Gwithian Beach

  • Gwithian Beach - Hayle
    © Ian Wool
  • Gwithian Surf
  • Gwithian Surf
  • Gwithian cave
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Gwithian Rock pool
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Gwithian - View to Godrevy
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Last updated:

    Gwithian was where it all started for me. All those years back when I first began going to the beach with my family this is where we came - and I loved it. What's not to love; miles of golden sand in every direction, shelter from the wind near the cliffs and the best rock pool ever.

    "Sheep Dips" as the surf spot is named refers to a large pool formed between two big sets of rocks. Quite deep in the middle, gently sloping on both sides and with water far warmer than the Atlantic this was where I spent many a happy day as a kid.

    There are quite a few other rock pools around the part of the beach near the steps and I also spent a good deal of time poking around in these.

    A few years later it was at Gwithian that I learnt to surf. This is the perfect spot for it - slightly more sheltered than neighbouring Godrevy, the waves here are usually a little more forgiving. Combined with a well-staffed lifeguard service and this is a great place for getting in the water - young and old. 

     As well as being a popular surf spot Gwithian has always been a favourite with windsurfers and kite-surfers. This is down to its relatively exposed aspect and the predominance of cross-shore winds.

    Also known as:

    Gwithian Towans

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    Well covered during summer months (5 May-30 September), Easter Bank Holiday weekend and wekkends during October

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed all year

    dog friendly beaches »

    Postcode

    TR27 5BT

    OS grid ref.

    SW 5780 4138

    Facilities

    There is the Sunset Surf cafe and beach shop by the main car park plus another couple of places set back in the dunes including the Jam Pot Café - a former 19th century coastguard lookout with great views across the bay.

    Parking

    Plenty of parking between the road and the beach.

    Awards

    Green Coast Award

    Gwithian Beach Video

    Gwithian Beach Reviews (3)

    Jul 31st 2023

    Stunning Beach!! We went in last week of July and it was empty at end of the day and also just after high tide. Huge sandy area for the Hound to run around on and to run in the surf. Tide is quite strong when pulling back after a wave so some smaller dogs may need care.

    Also as tide goes out and if its an afternoon it will fill quite quickly and the young surfers weren’t to alert as to personal space when it came to dogs just dump stuff in the non life guarded area that you were in, but plenty of beach if you want to move on down. It just means you have a bit of a longer walk back to the car.

    Stunning

    Andrea Mills

    Aug 06th 2023

    This beach is simply stunning and the first one I go to every year when I have my yearly jaunt to Cornwall. Roll on 3 weeks ????

    Not totally dog friendly

    Aug 10th 2022

    Not all parts of the beach are dog friendly, so best to plan ahead .

    Show all 3 reviews