St Ives Bay

St Ives Bay actually consists of three very different beaches: Firstly the magnificent surfing beach at Porthmeor (a blue flag winner), overlooked by the Tate St Ives art gallery. Secondly, Porthgwidden Beach is a small sandy treasure with good swimming and a handy cafe. Thirdly Porthminster Beach stretches half a mile from the town and is an ideal family setting, sheltered and calm with beach huts, a putting green and a great family-friendly restaurant with amazing views.

You can walk on the South West Coast Path from Porthminster beach along the cliffs and wooded headland to neighbouring Carbis Bay and Porth Kidney sands (at LOW tide). On the other side of the River Hayle (in which you must not bath), you come to Hayle Towans, a three-mile stretch of sand incorporating several smaller beaches, all of which offer good swimming and watersports opportunities although the surfing it better at the easterly end of the bay. Lifeguards cover June to September but do always check there's one within sight before you or your family enter the water.

There is also a lost child centre and a first aid centre on the primary beach.