Golden Gwithian

Make the most of Gwithian’s stunning expanse of golden sands before the summer holidays begin.

Gwithian, with its sweeping sands and rolling dog-friendly dunes, is a real hit during the school holidays – but can often be overlooked in the spring and early summer months – a time when Cornwall’s at its finest. Looking out over St Ives bay, facing west, this part of the Cornish coastline takes full advantage of the Atlantic sunsets. It’s lifeguarded, with local cafés open for business and most importantly, the beaches are so quiet; you can have vast swathes of golden sands all to yourself. The Forever Cornwall team spent many days on the shores of Gwithian before July even arrived last year, marvelling at the delightfully warm temperatures and exploring the dunes. The waters were speckled with surfers, and there were plenty of perfect days to jump in and finally learn to use a surfboard, with clean and gentle waves.

“Your dog will thank you for holidaying in Gwithian too”

So, why not book an early escape to Gwithian this year and discover Forever Cornwall’s collection of cool beachside boltholes, laid back surf chalets and welcoming family holiday homes? Fill your days with coastal strolls, delicious local delicacies at the nearby Sunset Surf Café and paddling in rockpools with little ones. All Forever Cornwall retreats in Gwithian are just a stroll from the beach, and many are equipped with outside showers for salty hair and sandy toes.

If you want to get active, the waters of Gwithian are perfect for getting to grips with boards of all kinds – whether you want to hone your surfing skills with a local surf school, try your hand at kite-surfing with The Hoxton Special team, or take advantage of calm waters and explore the beach via paddleboard, there’s plenty to do. And with lifeguard cover from May to September, you’ll be in safe hands.

Your dog will thank you for holidaying in Gwithian too. Here, as well as the section of beach that’s dog friendly, there’s also a whopping two-mile stretch where dogs are welcome at any time – or they can chase the scent of rabbits through the rolling dunes. Walk with them up the coastal footpath that takes you around Godrevy Head, passing the octagonal lighthouse that inspired Virginia Woolf, and around to the secret cove where almost all year round you can see as many as a hundred seals lounging on the inaccessible beach below, or bobbing around at sea. As you return, call in at Godrevy Beach Café or The Rock Pool for anything from local gin to a seafood dinner, and enjoy the feeling of lungs filled with fresh air before heading back to your Forever Cornwall beachside retreat.

At this time of year self-catering accommodation is already starting to fill up, particularly in beautiful Gwithian, so if this sounds like your idea of an escape at Easter or in May, then don’t leave it too late to book. Choose Surfside, a family friendly four sleeper with jaw-dropping views of Gwithian’s golden sands and turquoise waters, or Rockpools for the larger group, with its chic interiors and dog friendly garden. Gwithian House has a large garden with a brilliant barbeque and full size ping pong table – perfect for a friendly tournament – or escape to The Bolthole which lives up to its name; a cosy two sleeper with gorgeous sea views from the decking. There are several more properties in this stunning location, each with its own unique features and welcoming feel – Forever Cornwall can’t wait to welcome you to Gwithian.