Carbis Bay and Lelant
Carbis Bay and Lelant
Head a mile east out of St Ives and you’ll arrive at the beautiful coastal resort of Carbis Bay. Keep going just a little longer to reach Lelant, an older village made up of pretty granite cottages. These two villages have become much-loved holiday spots, thanks to their glorious beachside settings.
Carbis Bay was once completely separate from St Ives, although, over the years, development has meant that they now merge into each other. Looking at the seaside resort today, with its lively beach and luxurious accommodation, it’s hard to imagine that Carbis Bay was once a mining settlement.
Lelant nestles by the estuary, between Carbis Bay and Hayle. It’s an attractive and well-kept village, with a couple of old pubs and a medieval church. On both the South West Coast Path and St Michael’s Way, Lelant is a good base for a walking break, and it’s close to some absolutely stunning beaches.
Carbis Bay and Lelant are easy to get to by road. Lelant is just two minutes off the A30: take the A3074 at the Penzance/St Ives/Hayle roundabout, then turn right at the second mini roundabout and you’re there. Keep going through the village, and you’ll be in Carbis Bay within minutes. Both villages have branch line stations (more about this lovely route later), and you can pick up the train from mainline St Erth.
