Godrevy / Gwithian

The sandy beach and surrounding headland at Godrevy are a magnet for beachgoers and walkers, especially in the summer. While the area has plenty of space for everyone, the facilities, such as the car parks, café and toilets, can get busy. To make your visit go as smoothly as possible, follow our guidance on planning your day.

Things to do

Whatever your interest, there’s sure to be an activity for you at Godrevy. Miles of golden sands, beginner-friendly surfing conditions, clifftop walks across wild heathlands and lots of wildlife-watching opportunities make this a natural playground for both young and old

Surfing

The North Cornwall coast is famed for its surfing beaches, and Godrevy is right up there with the best of them. Working through most tides, the beach is especially popular with learner surfers thanks to its soft-breaking waves. However, when the swell is over 4ft and the wind is anything other than perfect – light, offshore – it can be a long and challenging paddle to get out the back. Like most beach breaks, it relies heavily on the quality of its sand banks to provide long, walled-up rides.

Want to learn how to surf? Then try one of these:

  • Shore Surf School – you’ll find the owners, Laurence and Peter, behind the welcome hut, next to the boardwalk
  • GAS – Gwithian Academy of Surfing is run by Tyson. Find them next to The Rockpool café

Swimming

At low tide, the magnitude of Godrevy beach is revealed. At the northern end of St Ives Bay, the three miles of golden sand stretches from Hayle around the bay to Godrevy Cove.

Please remember to check the tides, as some areas of the beach can get cut off at high tide. You can check the weather and tide times easily online.

Walking dogs on the beach

Dogs are only allowed on the beach from before 1 July and after 31 August. However, they’re welcome on the walking routes on the headland all year round.

Please pick up after your dog and take all your litter home with you.

Seal watching

Godrevy is home to grey seals, which can often be seen in the sea or resting on the beach. As the tide drops, they come onto land – known as ‘hauling out’ – to rest, digest their food, moult and look after their pups. They won’t usually leave until the water forces them to float off again.

Responsible seal spotting

If you do spot any seals, please take care not to worry or disturb them by following the seal watching guidelines:

  • Always aim to arrive, watch and leave without the seals noticing you
  • Keep dogs under close control
  • Walk slowly and quietly to the cliff top
  • Find a safe place where you can sit or lie down to watch the seals
  • Stay still and quiet, watching for signs that may show you’re disturbing the seals. Whisper if you need to talk
  • If you see signs of disturbance, quietly move away
  • Use binoculars or a telescope so that you can get a better view without getting too close