The moon-shaped Porthminster Beach is among the prettiest stretches of sand in St. Ives. Sheltered by grassy headlands and in proximity to the town center, the beach is an ideal family vacation spot with excellent facilities and clean conditions. Swim with the kids in the calm, pristine water and enjoy views of the glimmering sea.

Admire the scenic headlands, golden sand and turquoise water. Across St. Ives Bay to the east is Godrevy Lighthouse, a structure that inspired acclaimed author Virginia Woolf’s novel To the Lighthouse. Look for surfers and stand-up paddleboarders practicing out on the waves.

Pay for a beach hut for the afternoon to have some private space for your family. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, which means it meets strict criteria for water quality, services and safety. Lifeguards also patrol this beach in summer.

Work on your swing at the 18-hole mini-golf course, which overlooks the sea. Set beneath the cliff of Porthminster Point is the award-winning Porthminster Beach Café, which serves seafood meals and snacks as well as refreshments. Many of the ingredients served are grown in the adjoining vegetable garden.

Walk along the empty beach in winter and watch the powerful waves thrashing ashore. Dogs are banned from the beach during the busy summer months but are welcome in winter. This region experiences one of the mildest climates in the country, affording plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun during summer.

Visit Porthminster Gallery on the northern flank of the beach. Admire the contemporary paintings and ceramics inspired by local towns, landscapes and seascapes.

Porthminster Beach is less than 10 minutes from St. Ives Railway Station by foot. Walking here from nearby Porthmeor Beach will take around 15 minutes. If driving, be aware that the parking lot overlooking the beach gets very busy during peak months so consider using park and ride services at Lelant Saltings instead.