Season: summer
This is a great time of year to be on the beach in the morning. Carbis Bay’s beach is quite steep, so the waves seem to build vertically and hang poised, before crashing down on themselves, never making it as far up the beach as you might expect. The sun was bright and some friends with their dogs were meeting to start the day in style. It was a harmonious place to be.
With Jen at the start of a special day.
Tom’s relationship with the beach.
The pleasure of a summer morning at Carbis Bay.
Season: winter
A vivid light was on show today. There are wide-ranging views for a beachgoer to enjoy on this beach, either across to Hayle Towans, Gwithian, Godrevy and the lighthouse, or sweeping round to the harbour at St Ives. The steep tree-filled side to beach suggests a tropical tone and you can be sure to see marine wildlife, on this occasion cormorants and a grey seal. Highly recommended.
A view from the sea with Robin.
The panoramic vista at Carbis Bay.
Season: spring
The tide had fallen away, exposing the fine golden sand here at Carbis Bay. Holidaymakers were enjoying the start of the season, walking languidly by the water. A passing storm was replaced by bright sunshine as clean sets of surf broke onto the beach. All was well with the world.
Nick and Rachel reflect on beaches near and far.
From St Ives round to Hayle and beyond, a fine vista at Carbis Bay.
Season: winter
The tide was halfway in and the views towards St Ives, Godrevy lighthouse, Gwithian and Hayle Towans were distant, misty outlines. This blurred the line between the sea and the sky, a hazy, sleepy visual to counter the relentless sound of the waves against the beach. Even on a cloudy day the peculiarly clear light at this end of Cornwall sets the blue sea into relief against the soft, golden sand.
The contemplative side of the beach for Carrie.
A winter morning in Cornwall.
Season: spring
It was wet and mild for this spring visit. The tide was in and the mesmeric turquoise of the sea remained, despite the grey, overcast sky. You can see the pleasure that the beach gives to visitors in Peter’s face, interviewed below.
At the end of the beach.
Peter sifts through family memories.
Season: autumn
Carbis Bay is a beach with fine sand, located just to the east of St Ives. With a small accessible car park, it’s a great place to see seals and look across to St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. It has the Sands Café next to the beach and a hotel with apartments behind.
My chat with Ralph, who works on the beach at Carbis Bay and at the nearby hotel.
An interview with Derek, walking his dog at Carbis Bay.
The relentless action of the Atlantic Ocean on the rocks, here in Penwith.
Seals in the sea by the beach at Carbis Bay.
With its golden sands and turquoise sea, Carbis Bay is recognised as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It is often selected as the perfect base for those wanting to relax and get away from it all but have the convenience of being just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of St. Ives. Great for strolling along the beach, listening to ebb and flow of the sea or simply sitting on the sand and gazing out to St Ives Bay, breathing in the briny air and putting the world in perspective. Everyone should experience it in their life.