Lowenna Merritt
20 January 2026
In summer, Carbis Bay is a tropical daydream; turquoise water, pale sand, and sun-soaked days that stretch long into the evening. But visit during the Secret Season, and this south-west-facing bay reveals a quieter kind of magic.
Browse our range of Carbis Bay cottages to plan your visit to this magical destination.
Take a coastal walk to St Ives
The clifftops take on warm auburn tones, the sea shimmers in softer shades of light blue, and the crowds thin, leaving space for wildlife to return to the shoreline. Cormorants perch on rocks and seals bob just offshore. The iconic railway line curves dramatically along the cliffs, framing the bay as trains gently come and go all year round.
Wrap up warm and begin the day with a coastal walk towards St Ives. The coast path follows the route of the railway, passing above Porthminster Beach, with uninterrupted views of the vivid winter sea below. It’s around a half-hour walk, gentle but invigorating, with the option to hop on the train back if you fancy resting your legs while enjoying the view from the window.
Explore St Ives
Arriving in St Ives, spend time wandering the harbourfront streets, where stylish independent shops sit alongside historic buildings. Salt Society is a must-visit, a beautifully curated concept store filled with coastal lifestyle pieces and clothing. Art lovers are spoilt for choice here, with countless galleries and workshops dotted throughout the town.
A Secret Season visit is the perfect time to explore Tate St Ives without the summer crowds. Perched above Porthmeor Beach, the gallery is a destination in its own right.
Exhibitions change throughout the year, and have previously included immersive film installations by Emilija Škarnulytė, exploring oceans, myth and endangered landscapes, so there’s always something thought-provoking to discover within its striking walls.
Places to eat around Carbis Bay
Pause for coffee at Yallah, or pick up something warm and freshly baked from St Ives Bakery. For lunch, Talay Thai and the Rum & Crab Shack are both favourites, though the town’s food scene offers endless choice.
As the light softens, head back to Carbis Bay. The Beach Club Restaurant is just as inviting in winter, with expansive sea views and a comforting seasonal menu – think seafood pasta, warming curries, or classic hake and chips. For evening dining, Walter’s on the Beach offers beautifully presented small plates, creative cocktails, and live jazz nights on the last Friday of every month.
Next door, The Deli is perfect for browsing local treats, grabbing a coffee, or keeping things relaxed with a casual bite.
Plan your visit to Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay in winter is calm, atmospheric and quietly spectacular – a place to slow down, breathe deeply and experience the coast at its most soulful. If you have been inspired to visit Carbis Bay in Secret Season and discover the stunning coastal village at its most peaceful, browse our range of cottages to find your perfect base for exploring.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.