Porthkidney Sands
A vast, dog-friendly beach with miles of golden sand, offering a tranquil escape and stunning views of St. Ives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vast sands, peaceful atmosphere
Porthkidney Sands
Best Time
Vast sands, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, dog-friendly beach with miles of golden sand, offering a tranquil escape and stunning views of St. Ives.
"Miles & miles of deserted golden sands."
Check Tide Times Daily! :ocean:
Crucial for safe access and enjoying the full expanse. Don't get caught out by the incoming tide!
Locate Parking Carefully :car:
Zoom in on maps; sometimes listed as Hayle Beach. Be prepared for a walk from the car park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Golden Sands
The entire beach
Miles of golden sand stretch out at low tide, offering a sense of seclusion and vastness.
Dog-Friendly Paradise
All year round
A fantastic beach for dogs, with plenty of space to run and swim, often with very little other dog mess.
Stunning St. Ives Views
Western end of the beach
Enjoy picturesque views across the bay towards the charming town of St. Ives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times Daily! :ocean:
Crucial for safe access and enjoying the full expanse. Don't get caught out by the incoming tide!
Locate Parking Carefully :car:
Zoom in on maps; sometimes listed as Hayle Beach. Be prepared for a walk from the car park.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:
Year-round access for dogs, with plenty of space for them to play and swim.
Pack for the Elements :wind_chime:
It can be exposed, so bring layers and windbreaks if needed, though often it's blissfully quiet.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times Daily! :ocean:
Crucial for safe access and enjoying the full expanse. Don't get caught out by the incoming tide!
Locate Parking Carefully :car:
Zoom in on maps; sometimes listed as Hayle Beach. Be prepared for a walk from the car park.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog:
Year-round access for dogs, with plenty of space for them to play and swim.
Pack for the Elements :wind_chime:
It can be exposed, so bring layers and windbreaks if needed, though often it's blissfully quiet.
Walk from St. Ives :walking:
A scenic coastal path walk connects St. Ives to Porthkidney for a rewarding arrival.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Porthkidney Sands for its stunning, vast golden sands and dog-friendly nature. Many appreciate its relative quietness compared to nearby St. Ives, offering a peaceful escape. However, some caution is needed regarding tide times and finding the correct parking.
"Absolutely stunning beach. We had a great day and the fact that it’s dog friendly was the biggest draw to it as we were away with our dog in tow.
Was excellent for paddle boarding too.
We had to zoom in on the map to find the car park as initially it kept taking us to the beach opposite.
Be warned though when using the car park and walking down along the beach to access the main stretch to head back before the tide comes in, as when it does it completely covers the original path taken to get to the main stretch of beach.
It should have dawned on us that’d be the case but it honestly didn’t and with absolutely no signs to let you know we almost got caught short and would have had to exit via a set of stairs that we had no idea where they led!"
Ashleigh Shea
"Easy to park, very long beach with lots of character and not busy! These photos were taken at noon on a very hot day during half term. Meanwhile around the corner on the next beaches in St Ives, cars queuing to park and then hike down to beaches. Yes, that has its merits, town atmosphere, shops etc. But this beach is a great day out too! 😎"
John Thornton
"Wonderful dog friendly all year round beach! Beautiful clear water and golden sands"
Happy Camper
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porthkidney Sands is accessible via a coastal walk from St. Ives or Carbis Bay, or by car to a nearby car park. Some visitors recommend searching for 'Hayle Beach' on maps to find the correct parking area, as 'Porthkidney Sands parking' can sometimes be misleading.
It can be a bit tricky to locate by name alone. Zooming in on your map app and looking for the large expanse of sand at low tide is often the best strategy.
Yes, a beautiful coastal walk along the South West Coast Path connects St. Ives to Porthkidney Sands. This route offers stunning views and a rewarding approach to the beach.
There is a car park near the beach, but it can be busy. Some visitors suggest it's easier to find by searching for 'Hayle Beach' on navigation apps. Be mindful of the tide when parking and walking to the beach.
While direct public transport to the beach itself is limited, you can reach nearby St. Ives or Lelant by train and then enjoy a scenic walk to Porthkidney Sands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Porthkidney Sands is a natural beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking may incur charges depending on the car park used.
As a natural beach, Porthkidney Sands is accessible at all times. However, visitor access and enjoyment are heavily dependent on tide times.
No, booking is not required for Porthkidney Sands as it is a public beach. Enjoy the freedom of this expansive stretch of sand.
Yes, Porthkidney Sands is wonderfully dog-friendly all year round, making it a popular choice for visitors with pets.
The primary consideration is the tide. Always check tide times before visiting to ensure safe access and to make the most of the vast sandy expanse.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To experience the full, vast expanse of Porthkidney Sands, aim to visit during low tide. The sea recedes significantly, revealing miles of golden sand. 
Compared to neighbouring beaches in St. Ives, Porthkidney Sands is often much quieter, especially at low tide. You can often find large stretches of sand to yourself.
It's perfect for long walks, paddleboarding, swimming (with caution), and simply relaxing on the vast sands. Dogs love it here too!
Facilities are minimal as it's a natural beach. There are no cafes or shops directly on the sand, so come prepared with your own refreshments and essentials.
The sand is fine and golden, creating a beautiful, soft surface underfoot. At low tide, it forms a vast, flat expanse perfect for exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers stunning light for photography. The vastness of the beach at low tide also provides dramatic compositions.
Capture sweeping landscapes of the expansive sands, the dramatic coastline, the distant views of St. Ives, and candid shots of dogs enjoying the water.
The western end of the beach offers great views towards St. Ives. Walking along the dunes can also provide elevated perspectives of the beach.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colours of the sea and sky, especially during golden hour.
Yes, the beach is popular for leisurely strolls and dog walking. Be mindful of privacy if photographing individuals without their consent. Some visitors have noted it can be a nudist site, though not always busy with nudists.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the tide times carefully when visiting with young children. Ensure you have a clear understanding of when the tide will come in to avoid any stress or potential hazards. The walk from the car park can also be a consideration for families with very young children or those with mobility issues, so plan your access route accordingly.
🐾 Dog Owners
Be mindful of the tide, as it can affect access routes. Always bring fresh water for your dog, especially on warmer days. The expansive nature of the beach means dogs can enjoy off-lead freedom, making it a truly liberating experience for them.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Coastal Walkers
The walk itself is rewarding, and arriving at the vast expanse of Porthkidney is a perfect culmination. Whether you're walking from St. Ives or Carbis Bay, the beach provides a wonderful place to rest, refuel, and enjoy the scenery. The opportunity to walk for miles along the sand at low tide is a unique experience for hikers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tides at Porthkidney Sands
When the tide is out, Porthkidney Sands offers a sense of remote tranquility, a stark contrast to the busier beaches in nearby St. Ives. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and quiet. The sheer scale of the beach at low tide can be breathtaking, offering a feeling of having the entire coastline to yourself.
+1Conversely, at high tide, much of the sandy expanse is submerged. While still beautiful, the beach becomes significantly smaller, and access points can be limited. Planning your visit around low tide is therefore paramount to fully appreciate and safely navigate Porthkidney Sands.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
The sheer size of Porthkidney Sands at low tide provides ample space for dogs to run, play fetch, and swim to their heart's content. The gentle slope into the water can be ideal for dogs who enjoy paddling or a quick dip.
When planning your visit with a dog, remember to bring water and any necessary supplies. While the beach is vast, facilities are minimal. The joy of Porthkidney Sands for dog owners lies in its natural beauty and the freedom it offers, making it a highly recommended spot for a dog-friendly day out in Cornwall.
Navigating Parking and Access
Once parked, be prepared for a walk to reach the main stretch of the beach. The path from the car park can be covered by the tide at certain times, so it's crucial to be aware of the tide's position. Visitors have shared anecdotes of nearly being cut off, emphasizing the need to check tide times and plan your route accordingly.
For those who prefer a more scenic approach, walking from St. Ives or Carbis Bay along the coastal path offers a fantastic alternative. This not only bypasses potential parking issues but also provides stunning views along the Cornish coastline.
Regardless of your chosen method, a little pre-planning regarding access and tides will greatly enhance your visit to this beautiful beach. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit