The Attractions of St Ives Bay

The northern coastline of Cornwall faces the Atlantic Ocean. Several centuries of relentless Atlantic storms have created an eroded coastline, with numerous sheltered coves and bays. St Ives Bay is a shallow crescent on this coastline, dotted with several gorgeous beaches and holiday spots. Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, water sports and a nature reserve are just some of the attractions of St. Ives bay.

At the southernmost tip of the bay, the river Hayle flows into the ocean and in doing so creates a tidal estuary. The estuary never freezes - even during winter, which makes it an ideal spot for several species of migratory birds. Thousands of birds visit each year, and the site is a marine conservation spot with an RSPB nature reserve. You can see Egrets, Oystercatchers, and Curlews hunting for fish all year round, and flocks of Widgeons can be seen in the winter. The reserve is open at all times and entrance is free of charge, although donations are welcome.

St. Ives is a charming little town, very popular among tourists and almost always full of visitors during summer months. The beaches here are beautiful, with fine golden sand stretching out for miles. They are safe for bathing, which makes it the perfect seaside location for family holidays. Needless to say, there is a wide selection of accommodation here, ranging from bed and breakfasts to self catering apartments, cottages and hotels. No shortage of restaurants and cafes either, with many new high profile establishments opening up recently. Carbis Bay and Lelant are the two other seaside resorts on this western part of the bay and are also popular holiday spots.

At the southernmost tip of St. Ives Bay, near the Hayle estuary, lays the town of Hayle. Hayle has a significant past as an important port, mainly for coal, and retains a charming historic harbour. Its proximity to three miles of unspoiled golden beach has turned Hayle into a thriving tourist spot. The river Hayle cuts through the number of sand dunes, known as towans, to meet the sea. These sand dunes are a site for numerous parks and resorts. Caravanning and camping holidays are particularly popular here.

Moving north-eastward along the coast of St. Ives bay, you reach the coastal village of Gwinthian. Gwinthian has a beautiful beach that is especially popular for surfing, windsurfing, and other water based sports. The geography of the St. Ives Bay coastline is such that the crescent itself has a largely continuous stretch of sandy beach. At the top of the crescent, the coast becomes rockier. Years and years of Atlantic storms have given rise to dramatic cliffs which are an intrinsic part of the North Cornish seascape.

St. Ives bay is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. It can be perfect for a family break, an adventurous surfing holiday as well as for a relaxing seaside vacation.


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The writer is an expert on holiday and travel issues, and regularly produces articles on holiday resorts. For more information, please visit http://www.stivesbay.co.uk