The spellbinding swathes of Gwithian feature some of the most beautiful coastline imaginable. Nestled within the bewitching realms of St Ives Bay and only a whisper from Hayle and St Ives, this heavenly stretch beckons for oceanside bliss. Home to a picturesque village and a spectacular beach, part of the 3-mile Towans, it’s a magnet for unforgettable days and offers a plethora of things to see and do.
Should you be seeking an oceanside sojourn, Gwithian promises the perfect place to revive amongst hues of gold and sapphire. Framed by undulating dunes tufted with marram grass and sea holly and caressed by the Atlantic, it’s a place of wild beauty. Whether you are seeking salt-kissed escapism along its empty miles or would like to stay close to its heart, here is our curated guide to Gwithian for hours of coastal reveries.
Wander Along the Miles of Golden Sand
Residing along a silken stretch of coastline known as The Towans, Gwithian forms part of a 3-mile expanse that runs from the River Hayle estuary in the south to Godrevy Point in the north. At low tide, huge swathes of golden sand are unveiled, just perfect for long walks as waves lap against the shore and gulls wheel in the thermals overhead. Time your trip with an ebbing tide and make sure you keep an eye on its turn, making the most of each ephemeral moment to absorb the setting. Parcel up some delectable treats and relish the timeless joy of pressing footprints in the sand. Scattering paw prints beside you, dogs are welcome on South Gwithian year-round.
Capture the Beauty of Godrevy Lighthouse
One of the most iconic sights on Cornwall’s north coast, Godrevy Lighthouse on Godrevy Island has overlooked St Ives Bay since 1859. Standing guard over a rocky stretch of reef known as The Stones, it reaches over 90 feet above the water and is easily visible from the land. Surrounded by millpond water on balmy days and bathed in surging breakers in more tempestuous swells, it makes for one of the most enigmatic subjects for the lens imaginable. From blue skies and sunsets to storms and starry nights, take your position safely on Gwithian Beach or atop the cliffs and capture your own moment of Godrevy magic.
Read a Book in the Lee of the Dunes
Cornish for “dune”, The Towans (of which Gwithian is part) extends for 3 divine miles along Cornwall’s north coast. Backed by an extensive maze of undulating dunes, it is home to a rich and complex ecosystem, with a quarter of all species of plants found in Cornwall recorded here. As well as supporting a wonderful array of flora and fauna, the fringes of the dunes make for a lovely place to relax on the beach. Offering sheltered nooks in which to bask in the sunshine and relax with a book or a delicious picnic, the lee of the dunes encourages slow, rejuvenating moments soundtracked by ocean tides.
Experience the Thrill of a Surfing Lesson
Facing the glittering vastity of the Atlantic Ocean, Gwithian Beach enjoys an almost year-round promise of surf. From tiny white breakers perfect for beginners to crystalline barrels rearing up in diamond-flecked mounds, it has something to offer all saltwater seekers. If you have never tried surfing before, or are looking to polish your skills, take the opportunity to join a guided surf lesson with one of the area’s team of local experts. From pop-up surf schools to year-round clubs, a surf lesson at Gwithian can be tailored to everyone.
Savour a Shoreside Blend from Kabyn Café
What better way to elevate hours by the ocean than with a cup of your favourite soothing offering? A mobile café in corrugated blues, this cute cabin can be found at the foot of the dunes in the middle of Gwithian’s golden stretch. Regularly residing on the beach throughout the year, Kabyn Café supports a philosophy of wholesome food crafted with the highest quality Cornish ingredients, served alongside delicious hot drinks to satiate your alfresco fancies. Select your favourite treat for a shoreside blend and moreish moments backdropped by the ocean.
Immerse in a Refreshing Ocean Dip
The beautiful Gwithian Beach is lifeguarded on select days from the beginning of April until the end of October each year. When the RNLI’s red and yellow flags ripple in a faint Atlantic breeze and the sea mellows, this is the perfect opportunity to slip out of your layers and into the revitalising seawater. In stunning shades of turquoise and aquamarine and scattered with sunbeams, the water here is heavenly for restoring to the tune of nature. Should you be seeking something a little different, you can find sheltered tidal pools peppered along the beach at Gwithian, whilst a short distance away near Hayle’s rivermouth awaits a wood-fired sauna at North Quay.
Peacefully Watch the Seals at Mutton Cove
For the wild at heart, the gifts of Mother Nature are endless at Gwithian. From the clifftops and the shore, seabirds, dolphins and even whales can be seen making their way along the coastline through sapphire waves topped with pearly crests. Around the corner from Godrevy Point, the South West Coast Path leads wildlife watchers to a viewing point above Mutton Cove. An important sanctuary for wild seals on the coast, this makes for a wonderful spot to quietly watch the seals as they relax and reenergise in the warmth of the sun.
Relax on the Balcony of Godrevy Café
A short walk from Gwithian’s honey-hued beach, Godrevy Café can be found nestled amongst the dunes. At the head of a National Trust car park, this café is an inviting idyll, open most days throughout the year. Beloved for its delectable breakfast, lunch and inbetween indulgences, it lends a delightful setting for warming repasts and refreshing drinks. Take a seat inside to enjoy the cosy cocoon of the café, sit outside in the sand-speckled picnic garden, or head upstairs to the alfresco timber deck to revel in the tastiest treats with reaching views over dune and sea.
Pursue Coastal Adventures on the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is one of the most famous long-distance walking trails in Europe. Following the coastline in a 630-mile ribbon from Minehead to Poole, it calls to walkers of all generations from near and far to pursue soul-stirring hikes in nature. For those looking to combine their beach wanderings with longer hours on the trail, the South West Coast Path can be easily picked up from Gwithian. Pack a bag and adorn your outdoor attire, ready to walk towards the North Cliffs and Portreath or south towards the charming artists’ town of St Ives.
Take a Day Trip to Hayle and St Ives
Set within the beautiful St Ives Bay, Gwithian is perfectly placed for both leisurely hours on the shore and day trips to west coast gems. Only a moment from the coastal town of Hayle, you can easily drive the short distance to the town and explore its waterside stretches, attractions, and quaint cafés. Just a few miles down the coast, the town of St Ives is a dream for serene sojourns, renowned for its unique quality of light and picturesque harbour peppered with fishing boats. Home to the renowned Tate St Ives, a plethora of places to dine, and network of whitewashed streets lined with galleries and boutiques, it’s a place where time easily slips away.
Seek Out a Treat at The Jam Pot Café
Open seasonally, The Jam Pot Café is a beloved favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Nestled high amongst the clifftop dunes overlooking Gwithian, it rewards visitors with enchanting panoramas and dreamy coastalscapes that endlessly vie for attention. A former coastguard lookout, it has been lovingly transformed into a petite café and shop, with an intimate dining area inside and a collection of benches painted in duck egg hues outside. Ensuring beach lovers are fuelled, the menu proposes soulful favourites, such as freshly made soup and rolls, homemade cakes, and Cornish cream teas.
Watch Kite Surfers Soar Above the Breakers
Regarded as one of the best kite surfing destinations in Europe when the conditions align, Gwithian is a magnet for athletes seeking the thrill of the elements. Taking to the air above calms seas and bulking waves alike, kite surfers benefit from the beach’s consistent swells and versatile play. If you’re looking for somewhere enthralling to sail on the wind, this beach is hard to resist. That said, it’s equally as captivating to simply sit and watch kite surfers soar above the breakers from the comfort of a beachside perch.
Indulge in a Sunset Cocktail at Chomp
In the summer months, balmy evenings are best spent soaking up the coral-coloured rays of sunshine with a crisp beverage in hand. One of the top places to go when the sun casts crimson embers along the horizon, Chomp Gastro Beach Bar is an enticing proposition. Adorned in pastel hues with pale pink and blue benches and covered spaces to sit and relax, its sheltered aspect encourages you to linger, soaking up the atmosphere and the live music that often plays. Particular favourites at the bar are the flavourful cocktails crafted with Cornish spirits.
Bask in a West Coast Sunset
Facing west towards the Atlantic Ocean, Gwithian and its surrounding coastalscapes provide some of the most mesmeric vantage points from which to watch the sun set. In summer, drawnout daylight hours promise the dreamiest evenings on the coast, revelling in the balmy climes and spectacular late evening sunsets of the warmer months. Meanwhile in winter, beach lovers are treated to breathtaking displays over the ocean as golden hour arrives early over the coast, concluding with a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow, pink and purple blazing over the rolling swells of the sea.
Feeling inspired for a blissful beach break? Uncover our luxury collection of cottages in Gwithian.
