Your Beach. Found: Carlyon Bay
Discover the south coast’s hidden gem – a sandy beach adorned with that electric mix of laid-back luxury and lively summer spirit.
Image credits: Carlyon Beach
Come with us as we explore…
- Long, golden sands with scenic swim spots and cliffside views
- Shoreside food, drink & wellness hub on the sand
- Jet‑ski safaris, paddleboards, beach yoga & sauna sessions
- Sunset terraces, live music & barefoot cocktails
- Nearby historic harbours, Eden and Heligan gardens
Carlyon Bay stretches wide, marked by Stack Rock which stands proud amongst the calm turquoise waters that surround it. From afar the coastline feels serene, however get closer to the bay and you’ll discover a lively beach atmosphere where shipping containers have become vibrant food and drink venues, groups sip drinks on the sand beneath parasols and fairy lights, jet skiers and paddleboarders alike dance on the shore as live music soundtracks the setting sun.
Food and drink
When you’re in beach mode, dining follows suit:
When it comes to post-sea dining, Carlyon Bay’s repurposed shipping containers turned food pop ups know how to hit the spot. Grab a bench at the Shoreside beach bar, pick a cold pint and browse the menus of nearby vendors Herd Burger and Jasper’s Kitchen.
What will it be, a stone baked pizza, a burger will all the right toppings or extra cheesy loaded fries?
Head to The Mussel Shoal if freshly caught seafood is what you’re craving (and when in Cornwall, it so often is).
Fancy something lighter? Crinnis Crib Hut serves all day sandwiches, wraps and salad boxes for a quick bite between on-the-water activities.
Things to do at Carlyon Bay
Brace yourself for adrenaline: jet-ski safaris at Waverunners hire keep the energy high. They also offer stand-up paddleboard hire, perfect for gliding through the calm waters of the sheltered south coast.
Zen-seekers gather weekly at Elm Yoga’s Saturday beach yoga sessions, while Salt & Steam’s sauna on the sand revitalises beachgoers in between cold dips.
Fairy‑lit seating on the sand and live Friday-night rock band sessions create a buzzing summer atmosphere. Live music all summer long, quizzes, karaoke and silent discos – Carlyon Bay is buzzing well into the twilight.
Seek solitude? Wander to the far left-hand side for a secret swim spot (popular with naturists, if that’s what you’re into), where the cliffs create a sense of seclusion and serenity. Alongside, rock stacks, caves, and sandy coves invite exploration and discovery.
The beach is also backed by a large, scenic golf course, where you can put with a view and explore the rolling green at your leisure. The golf course adjoins to the coast path, where you can continue exploring towards Spit Beach in Par.
Nearby draws include the historic town of Charlestown, the iconic biomes of the Eden Project and exotic plants and nature trails at the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Stay by Carlyon Bay
Imagine waking to the gentle rhythm of the waves and closing evenings with cocktails and live music under glowing fairy lights. Discover our Carlyon Bay retreats close to the sand, perfect for friends or family gatherings.
Your Beach. Found
From the feel of the sand underfoot to the anticipation as you near the sea, your beach is the one that stays with you. Find your beach with the Beach Match Quiz.
Beach Match Quiz