A Guide to Gyllyngvase Beach
BeachesSweeping golden sands, crystal clear waters and sparkling rock pools, Gyllyngvase Beach is a gem along Cornwall’s coast. By far one of our favourite of Falmouth’s beautiful beaches, Gyllyngvase offers a wide range of activities to make your day at the beach shine!
Known by its Cornish name, meaning ‘shallow inlet’, this crescent-shaped beach is the perfect calm and sandy beach for a range of beach activities, from sunbathing in the summer to winter watersports and everything in between.
Found at the base of the St Michaels Gardens, here are a few things you need to know ahead of your visit to Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth.
Gyllyngvase Beach has been named as one of the 77 Blue Flag Beaches in the UK, achieving an international standard for beaches throughout the world. Judged based on cleanliness, facilities and lifeguard cover, Gylly is the perfect example.
During the summer months, the golden sands are raked daily, ensuring that it remains a spotless haven on the coast, with RNLI Lifeguards on duty in the summer to ensure the safety of visitors on this beautiful Cornish Beach.
Between May and September every year, you will find lifeguards on standby in the hut at Gylly Beach, keeping an eye out to ensure you remain safe during your day at the beach.
Alongside our trusty RNLI Lifeguards, the beach will also be marked out using flags, keeping you safe and letting you know the best areas to swim or play in the waves.
A day at the beach wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing dip. Splashing together in the waves or going for a longer swim, the beach boasts clear waters that make it the perfect spot to get into the water.
The water temperature changes throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a swim at Gylly year-round. The benefits of cold water swimming should make the choice to get into the sea even easier!
Spending the day at the beach leaves plenty of time for getting involved in beach activities! Lounging in the sun or walking along the sands is great, but when you’re there for the whole day you may want to find other ways to spend your time.
Gyllyngvase Beach is full of fun things to do. Pitch up and enjoy a volleyball or badminton match with your friends, or go and check out one of the nearby watersports centres!
With the open waters surrounding you, a visit to Gylly offers the perfect opportunity to try out one of the many watersports available along the coast.
Gylly Adventures is based right on Gylly Beach, making it the perfect choice for a SUP lesson or kayak hire so you can head out and explore the local coves!
Whilst Gyllyngvase is a sandy haven, each end descends into beautiful rocky areas perfect for rockpooling!
When the tide is low dozens of rock pools are visible to explore, with local sea life making homes within the crevices. Look out for tiny fish, starfish, jellyfish, shells, crabs and more as you explore the pools!
There’s nothing better than watching your dog get to frolic in the waves and run around enjoying the beach. Gyllyngvase Beach is dog-friendly but imposes seasonal bans.
You and your pet pooch can enjoy the surf anytime from 01 September - 14 May, but between 15 May - 31 August the ban is only in effect from 10 am - 6 pm, so there’s still time to enjoy the beach with your fur-ever friend!
Head in either direction from the beautiful sandy expanse and you will find yourself heading along the South West Coast Path. Adventure along the coast of Falmouth, ready to explore the many beaches and nearby villages.
Head from Gylly to Pendennis Point for panoramic views, or walk in the opposite direction towards nearby Swanpool, or further afield to Maenporth. Your daily walk will be filled with stunning views.
From the beach to the high street, Gylly is just a 10-minute walk from the heart of Falmouth and its famous harbour. After a morning at the beach you can stroll into Falmouth to explore the local shops, restaurants and cafes to refuel, before heading back to enjoy a golden hour beside the sea.
Queen Mary Gardens can be found right next to the beach. Opened in 1910, this sun-drenched hideaway is home to many mature sub-tropical plants and vivid flowers. Perfect for picnics amongst the agapanthus and lazy summer snoozes.
Visiting Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
Just a short walk from our front doors, Gyllyngvase is the ideal sandy beach to visit on your trip down to the coast.
Get ready to dive into your next seaside adventure, or relax on the warm sand during your next visit to St Michaels Resort. Get in touch with our friendly crew to find out more!
