Planning a Holiday in Carbis Bay.

Here at Cornish Escapes, we understand that choosing where to stay in Cornwall with friends and family can be tricky. With our growing selection of holiday homes in Carbis Bay, we are here to help you plan the perfect getaway. In this local guide, we will share everything you need to know about planning a holiday in Carbis Bay, from choosing the perfect place to stay and exploring the beautiful beach to discovering the best things to see and do during your time here.  

Where is Carbis Bay?

Discover Carbis Bay, a beautiful seaside village in Cornwall, is located just one mile southeast of the popular town of St Ives. Best known for its golden sandy beach and clear, calm waters, Carbis Bay is the perfect destination for families, couples and friends looking for a relaxing coastal getaway. With St Ives just a short distance away, you can enjoy the tranquillity of Carbis Bay while still being within easy reach of its galleries, shops, restaurants and attractions, as well as exploring further afield across West Cornwall.  

Carbis Bay Accommodation.

Find your ideal Carbis Bay holiday accommodation with our range of self-catering cottages, stylish apartments, lodges and beach retreats, just moments from the coast.   

Carbis Bay sits in a sheltered, wooded valley that slopes gently down to a wide sandy beach on the coast of St Ives Bay. The village is made up of hillside homes, small apartment developments and bungalows surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery, giving it a peaceful, leafy feel. Its elevated position provides many seaward properties with panoramic sea views across the bay, while the surrounding coastline and nearby countryside create a scenic landscape that is ideal for walking and relaxing. Most of these holiday cottages also have the added benefit of outdoor areas and sought after parking.   

Dog Friendly Accommodation in Carbis Bay.

If you are looking for dog friendly accommodation in Cornwall. Take a look at some of our dog friendly Carbis Bay cottages which welcome dogs and feature private gardens. All within walking distance to the South West Coastal Path.   

Getting to and around Carbis Bay.

With regular bus services stops along St Ives Road, providing convenient connections to St Ives, just 1 mile (1.6 km) away, as well as nearby towns including Hayle and Penzance. Carbis Bay also has its own railway station on the scenic St Ives Bay Line, offering a quick and picturesque journey to St Ives or connecting with mainline services at St Erth.  

Whether you are planning to spend your days exploring the cobbled streets and beaches of St Ives, visiting the iconic shoreline at Marazion, or enjoying the wide sandy beaches of Gwithian in Hayle, Carbis Bay offers easy access to many of Cornwall’s most popular destinations. With excellent transport links and a central location, it is the perfect base for discovering the beauty of the north and west Cornish coast.  

Carbis Bay Train Station.

If you are leaving the car at home to visit Cornwall or off on a day out from Carbis Bay. There is no better way to travel than taking the St Ives Bay Line from Carbis Bay into St Ives. The track runs the coastline with breathtaking views across St Ives Bay. With connections and a park and ride at St Erth Station, exploring the countryside of Cornwall is a great way to make the travelling part of the fun day out. Find more inspiration on which route to take in our blog about The Most Scenic Rail Journeys in Cornwall.  

Looking to book a cosy winter stay? We recommend checking the seasonal train timetables in advance as the service times can be reduced during these months.    

Parking in Carbis Bay.

Many of our Carbis Bay holiday homes with parking include private or allocated parking spaces for guests, giving you one less thing to worry about during your coastal getaway. If you need to park an additional car or closer to the beach in Carbis Bay, there is Porthretpa long stay car park for up to 180 spaces. Positioned on the seaward side of Carbis Bay, just off Porthrepta Road, which leads down to Carbis Bay beach and is centrally located within walking distance to many of the roads in the village. There are also very limited spaces at Carbis Bay Station and beachside at Carbis Bay Beach who offer a daily peak rate to park for the day.   

Things to do in Carbis Bay.

Carbis Bay is the perfect place to combine coastal adventure with peaceful countryside escapes. Wander along the stunning South West Coast Path towards St Ives, explore the woodland trails of Steeple Reserve, or take to the water with Ocean Sports Centre offering hire and tours for paddleboarding, kayaking and ocean adventures from the sheltered bay. With a golden beach, dramatic sea views and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, Carbis Bay offers a memorable mix of walking, hiking and ocean experiences on the Cornish coast.  

Where to eat and drink in Carbis Bay? 

From gastro dining at The Gannet to the locals favourite Becks, Fish and Chips. Carbis Bay has a few places for you to enjoy a fabulous meal out. If you are after good food on the go, Yvette’s Pantry daily selection freshly made vegan salads and savoury delights. For those with a sweet tooth, we highly recommend treating yourself to one of their cakes for later – the flavoured cinnamon buns are always a popular choice.  

Romanos Restaurant and Wine Bar on St Ives Road in Carbis Bay is fast becoming a must try destination to taste their ever-changing weekly dinner menu. A celebration of Italian cuisine small dishes to share together and good wine list to accompany your dishes.   

MOR is the newest restaurant to open in Carbis Bay. Drawing its name from the Cornish word for ‘Sea’ MOR is perfectly placed on the beachfront at Carbis Bay Estate. Two Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers welcomes diners to celebrate British ingredients and dishes that come with a story.    

If you prefer to cook at home in your coastal retreat, Carbis Bay is home to the only supermarket in the St Ives area. Perfectly located to pick up a something for tea or supplies for the week. 

Image Credit – Carbis Bay Estate and Mor

Spas and Wellness in Carbis Bay.

C Bay Spa offers you the chance to relax in its spectacular outdoor infinity pool and beautifully landscaped spa gardens showcasing sweeping panoramic views across the ocean in St Ives Bay. Unwind in the warmth of the cedar wood sauna, immerse yourself in the restorative hydro pool, or simply savour a chilled glass of Champagne while gazing out at the endless sea. A sanctuary designed to help you slow down, restore, and reconnect. Prefer swim, steam and choice to enjoy a treatment during your visit? Una Spa and Leisure is a family friendly space where everyone can join together for a day of luxury. The Lido is a heated outdoor pool, with space to swim, float and relax. Prefer hiding from the elements in the heated indoor pool, visitors can go between the jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. With a small children’s pool, Una is a great family day out come rain or shine. If you are hoping to spend more time in the spa than on the beach, discover our selection of holiday cottages with spa passes. 

Image Credit – Carbis Bay Estate

Carbis Bay Beach.

Carbis Bay Beach is nestled away in a sheltered corner of St Ives Bay. With its golden sands, clear turquoise waters and Blue Flag award-winning facilities make it one of the best family beaches in the St Ives area. This tranquil spot is a perfect spot for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding with equipment hire available straight from the sand to the sea at Ocean Sports Centre.  With lifeguards on patrol for the peak season, both adults and children alike will all enjoy a day beside the sea.   

Cornish Escapes in Carbis Bay.

To celebrate 15 years of Cornish Escapes, we are delighted to have opened our second office in Carbis Bay in January 2026. If you are staying nearby, why not pop in and meet our friendly local team? They are on hand with insider tips, hidden gems and recommendations to help you make the most of your Cornish escape. You can also drop by to find out more about letting your holiday home with Cornish Escapes and discover how our local expertise and personal service can help you make the most of your property.