Cornwall, England
Porthkidney Beach
Porthkidney Beach is a long, sweeping strand at the eastern end of Carbis Bay and St Ives Bay, sheltered from the prevailing Atlantic swell by the headlands to the west and with views across the bay toward Godrevy Lighthouse — the lighthouse that inspired Virginia Woolf's novel.
- Day use
About this place
Porthkidney Beach is a long, sweeping strand at the eastern end of Carbis Bay and St Ives Bay, sheltered from the prevailing Atlantic swell by the headlands to the west and with views across the bay toward Godrevy Lighthouse — the lighthouse that inspired Virginia Woolf's novel. The beach is backed by extensive dunes and the Hayle estuary system, and its eastern end is relatively quiet compared to the busier Carbis Bay and St Ives beaches nearby.
The informal C/O tradition at Porthkidney concentrates at the quieter eastern end of the beach, away from the Carbis Bay Hotel access and the main visitor flow. St Ives Bay has warm, sheltered water by Cornwall standards, making the swimming season comfortable from late June through September.
Visitor notes
Contributed by ClothingOptional.org Editorial Team
Who visits
St Ives and Carbis Bay area visitors, West Cornwall naturists who prefer the quieter end of the bay.
How to find it
Access from Carbis Bay or from the Hayle side via the estuary path. The beach is the eastern continuation of Carbis Bay beach.
Things to watch out for
The Hayle estuary end has strong tidal currents — stay in the main bay for swimming. The beach access from the Hayle side involves some distance on foot.
Last updated
Etiquette & ground rules
Informal C/O at the quieter eastern end. The main Carbis Bay beach is clothed and family-oriented.
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