Golden Sands of Gwithian Towans, Extending Along the Curved Eastern Coastline of St Ives Bay
Discover the Wonders of Gwithian Towans
Step into the breathtaking coastal landscape of The Towans, nestled along the eastern curve of St Ives Bay in Cornwall. More than a continuous three-mile stretch of golden sand, it's made up of several distinct beaches, each worth a visit.
Standout among them is Gwithian Towans, situated near the north-eastern tip of the bay. GBlined by lush cliffs and the quaint National Trust-owned cove of Godrevy — where the slender lighthouse is believed to have inspired Virginia Woolf's To The Lighthouse — it's a paradise for walkers, swimmers, birdwatchers, and families.
This haven may also surprise you with its marine wildlife. Keep an eye out for grey seals lounging on the beach around Godrevy's headland or catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins in the waves. And yet, it's less than a five-mile flight for gulls to reach the restaurants, boutiques, and galleries of picturesque St Ives.
Exploring Gwithian Towans
Should you arrive by car, you'll find parking near the beach, or if you prefer, you can reach the area by foot through the South West Coast Path. Alternatively, you can walk to Gwithian Towans from Porthkidney Beach, Portreath Beach, Mexico Towans Beach, or from the National Trust car park at Godrev if a spot of Woolf-tourism or seal-spotting appeals.
Travel Tips
If you're driving from A30, take the A30 (the main route through Cornwall). Near Redruth and Hayle, exit at the West Cornwall Retail Park roundabout onto the B3301, heading towards Hayle or Portreath. Gwithian Towans is just east of Hayle, accessible via the B3301.
For public transportation, the nearest mainline station is at Hayle. From there, take a local taxi or bus towards Gwithian or cycle/walk along the coastal path.
If you prefer to travel on foot or by bike, you can walk the scenic South West Coast Path from St Ives or Carbis Bay to Hayle and onward to Gwithian Towans. Cycling trails suitable for bikes also connect Hayle and Gwithian.
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Ben LerwillBen Lerwill is a renowned travel writer based in Oxford. His works have appeared in numerous reputable publications and websites, including national newspapers, Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, and more. Among his children's books are Wildlives (Nosy Crow, 2019) and Climate Rebels and Wild Cities (both Puffin, 2020).
Including Gwithian Towans in your travel itinerary offers a unique combination of home-and-garden scenery, with its lush cliffs and the picturesque National Trust-owned cove of Godrevy, and the excitement of an adventure-filled lifestyle, with its diverse marine wildlife and various activities for every type of visitor. After exploring Gwithian Towans, unwind by immersing yourself in the local culture, dining at the restaurants, browsing boutiques, and visiting galleries in the charming town of St Ives, located less than a five-mile flight for gulls away.
