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.
Things to Do Near Porthmeor Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take my dog to Porthmeor Beach?
- Dogs are welcome at Porthmeor Beach outside the summer restriction period. Most Cornwall beaches with seasonal rules ban dogs between Easter/May and September, typically 10am to 6pm. Check local signage for exact dates.
- Is Porthmeor Beach lifeguarded?
- Yes, Porthmeor Beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the summer season, typically from mid-May to late September. 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. The postcode for sat nav is the nearest available - coordinates are 50.2156, -5.4823.
- How do I get to Porthmeor Beach?
- Porthmeor Beach is located near St Ives. Check the map above for directions. Most Cornwall beaches have limited parking, so arriving early in peak season is recommended.
- Where can I stay near Porthmeor Beach?
- There are several holiday properties near Porthmeor Beach, with the closest just 100 metres away.
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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 4-star cliffside resorts with dedicated kids' clubs and surf schools to Victorian seafront hotels with heated pools and holiday parks with water flumes and beachside 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 6 or more months in advance - the Headland and Bedruthan in particular book solid by Christmas for the following summer.
Hotels in St Ives
St Ives, Cornwall offers visitors the vacation of a lifetime with its glorious bay views, charming sea views, beautiful St Ives beaches with golden sands, and numerous fun activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay. After a day of adventure going around St Ives, nothing is more relaxing than staying in the best luxury hotels this famous destination offers. Thousands of people come to St Ives every year. As one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, it’s no surprise that it has popular luxury hotels that serve as the home away from home of many travellers. From luxury hotels with a swimming pool, spa, and sea views to comfortable mid-range rooms, St Ives has a hotel for every budget.
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 now 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 in February 2026, making it Newquay's first Michelin star. That puts the county alongside some of the most food-credible hotel destinations in England. 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 significantly by season - the Nare Hotel, the Headland, and the Scarlet all charge substantially more in July and August than in November. Booking 3-6 months ahead for peak summer is standard at this tier.
