The Luxury Coastal Guide to Carbis Bay Holidays

You’ll find Carbis Bay tucked on the coast of Cornwall, between Hayle and St Ives. With a tree-dotted hillside that slopes gently down to the sea, Carbis Bay is still home to whitewashed buildings that nod to Cornwall’s past. Carbis Bay holidays are perfect for families looking to make memories, and couples keen to escape the rat race for a few days. One of the most popular things about Carbis Bay is its infamous sandy beach, so prepare to spend your days in flip flops and your meal times tucking into seafood platters – oh happy days.

Carbis Bay’s favourite attractions

Ok, so one of the most obvious Carbis Bay attractions is that beach – but with the beautiful artist hub of St Ives just a short drive away, there are some fabulous days out too. The Tate St Ives has become the centre of the St Ives art scene, and it’s right on the beach.

Wander the latest exhibitions and step out onto the sand, or amble your way to the Barbara Hepworth Museum, which was once the famous sculptor’s studio. St Ives is famed for its perfect light for painting, so its streets are lined with beautiful galleries and craft shops, perfect for mooching on a lazy day.

The stretch of coastline between Carbis Bay and St Ives may be short – but it’s stunning. The best way to experience it is by train, so pick up the branch line that runs from Lelant to St Ives and sit back as the coastal views roll slowly by. This journey has become a Carbis Bay attraction in its own right, and some visitors take the train one way and walk the other.

Beaches in Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay Beach has got it all. One of the 8 Cornwall beaches to be awarded a Blue Flag in 2018, this sandy little number is just a mile from St Ives. Privately owned, it’s a popular spot with bathers and families, and the lack of surf makes it safer than some of the area’s other beaches. The golden sand rolls on for a whole mile, so there’s plenty of space to ditch your flip flops and wander while you take in the views. The St Ives branch line serves this beach, so don’t forget to wave to the passing passengers!

Carbis Bay Beach has lifeguards on hand between July and September, and there’s a seasonal dog ban too. There’s a laidback vibe to Carbis Bay, and life centres around the beach. We love the fact that there are plenty of shops and cafes nearby too, so when it’s time to leave the sand you’ll have be able to find the perfect spot to soak up the last drops of sun and tuck in.

Restaurants in Carbis Bay

Speaking of tucking in, the list of restaurants in Carbis Bay includes some of our favourites. The Cornish Arms is every inch the traditional Cornish pub, and it serves up delicious pub meals all year round. If you’ve a hankering for a Sunday roast during your Carbis Bay holiday then this is the place to head – but make sure you book as it’s popular with locals as well as visitors!

You’ll have to sample the area’s fish and chips at least once during your stay, and Becks Fish and Chips is probably the place to do it. Expect big portions and great fish, and one reviewer went so far as to say “if I could give it a Michelin star I would!”.

What’s a day on the beach without a picnic? The Cornish Deli is the perfect place to stock up on everything you need for that sandy lunch. Expect delicious sandwiches and a warm welcome, perfect for stocking up the picnic basket or that pre-beach pit stop.

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