Your Short Break in Carbis Bay: The Cornish Escapes Itinerary.

As we start to head into spring at last, are you feeling the need for an energising escape to the Cornish coast? Sometimes a short break is exactly what’s needed to refresh and reset, and there’s nothing like a few days by the sea to blow those winter cobwebs away. If this sounds like a good idea to you, we know exactly the place to go…

Lovely Carbis Bay is within walking distance of the better-known St Ives; however, it’s large enough to have a character of its own as well as excellent facilities. It has a reputation for being a relaxed place to stay (and live), with a stylish selection of coastal-chic places to eat and drink. 

Because there’s so much on your doorstep here, from azure waters to lovely inland walks, Carbis Bay is an excellent destination for a short break or sneaky weekend away. 

Here’s how you can spend two or three days in this welcoming coastal resort.

An Evening in Carbis Bay.

You’ve just arrived in Carbis Bay, and the last thing you want to do is immediately produce a meal for everyone. Happily, Carbis Bay has a superb choice of eateries for a small place. 

For informal family dining, La Casita Italian restaurant is a firm locals’ favourite, along with The Bean Inn, a friendly spot that specialises in vegetarian dishes. If you’re fancying that famous seaside staple, Beck’s Fish and Chip restaurant and take-away has near-legendary status. The Gannet offers a sophisticated take on gastropub food, and there’s also the Cornish Arms for a more traditional evening at the pub.

A Morning by the Sea in Carbis Bay.

Replete and refreshed after a good night’s sleep, you’re ready for the beach. Carbis Bay beach is privately owned (by the hotel) but is free to use. It’s a Mediterranean-esque turquoise bay, fringed with trees and with beautifully soft sand. Enjoy a morning walk and a paddle in the sheltered bay, holding your warming take-away coffee.

Britain’s Prettiest Branch Line.

Ready to explore a bit further? It’s only a mile into St Ives, but we recommend catching the train into town. There’s a regular branch line service from St Erth to St Ives, and you can join the train from the halt just above the Carbis Bay Hotel. The views are beautiful as the railway line curves along the coast and you’ll arrive at Porthminster Beach in minutes.

To make the most of the views, you could also take the train in the other direction, past stunning Porthkidney Beach and along Hayle Estuary.

Things to do in St Ives.

There’s plenty to do in St Ives at any time of year, including the world-famous Tate St Ives and its sister attraction, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Explore the cobbled old streets that wind around the former fisherman’s cottages, now home to appealing independent shops and plenty of places to eat, drink and pick up picnic food. Walk along the harbour or around the Island, breathing in that matchless ocean air.

Bars and Restaurants in St Ives.

Staying in St Ives for drinks or dinner? There are so many wonderful places among the winding streets and along the seafront that it’s hard to know where to choose! Here’s our guide to the best pubs and bars in St Ives, or for something more substantial, we’ve listed our favourite St Ives restaurants. 

You have several options for returning to Carbis Bay. If it’s before eight thirty, you can catch the branch line train back to Carbis Bay (later in the busier months). Check the train times to plan your journey. There are also regular buses, as well as several taxi companies operating from St Ives. If it’s a nice evening, it’s only a mile by foot.

Breakfast by the Beach in Carbis Bay.

If you’ve walked from Carbis Bay to St Ives, you’ll emerge from a tunnel of trees into the bright sands of Porthminster Beach – just in time for breakfast at the beachside cafe. We also love the hearty offerings at The Hub and Scoff Troff. 

Or maybe you want a more leisurely breakfast in your luxury holiday cottage or apartment (especially as so many of our Carbis Bay properties have ocean views). Pick up goodies from the local Deli or Carbis Bay Tesco and enjoy breakfast with a view.

If you’re Spending Three Nights in Carbis Bay…

Have you booked a three-night escape in Carbis Bay? If so, there’s plenty of ways to spend your bonus day. Head east towards pretty Lelant (via the coast path, bus or a short drive), where Porthkidney is one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall. Have a bite to eat at Birdies or The Old Forge, or head a mile further into Hayle.

An extra day gives you the chance to explore inland from Carbis Bay. Take the path through Steeple Wood up to Knill’s Monument for spectacular views over St Ives Bay, or walk the St Michael’s Way footpath across to Marazion on the opposite coast. Alternatively, you could always simply spend a happy day wave-watching from your window or terrace…