Gwithian is a vast, dune-backed beach at the eastern end of St Ives Bay, looking across the water to St Ives one way and Godrevy lighthouse the other. Its long, golden sands and reliable Atlantic swell have made it one of Cornwall's most popular surfing beaches.
Beach and cove guide
A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.
Gwithian Beaches is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.
Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
North Beach
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty
2025
Easter School Holidays 05 April - 21 April
Weekends Only 26 April - 27 April
Daily 03 May - 28 September
Weekends Only 04 October - 19 October
October Half Term 25 October - 02 November
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
South Beach
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty
2025
Daily 17 May - 28 September
Patrol times 10am-6pm
Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.
A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.
Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
