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Porthkidney Sands Beach

Porthkidney Sands is a large open north-facing beach in St Ives bay which is protected from the Atlantic rollers. The beach is backed by cliffs, sand dunes, and the West Cornwall Golf course. The dunes are also known as Lelant Towans.

The beach can be accessed from the southwest coast path from either the sand dunes or some broken steps at Hawkes Point towards the northern end of the beach. Note that the steps at Hawkes Point get cut-off as the tide comes in and so you may need to wade back or take the longer coast path accessed through the dunes.

The beach is separated from Hayle beach by a narrow strip of water leading to Hayle harbour, bathing anywhere near the river estuary is very dangerous as the currents can be extremely strong, the safe swimming area is marked.

Excellent beach for swimming and becomes a surfers beach in the winter as its sheltered location helps to keep the surf up when other more exposed beaches lose wave height.

No facilities although does have a seasonal lifeguard located at the Hayle estuary south end of the beach.

Small car park in Wharf Road, Lelant or some on-road parking near Lelant church with access then over/around the dunes and golf course but you can also take the short coast path walk from Carbis Bay.

Dog Friendly Beach?

Porthkidney Sands Beach is dog friendly and allows dogs all year.

Why not check other beaches nearby as we have 216 beaches in Cornwall, or check our list of Cornwall Dog Friendly Beaches.

Visit Porthkidney Sands Beach

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Porthkidney Sands Beach Water Quality

Water samples are taken at regular intervals during the bathing season and at the end of the season the water quality is classified as:
  - Excellent: the highest classification meaning the water is cleanest
  - Good: generally good water quality
  - Sufficient: meets minimum standards
  - Poor: You are advised not to swim. The beach will stay open and an action plan should be in place to improve the water quality.

7 Day Weather Forecast

Today

Expect a temp in the range 8.3℃ to 9.3℃ with wind speed 10.1 m/sec (WNW)

Thursday, Feb 02

Expect a temp in the range 8.2℃ to 8.9℃ with wind speed 9.1 m/sec (W)

Friday, Feb 03

Expect a temp in the range 8.3℃ to 9.2℃ with wind speed 7.9 m/sec (W)

Saturday, Feb 04

Expect a temp in the range 8.2℃ to 8.6℃ with wind speed 6.1 m/sec (SW)

Sunday, Feb 05

Expect a temp in the range 5.5℃ to 9.4℃ with wind speed 4.9 m/sec (N)

Monday, Feb 06

Expect a temp in the range 5.1℃ to 5.5℃ with wind speed 5.4 m/sec (SE)

Tuesday, Feb 07

Expect a temp in the range 0.4℃ to 4.2℃ with wind speed 1 m/sec (SSE)

Penwith Peninsula weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK

Porthkidney Sands Beach Tide Times

Tide times are available at around 600 locations and the closest location to Porthkidney Sands Beach is at St. Ives 3.60 km (2.24 miles) away. Tides are displayed beneath for up to 7 days and we list both high and low water times along with the height. These times are not adjusted for BST.

Wed 01 Feb
   High Tide at 01:57 (Height 4.93m)
   Low Tide at 08:37 (Height 2.40m)
   High Tide at 14:29 (Height 5.02m)
   Low Tide at 21:00 (Height 2.29m)

Thu 02 Feb
   High Tide at 03:02 (Height 5.20m)
   Low Tide at 09:35 (Height 2.16m)
   High Tide at 15:27 (Height 5.28m)
   Low Tide at 21:51 (Height 2.04m)

Fri 03 Feb
   High Tide at 03:50 (Height 5.53m)
   Low Tide at 10:21 (Height 1.88m)
   High Tide at 16:11 (Height 5.56m)
   Low Tide at 22:32 (Height 1.78m)

Sat 04 Feb
   High Tide at 04:28 (Height 5.83m)
   Low Tide at 10:58 (Height 1.63m)
   High Tide at 16:47 (Height 5.80m)
   Low Tide at 23:06 (Height 1.55m)

Sun 05 Feb
   High Tide at 05:03 (Height 6.05m)
   Low Tide at 11:30 (Height 1.44m)
   High Tide at 17:20 (Height 5.98m)
   Low Tide at 23:38 (Height 1.38m)

Mon 06 Feb
   High Tide at 05:33 (Height 6.20m)
   Low Tide at 12:01 (Height 1.31m)
   High Tide at 17:51 (Height 6.09m)

Tue 07 Feb
   Low Tide at 00:08 (Height 1.27m)
   High Tide at 06:05 (Height 6.29m)
   Low Tide at 12:33 (Height 1.22m)
   High Tide at 18:23 (Height 6.14m)