On Cornwall’s south coast, Carlyon Bay offers sandy beaches and coastal walks as well as water sports, golf and spa facilities. This gives you different options when planning your trip: you can focus on the coast and beach or add individual leisure activities. The beach names, the route of the South West Coast Path and the distance to St Austell railway station provide specific points of reference. If you would also like to include golf or spa relaxation, you’ll find other distinct activities that help shape the character of the area.
Beaches and coastal paths
It’s worth distinguishing between the beach names. Shorthorn is the central beach in Carlyon Bay. Crinnis Beach features a prominent rocky outcrop commonly known as Crinnis Island. Shorthorn is therefore the name of the beach, while Crinnis Island is the name of the rocky outcrop. These two landmarks give different names to places along the coast: a central beach and a named rocky feature at Crinnis Beach. When exploring the beach side of Carlyon Bay, you can clearly distinguish between the two.
The coastal setting also offers a specific point of reference for walks: Carlyon Bay has coastal walks, and the South West Coast Path runs between the Carlyon Bay Hotel and the cliffs. The general offering of coastal paths and this named section of the route are two different levels of orientation. This makes walking a distinct focus to consider alongside a beach visit.
Water sports, golf and spa
Two water-based activities are named. Cornwall Waverunners offers jet ski safaris throughout the summer; dates and operating details may change, so it’s a good idea to check before visiting. Shoreside in Carlyon Bay offers water sports as well as local food and drinks. Information about Shoreside relates to the 2026 season, and availability may change. This gives you a choice between an activity specifically described as a jet ski safari and another water sports provider that also offers food and drinks. For both options, it’s worth checking the latest dates or availability before visiting.
Carlyon Bay Golf Club offers a clearly defined sporting option: its championship course is 6,400 yards long, has a par of 72 and is set on Cornwall’s cliffs. The course and clubhouse are open to members and visitors. Carlyon Bay Spa offers a different focus. Spa days include heated indoor and outdoor pools, a poolside sauna, a steam room and a spa bath. Golf and spa are therefore quite distinct: on one hand, the championship course on the cliffs; on the other, a range of pool and spa facilities.
Hotel history and getting there
Carlyon Bay Hotel also has a historical connection to the area: it was built in 1925 as the St Austell Bay Hotel. Its year of construction and former name add a clear historical context to today’s focus on the beach and leisure activities. If you’d like to consider the hotel’s history as well as the landscape when planning your trip, this is a specific historical point of reference.
Two further facts are relevant when planning your journey. Carlyon Bay is two and a half miles from St Austell railway station and has good parking facilities. These are different points of reference depending on whether you’re orienting yourself by the station or by parking. As parking facilities may change, it’s a good idea to check again before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Trewarmett, Helston, Millbrook, Bodinnick, Germoe, St Just, Saint Minver, Constantine
For the main travel overview: Cornwall.
