Beaches
There are many beautiful beaches in this part of Cornwall. We are fortunate to have several of Cornwall’s award winning beaches within 10 minutes of Orchard Barn. Here are some of our favourites, including the award winners.
3 Mile Beach, Hayle
Hayle, Gwithian & Godrevy beaches look across the bay to St Ives. Here you will find 3 miles of postcard perfect golden sand. Ideal for a family day on the beach, building sandcastles and playing cricket. With seasonal lifeguards, these beaches are also a great option for surfing and bodyboarding. The Rockpool at Gwithian is the perfect stop for fresh seafood, burgers or cake. There is a laidback beach vibe with the kitchen open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is both inside and outside seating.
Gwithian
Gwithian Towans is always a colourful scene of windsurfers on the water, blokarts on the beach and kites in the sky. Backed by sand dunes tufted with wild grass, at low tide there is a vast amount of sand to enjoy and large areas of rock pools are uncovered, which are great for kids to explore. The beach is popular with surfers and bodyboarders as the constant swell coming in from the ocean provides good all year round conditions. We recommend The Hungry Horsebox (at the back of the beach) for tea, coffee & cakes!
Godrevy
Godrevy is at the far north-eastern end of the three miles of golden sand stretching from Hayle. Owned by the National Trust, it takes the brunt of the Atlantic swell and is one of the more exposed beaches of the North coast. From buckets and spades on sunny summer days to classic rugged Cornish splendour on a stormy winter's day, Godrevy is one of our favourites!
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is one of Cornwall’s seven award winning Blue Flag beaches. The beach rarely has any surf so makes for an ideal spot for families with toddlers and young children, as the sea here is perfect for swimming. Part of an array of beaches that make the St Ives Bay, the beach is listed as one of the world’s best by the ‘Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organisation’. Served by the picturesque St Ives branch train line, Carbis Bay is easily accessible from Orchard Barn. The train ride takes less than 10 minutes from St Erth station, just down the road (there is parking at the station)
Porthmeor
Porthmeor Beach, situated in front of the iconic Tate St Ives building, is another Blue Flag beach. It is a sandy, safe beach popular with both surfers and swimmers, in an ideal location just a stone’s throw from the centre of St Ives. This does mean it gets busy with families in the summer months.
Porthminster
Porthminster is a large sandy bay backed by a wooded valley and has glorious views across to Godrevy Lighthouse. Located just a short walk from the centre of St Ives this Blue Flag award winning beach is a family favourite for safe swimming. If you’re feeling peckish the beach is also home to the Porthminster Beach café, which serves great local food. Heading right on the beach will take you to a great spot for rockpooling.
Porthgwidden
Porthgwidden beach is the smallest of St Ives beaches and popular with families. It is a sheltered sandy beach, good for swimming and close to The Island. There is a cafe at the back of the beach serving snacks, drinks and ice creams. There are public toilets at the top of the slipway.
Porthkidney Sands
Porthkidney Sands is a north-facing beach at the mouth of the Hayle Estuary. It provides a vast expanse of sand and at low tide the beach can stretch almost a mile out to sea. Families with young children should note that the beach is open to dogs all year. There is a pleasant out of season circular walk along the beach and back through the dunes - picking up the South West Coast Path.
