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Cornish Secrets / The Great Cornwall Holiday Guide / Things to do / Cornwall Beach Guide / West Cornwall Beaches

West Cornwall Beaches

West Cornwall’s beaches, from St Ives round to Praa Sands and Prussia Cove are famed for their immense variety, but also the perfectly clear water. From iconic sandy beaches to sheltered coves, the beaches here are surely some of the best in the world.

Take stunning Porthcurno (next to the Minack Theatre) and Kynance Cove (one of the most photographed beaches in Cornwall) which offer turquoise sea on sparkling sand, while stormy Porthleven probably gives the best waves in Cornwall on a southerly swell.

Many of the beaches are easily accessible; most are spacious or sheltered, all benefiting from the remarkable light which has attracted many creatives here, for the west of Cornwall is also a land of storytelling, myths and legends.

An area of impressive headlands, there are some secrets tucked away such as lovely Lamorna with its pub, the Wink, once popular with smugglers.

With well-worth-visiting little fishing villages such as Mousehole (pronounced Mouzle) the west provides a peaceful retreat in low season.

Atmospheric fishing coves, rock pools, and isolated beaches mean there are many secrets for you to discover. Here are some suggestions.

Cornwall Beach Guide

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The Best Beaches in St Ives

St Ives has some of Cornwall’s best beaches, particularly when they’re blessed with that famous shimmering light. The beauty of St Ives’ five – yes, there really are five – easily-accessible...

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Sunset at Nanjizal, also known as Mill Bay, a beach and cove near Lands End, Cornwall Cornwall England UK Europe. ©Ian Woolcock Shutterstock

Nanjizal Beach

Just off the western Cornwall coastline, a mile away from Land’s End, Nanjizal is truly worth a visit. An Instagrammer’s dream, the rock formation on the south side is breath-taking, a magnificent...

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The beach at Porthcurno, Cornwall ©National Trust Images Hugh Mothersole

Porthcurno Beach

When you go to beautifully clean National Trust-owned Porthcurno Beach, you could be in the Mediterranean with the sparkling crystal clear azure sea and fine white shifting sand. Nearby is the recomme...

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View of Porthleven from the clifftop at Penrose, Cornwall. ©National Trust Images John Millar

Porthleven Beach

Porthleven is probably most photographed during epic storms, where the harbour village takes a dramatic battering from the elements. But when the sun is shining, beyond Porthleven’s harbour you’ll...

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Perranuthnoe Beach

Just a mile to the east of Marazion, with stunning views of St Michael’s Mount and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, sits pretty Perranuthnoe. The beach is truly spoiling with easy acces...

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View of Porthgwidden beach at St Ives, Cornwall. Shutterstock, Philip Bird

Porthgwidden Beach, St Ives

One of St Ives collection of five beaches, Porthgwidden Beach is just over a five-minute walk from the Harbour. The smallest and most sheltered of St Ives’ beaches, it’s set between Bamaluz Beach ...

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Gwithian Beach, near St Ives

Gwithian sits in-between Godrevy and the Towans section of Hayle’s famous three miles of golden sand. Due to the gently sloping nature of Gwithian beach, those that are just starting out on their su...

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Tide coming in at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall. ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel

Poldhu Cove

Lifeguarded between May and the end of September, National Trust owned Poldhu Cove is a popular choice for swimmers, surfers and beach dwellers. A sandy and sheltered beach, thanks to the cliffs and s...

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Godrevy Beach ©Ian Woolcock, Shutterstock

Godrevy Beach, St Ives

At the northern tip of Hayle’s three miles of golden sand is Godrevy beach. National Trust owned, Godrevy is connected to Gwithian beach at lower tides to create a rather impressive stretch of san...

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The rugged landscape at Cape Cornwall, West Cornwall. © National Trust Images Shaun Boyns

Cape Cornwall

At the historically rich Cape Cornwall, you’ll find a small cove known as Priest’s Cove, with a pebble beach, lots of rockpools and even a small man-made tidal pool. The beach itself is mainly a r...

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Mexico Towans Beach, near St Ives

Along the north coast, in sweeping St Ives Bay, you will find Mexico Towans beach. Towan is from the Cornish Tewyn meaning sand dunes, providing a clue to what you will find here in all their marram-g...

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Sennen Cove Beach

After escaping the rather more commercialised Land’s End (1.5 km away), it is a delight to reach family-friendly Sennen Beach, sometimes called Sennen Cove (although it is not a cove) a mighty fine ...

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Porthkidney Beach, St Ives

Despite its strange name, Porthkidney Beach is pretty scenic. Located at Lelant, it is 2 miles from St Ives which tends to be much busier in summer. The beach is huge, clean but has no facilities, as ...

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Praa Sands Beach

Having walked on this beach wearing summer clothes in December, Praa Sands (pronounced pray or prah, heatedly debated locally, though pray probably wins) comes highly recommended. Roughly halfway betw...

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Prussia Cove ©Ian Woolcock, Shutterstock

Prussia Cove

The curiously named Prussia Cove is near to Penzance, a few miles west of Praa Sands. It is not one cove but a series of coves and caves. To be honest, nothing much has changed here over hundreds of y...

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Porthminster Beach, St Ives

This is the second-largest St Ives beach with glorious views out to Hayle and Godrevy Lighthouse, so maybe take Virginia Woolf’s book with you to read there in the Cornish sunshine, imagining her ch...

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Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay Beach, St Ives

Carbis Bay Beach is privately owned and the proud recipient of a Blue Flag award, meaning it is super-clean. A rarity around these parts, the beach has little surf (more like ripples) and is sheltered...

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Aerial view of Tate St Ives © Kirstin Prisk

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives

The wonderful Porthmeor Beach is overlooked by the café terrace of the iconic art gallery, Tate St Ives. Central to the artistic community, Porthmeor grew in popularity as a beach in the 1960s/70s, d...

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Pedn Vounder ©National Trust Images Sue Brackenbury

Pedn Vounder Beach

Pedn Vounder is known by locals as ‘pednee’, which is how you pronounce the Cornish word ‘pedn’. It means ‘head’ while ‘vounder’ means lane. It could be anywhere, but it isn’t. It is...

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BOOK YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY IN WEST CORNWALL WITH CORNISH SECRETS

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The Garth

Finding somewhere super-special to accommodate ten can be a tall order, but The Garth in St Ives is the answer to luxury living for a large group; it comprises three fabulous cottages, each with the w...

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Slipway

Surpass your expectations at Slipway, a generously-sized apartment in an enviable location, with not only a private balcony overlooking Porthmeor’s Blue Flag beach, but also a spacious sun-filled to...

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Port Hole Cottage Baileys Lane St.Ives Sandy Toes

Porthole Cottage

Porthole Cottage is situated in a great and central location within St Ives, perfect for both a family holiday or a couple’s retreat. An authentic Downalong fisherman’s cottage nestled in the tiny...

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Hesken Cottage, Boscaswell

Full of style and detail, this delightful home is ideal for those seeking a chic yet cosy getaway. Set high above the Atlantic, sits the exceptional Hesken Cottage. With ever-changing views of the stu...

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Moon Shadow

  Situated just moments from Porthmeor Beach, Moon Shadow is a charming cottage in the heart of old St Ives, in the popular area of Downalong – which is known for its thriving artist community....

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Vitamyn Sea

Tradition meets contemporary comforts at Vitamyn Sea. Just moments from St Ives’s stunning harbour, you’re situated a five to ten-minute walk from the gorgeous Porthmeor beach with Porthmi...

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Driftwood

  Find romantic heaven in this one-bedroom apartment in glorious St Ives where you can relax in privacy, and take the time to be together as a twosome. Five-star luxury, which cannot fail to impr...

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Trevene

This contemporary, minimalist property design is inviting and original, a perfect combination for those seeking a property with individuality and character. Lovingly designed, Trevene features modern ...

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The Lodge, Carbis Bay

Sea views are order of the day at The Lodge, which is part of the exclusive Carrack Gladden Apartments, which enviably sit just above the white sands and azure sea at Carbis Bay. The elevated position...

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Salubrious House

The aptly-named Salubrious House once attracted some noteworthy guests, especially artists, such as potter, Bernard Leach, sculptor, Barbara Hepworth and painter, Ben Nicholson, for it was the perfect...

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The Old Watch House

Picture a place where you are so close to the sea that you can almost feel the spray kiss your face. Where you can see seals sunbathing or swimming in their natural habitat. Where dolphins occasionall...

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Hillside

Hillside is a beautifully renovated and generously proportioned Victorian townhouse that comfortably sleeps 6 (8 using the sofa bed), located in the very heart of St.Ives. Internally, the property boa...

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Iris

Designed to make the very most of the fabulous light in St Ives, this irresistible holiday cottage has 5 star ratings for luxury-living.  You can see why: sizeable and spacious, Iris is immaculate bo...

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Sealight Cottage

The name Sealight Cottage suitably reflects the spirit of this wonderful Grade II listed holiday home.  Light, bright and decorated in a coastal style, this traditional fisherman’s cottage lies in ...

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Sea View House

Sea View House is a stunning three-storey townhouse situated in prestigious St Ives, with breathtaking views across the harbour and beyond. Opulence is met with the ultimate comfort in this seaside re...

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Morrab View, Penzance

Morrab View is a grand Georgian town house located overlooking the peaceful 19th Century Morrab Gardens and offers distant sea views from the upper floors. Set within a prestigious terrace in the hear...

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Springfield Villa

Springfield Villa is a three bedroomed semi detached beach house, located less than a minute’s stroll from the sands of Porthminster Beach & St Ives.  Roll out of bed, wander downstairs for a ...

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Zennor

    This beautiful luxury apartment is just minutes away from sandy, safe Blue Flag Porthmeor Beach, ideal for a family holiday of the bucket and spade variety, with maybe even a spot of sur...

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Beach

If you want a luxury apartment to return to again and again, then try this one in the prestigious Sail Lofts, close to Blue-Flag Porthmeor Beach. Sleeping 6, this outstanding Cornish apartment is pala...

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Hummingbird

Hummingbird

Nestled in the trees, Hummingbird is a truly unique Alpine-inspired retreat, where guests can unwind in the luscious groves that surround, the stunning sea views and blissful hot tub that awaits. Slee...

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4 Curno luxury accommodation in St Ives

Curno

    With its name taken from the white sands and azure sea of peaceful Porthcurno, this delightful three-storey townhouse comfortably sleeps four. Close to a Blue Flag sandy beach, the top f...

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Blue Moon

    Blue Moon – the sister cottage to Moon Shadow – is an idyllic Fisherman’s cottage, situated in the popular area of Downalong, St Ives – which is known as the artist quarter. ...

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Mill House, Mousehole

Cool and chic this impeccably refurbished retreat is located in the heart of Mousehole, one of Cornwall’s most picturesque and sought after fishing villages. Although tucked away Mill House is j...

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Libertine

This uniquely opulent property, built in 1603 in the village of Breage (pronounced Breeg) books quickly, and you can see why. It is a very rare find, oozing character and style. Libertine, previously ...

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HERO 19 Island luxury self catering accommodation in Cornwall

Island

  Sleeping four, this elegant yet laid-back contemporary apartment boasts impeccable loft-style accommodation with a very generous master bedroom.  Beautifully equipped with all you need, walls ...

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Mill House, Sennen

Mill House oozes style and sleek design.  Large enough to sleep up to eight people, this holiday home is the ultimate in seaside luxury.  Positioned just a short walk from the beach, Mill House is i...

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Beagle Cottage

Beagle Cottage is a newly renovated, truly spectacular property in the peaceful hamlet of Trowan – a special secret beauty spot on the Cornish coast.  Just a mile and a half away are the world-...

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Juliot

For a welcoming romantic getaway for two, look no further than Juliot, presumably named after the gorgeous little church where Thomas Hardy met his wife, Emma, a Cornish love story. The open-plan livi...

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HERO 30 St Ives luxury apartment Lighthouse

Lighthouse

  This exclusive luxury apartment sleeps two, offering privacy and seclusion for a couple seeking maximum peace and quiet. A spacious townhouse with a private entance, it offers views to the east...

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Day Dawn

Recently renovated, Day Dawn is a stunning property with breath-taking views over award-winning Porthmeor beach and St Ives, lavishly sleeping 11 guests. Designed and built by the property owners, D...

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Serena

Situated in a very special position, Serena overlooks Carbis Bay with its golden sand and turquoise sea, yet just minutes from the busy picturesque harbour and town of St Ives. Serena is a luxury holi...

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Waves End

Waves End was built in 1873 for a St Ives sea captain and more recently has been sympathetically renovated into a luxury holiday abode, complete with an indulgent hot tub and contemporary interior dec...

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Gwern Barn

Situated a mere 200 metres from Marazion Beach, Gwern Barn is set back in a quiet, rural location. Boasting thick curved stone walls, this property is thought to date back over 400 years. Now a charmi...

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Porthminster Mews 2

The Porthminster Mews townhouses are fabulously located on The Terrace in St Ives, offering picturesque sea and coastal views. Just moments away from St Ives bustling town centre with its collection o...

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Pier View

Pier View

Pier View is a stunning, end terrace house located right in the heart of Downalong, St Ives. Located between the harbour, Porthgwidden beach and The Island. An immaculate, recently refurbished and imp...

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Trekoa

Moments from Perranuthnoe Beach – often known as Perran Sands – Trekoa’s location is simply superb. The picturesque village of Perranuthnoe sits on the south coast around a mile to the east ...

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No 5, Gwel Marten

Situated in cool Carbis Bay, where dramatic views sweep across the bay to St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse, this wonderful apartment luxuriously sleeps 4.  Only a few minutes’ walk to the Blue Flag b...

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Chygwins Barn, Praa Sands

  Staying at Chygwin’s Barn is all about soaking up the peaceful tranquil setting with a touch of luxury.  Perfect for a romantic retreat or a family of four, this barn conversion has been lov...

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3 Harbour five star self catering Cornwall

Harbour

Open-plan living for your family holiday is superb here in this luxury self-catering apartment sleeping four, for it is beautifully designed and immaculately kept to offer top of the range accommodati...

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Rockfish

For a taste of the past combined with contemporary style, you will adore this former fisherman’s cottage, lovingly restored to create a luxury boutique holiday haven close to the Blue Flag beach at ...

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Little Eden

A spacious and welcoming holiday home, just a short stroll from stunning St Ives, Little Eden  is a well-appointed detached house in a secluded, town centre location with everything you could need to...

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Manor Farm, Escalls

This wonderfully laid-back farmhouse has been refurbished with effortless style and is set in a small hamlet, moments from some of the most stunning scenery in West Cornwall. Offering a great escape f...

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Birch Studio

In the luscious valley of Lamorna, a tumbling stream makes its way to the sea through a dense tangle of twisted trees and stunning wildlife. Hidden away in the trees, you’ll find the beautiful and s...

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Ocean

Perfectly positioned, this luxury spacious apartment floods with natural light and sleeps 6. Spread over three floors, there is space for children to take time out to play imaginatively together downs...

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Bosworgy Bay

    For those seeking a coastal retreat with stunning views, Bosworgy Bay is the ideal Cornish holiday home; a perfect escape for a romantic weekend away or a break with a small group. Your ...

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Bay

Sleeping seven, ideal for larger families, this is four-bedroom luxury spaciously spread over three floors. In this beautiful townhouse apartment, delight in the family-friendly open-plan living-kitch...

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The Bowery

Welcome to The Bowery, a terraced Victorian house, situated near the pretty fishing village of Newlyn. Part of the original working farmhouse, over the years the house has been sensitively extended in...

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Beach Haven

Overlooking award-winning Porthminster Beach, Beach Haven is an ideally located home for surfing, long days at the beach and exploring the famous cobbled streets of St Ives where you can enjoy the pic...

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Carn Cobba, Zennor

Carn Cobba is very special. Set in one of West Cornwall’s most spectacular locations, this sprawling detached home, with breathtaking sea and moorland views is perched at the end of a single-track l...

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Tresillian

Tresillian is a stunning six-bedroom holiday house with amazing views over St Ives’ award-winning Porthmeor Beach. With everything you need and more for a wonderful holiday, this luxury self-caterin...

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An Chy Gwyn, Porthcurno

An Chy Gwyn is a spacious, luxury retreat and oozes effortless style and comfort from the moment you walk in. It’s a beautifully refurbished apartment, painstakingly finished and in a perfect lo...

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Sandpiper

Sandpiper

If you’re searching for a large luxury retreat, where tranquillity is order of the day, Sandpiper makes for a truly wonderful holiday home. A calming oasis with direct path access to award-winning C...

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Treleigh

A stunning example of contemporary Cornish design, Treleigh overlooks Porthmeor beach and the town of St Ives, its cliff-top location affording breathtaking sea views across the island and out to the ...

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HERO 13 Surf self catering apartment in St Ives

Surf

    An ideal apartment for two, compact and affordable, yet still luxurious, here is a place ideal for younger couples seeking an adventurous getaway that is moments from the sea.  If you a...

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Topaz

Experience Carbis Bay in this stunning penthouse apartment, boasting exquisite furnishings and unbeatable sea views. Just 3 minutes from the beach, Topaz ranks high in both location and  luxury. Rece...

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Wella

This chilled-out, highly-prized family residence is located in the Downalong district at the heart of St Ives in one of the iconic streets in this vibrant seaside town.  With everything on the doorst...

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Picture Perfect

    Picture Perfect is ideally positioned overlooking the Blue Flag Porthminster Beach in St Ives. It enjoys stunning coastal views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse and beyond. Ideal...

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Godrevy

    Named after the island lighthouse in St Ives Bay, this boutique townhouse in the heart of the town sleeps four.  With an artistic loft-apartment feel, this light-filled accommodation af...

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The Poop Deck

The Poop Deck is a spacious, bright and airy modern apartment. The property’s open plan layout and large windows offer great views of the renowned harbour and beach, whilst filling the living area w...

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Tintin Cottage

The aptly named Tintin Cottage is a former tin miner’s home in enviable Carbis Bay, just a mile from St Ives. Small but perfectly formed, this semi-detached cottage makes for an idyllic Cornish geta...

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