Porthmeor Beach
Atlantic-facing surf beach in St Ives with consistent swell, surf hire and lessons. Below Tate St Ives, lifeguarded in season. Best town surf break.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
Yes (seasonal)
Parking
Available
Access
Moderate (steps/path)
Swimming
Generally safe
Facilities
Activities
Stay near Porthmeor Beach
Closest cottage just 100m away
In the quaint seaside town of St Ives, Cornwall, England’s northwest coast is home to the gorgeous sandy Porthmeor Beach. A popular location for both locals and tourists, Porthmeor Beach is renowned for its golden sands, crystal-clear blue waves, and magnificent surroundings. Because of its exposed location, surfers frequent here to ride the Atlantic swells that pour in from the open ocean. Both left- and right-hand breakers are available at Porthmeor Beach, accommodating surfers of all skill levels.
In addition to surfing, Porthmeor Beach offers a range of other water sports activities, including bodyboarding, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Equipment can be rented locally, and there are also opportunities for lessons and guided tours for those looking to try something new.
The beach’s large sand area and somewhat protected location make it a favorite with families as well. During the busiest time of year, lifeguards patrol the beach to protect swimmers and beachgoers. The area also has amenities such as restrooms, beach showers, and a sizable parking lot close by for people visiting by car. It is easy to get to the beach from St Ives town center; just take a quick stroll along the lovely coastal route or through the charming streets that are home to cafes, galleries, and retail stores.
Make a day of it
Things to do near Porthmeor Beach
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Can I take my dog to Porthmeor Beach?
- Dogs are welcome at Porthmeor Beach outside the summer restriction period. Cornwall Council bans dogs from Porthmeor Beach from 10am to 6pm between 15 May and 30 September; outside those hours and dates they are welcome.
- Is Porthmeor Beach lifeguarded?
- Yes, Porthmeor Beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the summer season, typically from spring to early autumn, with cover on Easter weekends and daily through the summer. Always swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Is there parking at Porthmeor Beach?
- Yes, there is parking at or near Porthmeor Beach. Arrive early in peak season as spaces fill quickly.
- Is Porthmeor Beach good for swimming?
- Porthmeor Beach is suitable for both swimming and surfing. RNLI lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
- What facilities are at Porthmeor Beach?
- Porthmeor Beach has parking, showers, surf hire. Facilities may be seasonal - some close outside summer.
- Where is Porthmeor Beach?
- Porthmeor Beach is on the west coast of Cornwall, near St Ives.
- How do I get to Porthmeor 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 Porthmeor Beach?
- There are several holiday properties near Porthmeor Beach, with the closest just 100 metres away. Prices start from £619 per week.
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Best Family Hotels in Cornwall
Cornwall has more family-friendly hotel options than most people expect - it is not just cottages and caravan parks. From cliffside resorts with kids' clubs and spas to Victorian seafront hotels with indoor pools and holiday parks with water flumes and woodland lodges, there is a range that spans every budget. The north coast from Bude to Mawgan Porth concentrates the biggest resort hotels, while St Ives and Falmouth offer more classic hotel stays with beaches on the doorstep. One practical note: peak summer weeks (late July and August) at the better-known hotels fill early, so book the Headland and Bedruthan well ahead.
Hotels in St Ives
St Ives is one of Cornwall's busiest towns, and its hotels fill early in school holidays. The six places below run from the five-star Carbis Bay Hotel on its own beach to a nine-bedroom Edwardian hotel near Porthminster. Parking is the deciding factor for many guests, so each entry says what to expect.
Best Luxury Hotels in Cornwall
Luxury in Cornwall comes in several distinct forms. There are the clifftop spa hotels - adults-only escapes with sea-view hot tubs and coastal treatments. There are the Victorian country house hotels set in landscaped grounds with pools, golf, and chauffeur services. And increasingly, there are the food-destination hotels that justify the room rate as much by what's on the plate as the thread count on the pillow. Cornwall has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants: Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow, Outlaw's Fish Kitchen in Port Isaac, and Ugly Butterfly at the Headland Hotel in Newquay - the latter awarded its first star in February 2026, Newquay's first Michelin star. The hotels listed here represent the strongest options across the county: coast-facing spa resorts on the north coast, 5-star country houses on the Roseland, clifftop properties with direct beach access near St Ives, and a resort-scale property in Fowey. Prices vary by season, with July and August the most expensive, so book peak summer well ahead.
