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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Gwithian Beaches

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.

A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Beach and cove guide

Plan your visit

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.

Best forOpen coastal character with sand, pebbles, cliffs or coves depending on the tide and weather.

Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.

The full guide

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

Browse coastline guides
Beach Safety Guide

Common questions

Where is Gwithian beach?
Gwithian sits on St Ives Bay in west Cornwall, near the village of Gwithian and the towans (dunes), with St Ives across the bay and Godrevy Point to the north-east.
What is Gwithian known for?
It is known for its consistent, quality surf, its sweeping dune-backed sands and its picturesque setting between St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse, making it a favourite with surfers and learners.
What is the nearest town to Gwithian?
Hayle is the nearest town, just to the south, with St Ives a short distance around St Ives Bay.