Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay brings together several interests for a coastal trip: an Atlantic beach, activities on the water, a walk to St Ives, and a distinctive hotel history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Carbis Bay, deciding what you want to focus on can help: would you like to make the beach and swimming the centre of your trip, choose an activity on the water, take in St Ives Bay on foot, or get to know the area through its architecture and literature? The following features offer some practical pointers.

Beach and Coastal Setting

Carbis Bay Beach is on the Atlantic coast, with lushly vegetated cliffs shaping the surroundings. The calm waters are suitable for swimming. There is no charge to visit, although seasonal restrictions may apply to certain uses. The beach has also received the Blue Flag Award and the Seaside Award. Both awards recognise a commitment to the environment, water quality and safety.

Activities on the Water

The Ocean Sports Centre is located at Carbis Bay Beach. It offers stand-up paddleboarding and sea safaris in Hawaiian canoes or kayaks. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to hire, including stand-up paddleboards for eight people. The SUPwise Starter is a practical introduction with personal instruction for people new to stand-up paddleboarding. The options therefore differ in format: a sea safari, equipment hire or a guided introduction. If you’re considering water sports as part of your trip, these different options can help guide your choice.

Walk Above St Ives Bay

The “Carbis Bay to St Ives” walk offers a distinct way to experience the coastal landscape. It follows good paths with only gentle ascents and descents, while offering spectacular views across St Ives Bay. This clearly sets it apart from activities on the water: the focus here is on the route and views over the bay.

Hotel History and Literature

The Carbis Bay Hotel was built in 1894 by the Cornish architect Silvanus Trevail. The hotel is also associated with two novels by Rosamunde Pilcher: in “The Shell Seekers” and “Winter Solstice”, it appears as “The Sands Hotel”. The year it was built and its fictional name point to different aspects of the hotel’s history: the work of a named architect and its literary portrayal. For travellers interested in architecture or literature, this connection adds a cultural focus to the natural attractions and activities.

Getting Here by Train

Carbis Bay railway station is 100 yards beyond the eastern end of the beach. It is served by trains on the St Ives Bay Line, which runs between St Ives and St Erth. For orientation, both the station’s location in relation to the beach and the line’s endpoints are relevant. If you’re planning to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Colan, Lanivet, Herodsfoot, Saint Gennys, Perranporth, Carlyon Bay, Penzance, Lostwithiel

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.