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.

Planning your visit to Porthkidney Sands Beach

Coast Radar / United Kingdom / Cornwall

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Porthkidney Sands Beach 7 Day Weather Forecast

Today

Expect a temp in the range 14.5℃ to 14.9℃ with wind speed 11.5 m/sec (WSW)

Friday, Sep 29

Expect a temp in the range 13.7℃ to 15.4℃ with wind speed 2.5 m/sec (NNW)

Saturday, Sep 30

Expect a temp in the range 12℃ to 12.6℃ with wind speed 3.6 m/sec (S)

Sunday, Oct 01

Expect a temp in the range 16.3℃ to 17.1℃ with wind speed 7 m/sec (SSW)

Monday, Oct 02 cloudy

Expect a temp in the range 14.1℃ to 14.7℃ with wind speed 1.3 m/sec (SSW)

Tuesday, Oct 03

Expect a temp in the range 13.1℃ to 14.7℃ with wind speed 8.6 m/sec (W)

Wednesday, Oct 04 cloudy

Expect a temp in the range 12.5℃ to 13.7℃ with wind speed 4.4 m/sec (WNW)

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, helping you to plan the best time to visit Porthkidney Sands Beach. These times are not adjusted for BST.

Thu 28 Sep
   High Tide at 03:58 (Height 6.46m)
   Low Tide at 10:24 (Height 0.94m)
   High Tide at 16:16 (Height 6.93m)
   Low Tide at 22:48 (Height 0.58m)

Fri 29 Sep
   High Tide at 04:38 (Height 6.84m)
   Low Tide at 11:05 (Height 0.62m)
   High Tide at 16:56 (Height 7.22m)
   Low Tide at 23:28 (Height 0.39m)

Sat 30 Sep
   High Tide at 05:18 (Height 7.03m)
   Low Tide at 11:43 (Height 0.47m)
   High Tide at 17:35 (Height 7.31m)

Sun 01 Oct
   Low Tide at 00:06 (Height 0.39m)
   High Tide at 05:55 (Height 7.04m)
   Low Tide at 12:24 (Height 0.51m)
   High Tide at 18:17 (Height 7.18m)

Mon 02 Oct
   Low Tide at 00:47 (Height 0.57m)
   High Tide at 06:36 (Height 6.87m)
   Low Tide at 13:04 (Height 0.73m)
   High Tide at 18:58 (Height 6.88m)

Tue 03 Oct
   Low Tide at 01:25 (Height 0.90m)
   High Tide at 07:15 (Height 6.56m)
   Low Tide at 13:44 (Height 1.10m)
   High Tide at 19:38 (Height 6.43m)

Wed 04 Oct
   Low Tide at 02:03 (Height 1.35m)
   High Tide at 07:54 (Height 6.14m)
   Low Tide at 14:22 (Height 1.58m)
   High Tide at 20:19 (Height 5.89m)