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The seaside town of Carbis Bay in Cornwall is a popular spot to spend a weekend at the beach. The Carbis Bay beach has very little surf so it’s a great spot for a swim and the white sands are a stunning backdrop for a photo. 

Although Carbis Bay is considered a safe place to swim due to its mostly calm waters, nearby Carrack Gladden, also known as Hawks Point, may prove a more difficult spot to swim due to more tidal influence.

Carbis Bay is around one mile south of St Ives, and is joined to the larger town by St Ives Road, where you will also find many of the shops in Carbis Bay. It’s not a large town, so the shops will provide you with the basics - there’s a Costcutter, Tesco and pharmacy among others. Aside from a handful of shops there is also a parish church and the historic Carbis Bay Hotel which was built in 1894 and overlooks the beach.

The Carbis Bay Hotel is notable not only for its prominence on the hills over the beach but also for Virginia Woolf’s visit in 1914. The famous author would later base ‘To the Lighthouse’ on the nearby Godrevy Lighthouse, which is around a 20-minute drive from Carbis Bay.

An interesting fact about Carbis Bay - the beach makes up some of the sub-tropical beaches around St Ives that were listed as some of the best in the world by the ‘Most Beautiful Bays in the World Organisation’. 

When it’s low tide at Carbis Bay beach walk to the east to PorthKidney Sands in Lelant. Another stunning expanse of white sands and blue seas, this beach is also a bird sanctuary so you might spot some sea birds around. If you visit PorthKidney Sands please be aware there are no facilities.

If the weather is just right you can walk from Carbis Bay to St Ives in just under an hour. St Ives is a bigger beach town where you can find some more restaurants and pubs as well as some other stores. Porthminster Beach and Porthgwidden Beach are also accessible from St Ives.

Let us meet all your Carbis Bay parking needs. YourParkingSpace provides an online platform for reserving a parking space in advance. Pre-book parking in Carbis Bay with us and avoid the stress of driving around looking for a place to park. 

Carbis Bay parking is very limited. In the town, the only space for parking is at the Carbis Bay train station, which offers 20 spaces and is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. This car park is located on Porthrepta Road, and also includes bicycle parking.

Looking for a place to park in Carbis Bay? You can browse through the options available on our website. Long-term and short-term off street parking options include driveways and lock-up garages. Book your car park in advance in minutes from the comfort of your couch.

Other than the town of St Ives, it’s restaurants, bars and stunning beaches, there are plenty of other attractions throughout the area. One of the popular things to do during a visit to Cornwall is take a guided tour of St Ives. These walking tours move around the town, taking in the history, art and culture of the peninsula.

If you’re wanting to travel in the other direction, Lelant is another town along the coast that is worth visiting. You’ll find a golf course by the village and the local church dates back to the 13th century.

Keep an eye out for the Godrevy Lighthouse off the coast which helped inspire Virginia Woolf’s ‘To the Lighthouse’. The lighthouse has been standing since 1859, and was originally operated by 2 men. It was modernised with an LED bulb in the early 2000s, and stands about 300 metres off the shore.

Planning a weekend away in Carbis Bay? Find convenient parking with YourParkingSpace within walking distance of the area’s main attractions.

By Train: Carbis Bay is connected to the rest of the country by the St Ives branch, and the GWR line stops here.

By Bus: The St Ives Bus Company offers a service that stops outside Tesco Carbis Bay.

By Car: If you are travelling to Carbis Bay by car, follow the A30 and turn off toward Lelant and continue up the A3074 to Carbis Bay.

By Plane: The closest airport is located in Newquay which is around a 50-minute drive to St Ives.

Parking for disabled visitors is not available at Carbis Bay.

To search for the disabled car park that is closest to your destination see the Blue Badge Parking website. 

Electric vehicle charging stations are available at several locations in Carbis Bay. The closest ones to Carbis Bay beach are:

• Boskerris Hotel
• Carbis Bay Hotel
• Tesco Superstore St Ives

A network of all electric vehicle charging points can be found on the government's Go Ultra low website.

Need a boost? Book in advance with YourParkingSpace and remove the stress of finding that elusive charging station.

Do you own an empty parking space in Carbis Bay? Turn your vacant driveway, parking space, or lock-up garage into income with YourParkingSpace. List your space for free in only 2 minutes.

Is Carbis Bay beach private?

The beach is open to the public, so anyone can visit and enjoy Carbis Bay beach.

Can you walk from Carbis Bay to St Ives?

Yes, there is a beautiful coastal path between the two towns which is paved and reasonably accessible.

Is Carbis Bay beach dog friendly?

Yes, Carbis Bay beach is dog friendly between certain hours. From May 15th to September 30th between 10:00am and 6:00pm dogs are not allowed on the beach.

What does Carbis mean?

Carbis Bay’s name comes from the Cornish word Karrbons which means ‘causeway’.