Porthkidney Beach

  • Porthkidney Sands
  • Hayle Rivermouth
  • Last updated:

    Porthkidney Sands stretch from the mouth of the River Hayle in Lelant to Hawk’s Point in Carbis Bay. The beach is around a mile long and at low tide the sea goes out a long way leaving a vast expanse of usually almost deserted sand. The fact that one can barely discern the river mouth from beach level gives the impression the beach goes on practically to infinity!

    The beach is many visitor’s first glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean as they round the corner on the St Ives branch train. The track runs along the length of the beach as it climbs up to Carbis Bay. The beach is overlooked by one of the areas top golf clubs too; the West Cornwall Golf Club. 

     At the Lelant end the beach is backed by gentle dunes and there are several access points from the coast path. As the beaches approaches Carbis Bay the dunes rise sharply to form a steep cliff from which the view along the coast is impressive. There is a path down from this end but it is a little more precarious and far from accessible to all. On the lowest of tides it is possible to walk around the point to Carbis Bay beach, or visa versa, to make an interesting detour from the coast path. A word of warning though, the tide moves fast here, so don’t get caught out. 

     The northern end of Porthkidney beach is a popular, but incredibly fickle, surf spot – Hawk’s Point. It needs a very big swell before it breaks here but can get good. Swimming is less advisable, particularly closer to the river mouth and on turning tides. Strong, unpredictable currents and a lack of any lifeguard cover make it potentially dangerous. 

     Porthkidney Sands are one of West Cornwall’s all year dog friendly beaches with no restrictions. Given the huge amount of space at low tide even the most energetic dogs should be satisfied.

    Type of beach

    Sandy

    Lifeguard service

    RNLI lifeguard Summer cover daily from 7 July to 2 September

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed all year

    dog friendly beaches »

    Nudist/naturist beach

    Yes

    Postcode

    TR26 3DY

    OS grid ref.

    SW 5423 3852

    Facilities

    None

    Parking

    Limited parking at Lelant Church.

    Porthkidney Beach Reviews (7)

    Perfect!

    Aly Park

    Aug 23rd 2019

    Absolutely the best dog-friendly beach I’ve found on my UK travels! Stunningly beautiful! Acres of space for my dogs to run and swim. Heaps of happy, friendly dogs enjoying off-lead freedom! Highly recommend! ????

    Scam parking

    Jul 21st 2022

    Paid cash to park at machine, entered our reg.

    Received a parking ticket 3 weeks later, with camera picture from overhead camera capturing our car.

    How do you prove you paid?, I dont keep the ticket beyond the next car clean.

    Complete con.

    If you park there, take picture of you putting money in and reg, then take picture of your ticket and note times you enter and leave.

    Scam parking company

    M Bawden

    Apr 11th 2022

    We went to run my dogs on the beach. When I paid I noticed the time had not changed on the machine as we had just gone into British summer time. Put my registration number in and bought the ticket. Three weeks later I get a fine for not paying. What a scam, on reading reviews I doubt they will take my word that I paid.

    Jul 31st 2021

    Beautiful beach ideal for an overly excited lurcher that needs to be let loose and large enough to keep a distance from other dogs if need be ! highly recommended bit of a traipse down to the beach but well worth it for the views

    Lovely place tranquil waters

    Jul 16th 2021

    Great beach very sandy beach and beautiful views.
    Along the far end is known for nudist people.

    Sep 06th 2019

    Beautiful beach with v few people on it!

    Top beach

    May 14th 2019

    Fantastic beach. Dogs loved it. Sea goes out for miles.

    Show all 7 reviews