Best Beaches in St Ives Bay (Including Dog-Friendly Options)
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- 4 days ago
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If you’re planning a coastal escape to Cornwall, few places can rival the beauty of St Ives Bay. Stretching from Hayle to St Ives and beyond, this spectacular sweep of golden sand offers something for everyone — from surfing and paddleboarding to peaceful coastal walks and family beach days.
Better still? Many of the beaches around St Ives Bay are wonderfully dog-friendly too, making them perfect for holidays with the whole family.
At Surf Chalet Holidays, we’re lucky to be perfectly placed for exploring some of Cornwall’s very best beaches — many just a short stroll or drive away from Morwenna Surf Chalet.
Hayle Towans – Wide Open Sands & Space to Roam
Hayle Towans offers an enormous expanse of golden sand backed by dramatic dunes (“towans” in Cornish). Even during busy summer periods, there’s usually plenty of room to spread out.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for:
Space for dogs and children to run
The central Towans areas are dog-friendly all year round.
Gentle beach walks
Easier surfing conditions for beginners
Stunning scenery without the crowds of central St Ives
The beach forms part of the famous three-mile stretch of sand leading down to Gwithian beach.
Gwithian Beach – Best for Surfing & Long Walks
Gwithian Beach is one of the jewels of St Ives Bay. Backed by rolling dunes and stretching for miles, it’s famous for its excellent surf conditions, stunning sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere.
This beach is ideal for:
Surfing and bodyboarding
Long dog walks-please note there are high summer restrictions on Gwithian itself 10am - 6pm
Rock pooling at low tide
Family beach days
Wildlife spotting
Dogs are welcome year-round on much of the beach, making it hugely popular with holidaymakers bringing their four-legged friends along.
The views across the bay towards St Ives are breathtaking, especially in the evening when the sun drops into the Atlantic.
Godrevy Beach – Iconic Cornwall Views
If you’ve seen photographs of Cornwall with a lighthouse perched dramatically offshore, chances are you’ve seen Godrevy.
Managed by the National Trust, this beach combines wild coastal scenery with excellent walking routes and fantastic surfing conditions.
Highlights include:
Views of Godrevy Lighthouse
Seal spotting around Mutton Cove
Coastal walking trails
It’s also one of the best places in the area for photographers and nature lovers.
Porthkidney Sands – A Hidden Gem for Dog Walkers
Tucked between Hayle Estuary and Carbis Bay, Porthkidney Sands feels wonderfully unspoilt and peaceful.
Because there are no major facilities directly on the beach, it often stays quieter than some of the better-known spots nearby.
This makes it ideal for:
Peaceful walks
Dogs who love open space
Paddleboarding and exploring
Relaxed beach days away from the crowds
At low tide, the vast stretch of sand feels almost endless.
Another 7 Beaches, St Ives – Best for Beach Cafés & Buzz
For a livelier beach atmosphere, there are 7 beaches in St Ives!
Some of these are tide dependant, and only a couple are dog-friendly. So do check before travelling.
It’s ideal for:
Surf lessons
Beach cafés and dining
Watching sunsets
Combining beach days with exploring St Ives town
Why Stay Near St Ives Bay?
Staying close to the beaches means you can enjoy early morning walks, sunset surfing sessions, and spontaneous beach days without battling traffic or parking.
At Morwenna Surf Chalet, you’re ideally located among the dunes of Riviere Towans with easy access to the beaches of St Ives Bay. The chalet is dog-friendly, sleeps six guests, and is perfectly suited for families, couples, surfers, and walkers looking to explore Cornwall’s stunning coastline.
Book Your Cornwall Beach Escape Direct
Ready to discover the best beaches in St Ives Bay for yourself?
Book direct for the best availability and latest offers at:
We’d love to welcome you — and your dogs — to beautiful Cornwall.
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