustling St Ives, Carbis Bay still manages to have its own personality. It’s the perfect place to forget the world, walk the coast path and just enjoy your time together.
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Can you BBQ on Carbis Bay Beach?
Who doesn’t love a beach barbecue? (cue the Mams and Papas California Dreaming)…and with views over white sand and shimmering water, there really is no better place for it.
We recently spoke with a representative from Carbis Bay Hotel (who own the beach) to ask if BBQ’s are permitted…and they are! However, the hotel’s reasonable request is that visitors remove their rubbish on departure and that they don’t dispose of their BBQ’s in the bins at the beach but rather do so at home.
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Is there a café on Carbis Bay Beach?
Carbis Bay Beach Club Restaurant sits right on the beach if you’re in the mood for a bit of a spoil we highly recommend taking your lunch here. A small takeaway kiosk operates below the restaurant so if you fancy a coffee and the kids an ice-cream, you’ll be able to grab them here. Porthminster Beach cafe is just a short walk away (about 1.2 miles down the coastal path towards St Ives) and is a great option if you’re after a longer, sit down meal.
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Is Carbis Bay beach dog-friendly?
Yes (sometimes). If you’re thinking of taking your pooch on holiday with you there are some fantastic walks in the Carbis Bay area, including that of the beach itself. However, it is important to be aware of the seasonal dog ban in place from mid May to end September during which time dogs aren’t permitted.
But travel just 11 minutes by car and you’ll reach Bamaluz Beach in St Ives which is dog-friendly all year round, or slightly further away (under 20 minutes drive), to Mexican Towans Beach just past Hayle.
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Where's the best place to park for Carbis Bay beach?
Depending on how much stuff you have to carry, we would suggest parking up at the train station. It’s a steep walk back but is only a fraction of the price of the beach car park at £5.00 (accurate as of 2022)
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