An undiscovered treasure

Whilst St Ives is rightly considered to be the jewel in the crown of West Cornwall, Carbis Bay, just over a mile around the headland, is a resort in its own right with close proximity to all the services you need on holiday. Part of the larger St Ives Bay (one of only two bays in the United Kingdom to qualify as a member of the exclusive, internationally recognised Most Beautiful Bays in the World organisation) Carbis Bay is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Bordered to the west by Porthminster Point and to the east by Hawke's Point, Carbis Bay Beach is one of the finest in the world. Patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, the usually calm sea conditions and sheltered aspect ensure very safe bathing - perfect for families and also ideal for windsurfing and water-skiing.

The South West Coast Path (part of the longest National Trail in the U.K.) runs through the village, which is served by the picturesque St Ives Bay railway, surely one the prettiest train journeys in the world.

As a base for touring Cornwall, Carbis Bay is hard to beat. Take the scenic branch line and you will be in St Ives within minutes; St Michael's Mount at Penzance is just 8 miles away, and you can be at The Eden Project at St Austell in less than an hour. Should you fancy a walk and have half an hour to spare, why not try the coastal path to St Ives, or take the other direction towards PorthKidney Sands and Hayle Towans, with its spectacular views of Godrevy Lighthouse. The coastal path skirts the West Cornwall Golf Club at Lelant. Upon showing an official a handicap certificate and the requisite fee, non-members may apply to play this links course and experience links golf the equal of any to be found in the game's spiritual home, Scotland.

Whilst the majority of the area's restaurants are in easily reached St Ives town, you will certainly not be short of places to eat in Carbis Bay itself. Wherever you stay you will find a friendly atmosphere serving fresh Cornish produce in the pubs, hotels and restaurants in Carbis Bay and nearby Lelant.

Quiet, private and relaxing, Carbis Bay is the perfect base to either explore the delights of Cornwall or simply adjust to the Cornish pace of life in one of the world's most spectacular locations.