ST IVES BAY 'One of the most beautiful bays in the world' - Carbis Bay is home to a fabulous Blue Flag beach and forms part of the coastline known as St Ives Bay, notably one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Warmed by the Gulf Stream this remarkable part of West Cornwall has its own micro-climate and the subtropical plants, golden sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters give the area a real Mediterranean atmosphere. Carbis Bay beach is about a mile long and usually has a calm feel about it, making it an ideal spot for families with toddlers, swimmers or those needing calm waters for activities such as SUP boarding, kayaking or canoeing (equipment can be hired at the beach from Ocean Sports).
The centre of St Ives is just over a mile away and is easily accessible by walking along the magnificent South West coastal path with its breath taking views, or if you prefer via the very scenic St Ives Bay branch line. The railway link offers incredible views throughout the 3-4 minute journey. The train runs regularly and operates all year round. St Ives itself has a choice of golden sandy beaches, each with an appeal of their own, from surfing to sunbathing the incredible beaches in this part of West Cornwall have something on offer for everyone.
And there is no questioning the quality of light and air in this part of West Cornwall that makes being outside so fantastic, whether you prefer to mill around the independent shops and galleries in St Ives, stopping for the odd cream tea, or if you would rather try something a little more energetic there is plenty to choose from. Golfers have a choice of two fabulous links courses just over a mile away, there are plenty of places to surf, as well as fishing, horse-riding, cycling and so much more. Nearby, the Hayle Estuary (the most southerly estuary in the UK) is home to a fantastic variety of birds, and is an amazing bird watching venue, especially in Spring and Autumn.
AN ARTIST'S PARADISE - There is so much to see and learn in this part of the West Country, St Ives Bay has an incredible quality of light and is an area of undeniable natural beauty, providing inspiration to artists, poets, writers, sculptors and ceramicists, to name but a few. There is a huge variety of galleries and studios to visit in St Ives, many of which are dotted between the quaint fishermen's cottages, as well as world famous venues such as Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum that attract visitors from around the world all year round.
WONDERFUL SCENERY - Carbis Bay is a spectacular coastal village in West Cornwall, best known for its beautiful golden sandy beach and fabulous sea views. Staying in Carbis Bay offers the best of both worlds: you can enjoy the peace and tranquility of Carbis Bay, while having the lively atmosphere of St Ives right on your doorstep. Better still, you really don't need a car to get around. You can reach the nearby picturesque town of St Ives in just three or four minutes by train on the St Ives Bay branch line, or you can enjoy a scenic walk along the magnificent South West coastal path. Both apartments have their own designated parking space through secure gated access and so you can have the option of using the car if you want to explore the many delights further afield that Cornwall has on offer, although you will be spoilt for choice. From venues used in the Poldark filming, such as Gunwalloe, or Port Isaac aka Doc Martin's Port Wenn, to fabulous National Trust attractions such as St Michael's Mount, the spectacular open air Minack Theatre at Porthcurno or the Eden Project at St Austell; Cornwall's rich tapestry expands to include a wealth of stunning horticultural and industrial wonders. The region boasts world-renowned coastal ravines and sprawling estates, from the lush sub-tropical valley paths of Trebah and the historic Lost Gardens of Heligan, to the tranquil walled brick-lined beds of Trengwainton and the famous 19th century cherry laurel hedge maze at Glendurgan. Alongside these green sanctuaries lies the dramatic, rugged industrial heritage of the Tin Coast, where visitors can explore the striking cliffside engine houses of Botallack Mine, experience the steam-powered machinery at Levant Mine, and tour the extensive underground trails and heritage museums at Geevor Tin Mine. There is a great choice of coastal walks along the iconic South West Coast Path, which vary in length and difficulty to suit every pace. While there are plenty of gentle, panoramic strolls right on the doorstep of Carbis Bay, the challenging stretch from Carbis Bay to Zennor isn't for the faint hearted - but navigating its rugged, wave-battered cliffs and deep rocky ravines is simply stunning!
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - As well as the gorgeous sandy beach, children will love nearby venues such as Paradise Park or the Seal Sanctuary, and there are lots of activities available nearby to suit all tastes, from surfing, coasteering and go-karting to paint workshops and ghost walks. St Ives offers an exceptional year-round destination where cultural prestige and coastal elegance seemlessly interwine. Spring opens with the Literatre Festival and the celebrated St Ives Food and Drink Festival in May, where award-winning chefs cook up a storm on the sands of Porthminster Beach. In August, the harbour fills with spectators for the famously chaotic and colourful St Ives Charity Raft Race and as summer peaks, the town's artistic legacy takes centre stage during the two week September Festival, filling local venues with world-class performances and fine art exhibitions. The annual Sea Shanty Shout takes place every November, where dozens of groups perform traditional maritime songs in local pubs, cafes and hotels. The winter concludes with Boxing Day dips and the legendary New Year's Eve festivities are capped off by a spectacular midnight firework display over the harbour.
ST IVES IS A FOODIE'S HEAVEN - St Ives is literally packed with independent eateries, and there is something for all tastes and budgets. From fine dining to supreme takeaways, you will be completely spoilt for choice, whether you're after a special occasion meal or a quick bite after a day at the beach.
While St Ives offers a wider choice of places to eat, there are still several options in Carbis Bay itself. Enjoy traditional fish and chips at Becks Fish & Chips (takeaway and restaurant), Italian-inspired dishes at Romanos trattoria, or a meal at The Gannet Inn, alternatively, head down to the beach to enjoy a meal at the Beach Club, with its relaxed coastal atmosphere, or Walter's On The Beach for delicious food, cocktails and beautiful sea views. Both offer wonderful settings for memorable meals by the water. MOR, the new restaurant from Tom Sellers, chef patron of London's two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Story, opened at Carbis Bay Estate during the summer of 2026. Overlooking the beautiful sands of Carbis Bay, MOR celebrates Cornwall's coastal setting and local produce with an ambitions dining experience in a spectacular seaside location.
If you're happy to explore further afield, Cornwall has plenty of celebrated restaurants worth the trip. Head to Padstow for Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant or Paul Ainsworth's Number 6; visit The Cove at Maenporth (Falmouth) for coastal dining, Jude Kareama's Kota and Kota Kai in Portleven. Seafood lovers could also visit Ben Tunnicliffe's Tolcarne Inn at Newlyn, Adam Handling's Ugly Butterfly at The Headland Hotel in Newquay, or Nathan Outlaws Fish Kitchen and Outlaws Bistro in Port Isaac, to name but a few.
OR STAY AT HOME - of course, you could buy some of the very best local produce and cook up a delicious meal at home as Sea Shells and Sea Spray both have wonderful sea views - even from the kitchen - so cooking for family and friends is a pleasure whilst on holiday, and not a chore, and on a warm evening when the suns up al fresco dining at The Sands is truly delightful.
WEDDING GUESTS - Attending a wedding at the beautiful Carbis Bay Hotel? We're perfectly placed, just 0.3 miles away, making us a wonderfully convenient choice for your Carbis Bay wedding accommodation. Although there's a hill to tackle, it's a small price to pay for a great location and a comfortable place to relax after the celebrations !
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