Porthgwidden Beach
Small sheltered beach in St Ives between the harbour and Island headland. Calm water, beach hut hire, and a café with bay views. Safe for families.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
No
Parking
Available
Access
Easy access
Swimming
Generally safe
Facilities
Stay near Porthgwidden Beach
Closest cottage just 100m away
Porthgwidden Beach is a small, sheltered cove in St Ives, set between the Island headland and the working harbour. Its protected position keeps the water calm even when the Atlantic swell reaches the more exposed Porthmeor on the other side of the headland. Families like it because the shallow, sheltered water is easier for children than the surf at Porthmeor, though there is no lifeguard cover.
A café sits at the back of the beach, with meals and drinks and views across the bay. Parking is limited nearby, and the town of St Ives has more services within a short stroll. Beach huts can be rented from the council for a full day on the sand.
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and Tate St Ives are both within walking distance of Porthgwidden Beach. The neighbouring beaches of Porthmeor and Porthminster are also close.
The Island car park sits directly behind the beach, but it is small and fills early in summer. A better plan in high season is the park-and-ride train from Lelant Saltings or St Erth, which runs along the bay into St Ives station, then walk through the old town. The beach huts, some of them two storeys, are let by the council.
A short climb from the beach takes you onto the Island headland, where a path loops around the headland past the small chapel on the summit with views down to Porthmeor. Dogs are banned from 10am to 6pm in July and August, so walkers with dogs are better off on the Island paths until evening.
Make a day of it
Things to do near Porthgwidden Beach
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my dog to Porthgwidden Beach?
- Not on summer days. Cornwall Council's 2026 order bans dogs from Porthgwidden between 10am and 6pm from 1 July to 31 August. Dogs are welcome outside those hours and dates.
- Is Porthgwidden Beach lifeguarded?
- No, Porthgwidden Beach does not have RNLI lifeguard cover. Take extra care when swimming and check tide times before your visit.
- Is there parking at Porthgwidden Beach?
- There is limited parking close to Porthgwidden Beach, and St Ives gets busy in summer. Arrive early or walk in from the town.
- What facilities are at Porthgwidden Beach?
- Porthgwidden Beach has cafe, parking. Facilities may be seasonal - some close outside summer.
- Where is Porthgwidden Beach?
- Porthgwidden Beach is on the west coast of Cornwall, near St Ives.
- How do I get to Porthgwidden Beach?
- Set your sat nav for St Ives and follow local signs from there. There is a car park at the beach. Cornwall beach car parks fill early in peak season, so aim to arrive before mid-morning in summer.
- Where can I stay near Porthgwidden Beach?
- There are several holiday properties near Porthgwidden Beach, with the closest just 100 metres away. Prices start from £543 per week.
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