Sunseeker

Gwithian - Hayle-St Ives

Experience the captivating Sunseeker bus journey from St Ives to Gwithian, exploring Cornwall's coastal gems, including art, beach activities, historic sites, and the region's natural beauty, with highlights such as St. Ives' paradisical atmosphere, Carbis Bay's stunning views, Hayle's maritime and industrial history, and the delightful Gwithian Red River Inn overlooking the beautiful sand dunes and Portreach beach.

Travel Type:

Bus

No. of Attractions:

6 places to visit

View journey Attractions
Journey Duration:

48 minutes

Route Frequency:

Every 2 hours

Starting point:

Red River Inn, Prosper Hill, Gwithian, Hayle

How to get here

Journey fact:

In the 19th century, St. Ives was known as the "Pilchard Capital of the World," with its bustling harbour filled with fishing boats. The town's economy relied heavily on pilchard exports, which were used for various purposes including fish oil, fertilizer, and human consumption. Today, remnants of this fishing heritage can still be seen in the town, with historic buildings and references to its pilchard-fishing past.

Journey Overview

The Sunseeker bus journey between St Ives and Gwithian is a captivating exploration of Cornwall’s coastal gems, with opportunities to immerse oneself in art, enjoy beach activities, discover historic sites, and soak in the natural beauty of the region.

Starting at St. Ives, which is truly one of the most paradisical of places in the UK, with its zig-zag walks down to the seafront, cobbled, narrow streets en route and delightful cafes and restaurants.

high above the cliffs, Atop the cliff, Carbis Bay beckons, overlooking the peaceful sanctuary in which its beach is. Lelant  emerges and the charming Watermill public house and restaurant, before descending to the tree-lined surroundings of the St. Ives Holiday Village.

Onto Hayle Foundary Square and the architecture is great, providing a glimpse of the town’s fascinating maritime and industrial history. Then, it’s to Hayle Towans and the 3-mile stretch of broad sandy coast. Dunes sweep north-east from the Hayle estuary as it leads to the sea, where surfers and seals can be spotted – closer up, maybe guillemots, razorbills and cormorants. the bus travels past the charming small hamlets of Loggans, inland slightly to Connor Downs and the lovely Old Stables before arriving at the delightful Gwithian Red River Inn, overlooking the broad sand dunes and famous Portreach beach below.

A Fab Day Out!

tarting in St Ives, visitors can explore the town’s vibrant art scene. Wander through the narrow streets, lined with art galleries, boutiques, and craft shops. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is a highlight, offering a fascinating insight into the works of this renowned artist.

Continuing the journey, Carbis Bay greets passengers with its pristine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Relax on the shore, go for a swim, or indulge in water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.

Next, the bus reaches Lelant, a picturesque village with a rich history. Explore St Uny Church and enjoy a stroll along the scenic coastal path, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and estuary.

Hayle is the next stop, where visitors can discover the town’s industrial heritage at the Hayle Heritage Centre or take a leisurely walk along Copperhouse Pool. The estuary is a haven for birdwatchers, providing opportunities to spot a variety of bird species.

Towans, located near Hayle, offers expansive sand dunes and beautiful beaches, perfect for beachcombing and enjoying the coastal scenery.

As the journey continues, the bus passes through Connor Downs, a small village surrounded by picturesque countryside. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the rural landscapes or stop by the local pub for a refreshment.

Finally, the route arrives at Gwithian, a haven for beach lovers and surfers. Gwithian Beach is renowned for its long stretches of golden sand and excellent surfing conditions. Explore the beautiful dunes and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline.

Gateway to the Sunseeker

By Rail from Paddington, Reading and the West Country on GWR or from the North and Midlands on Cross Country Trains to St. Erth, changing for St. Ives

Timetables & more...

How to get here...

Visit the megabus website and view megabus services that will transport you to this exceptional scenic journey.

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Visit the National Rail Enquiries website to discover train routes that will lead you to this magnificent scenic adventure.

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Plan your route to this Great Scenic Journey

Take your scenic journey to the next level by embarking on this delightful walk, carefully curated by the expert team at Go Jauntly, the leading walking app provider.

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