Carne Beach is one of Cornwall's best-kept secrets: a wide, mile-long swathe of sand nestled within a secluded bay on the Roseland Heritage Coast. Warmed by Cornwall's mild subtropical climate and blessed with panoramic, south-facing views, it is about as idyllic as a Cornish beach gets. It remains refreshingly obscure, with few crowds and a reputation for being quiet and unspoilt.
For guests of The Nare, it feels as exclusive as a private island. In a matter of moments, it is possible to leave the hotel, stroll through the gardens and arrive on the crisp, golden sands. Perfect for a morning swim, an afternoon stroll or a happy few hours spent with family and friends. As with many of Cornwall's quieter beaches, Carne is not patrolled by lifeguards, so care should be taken around the tides and young children. Carne is among the hotel's greatest assets, and one of the key reasons guests so cherish this secluded, special corner of Cornwall.
‘With a refined elegance and wrap-around comfort, this award-winning country house is blessed with beautiful gardens that tumble down towards the golden stretch of Carne Beach.’
Rochelle Venables, Waitrose Garden Magazine
With acres of golden sand, shallows and rock pools, Carne Beach is a child's paradise. The gently sloping sand and soft swelling waves of the South Coast mean the beach is particularly safe for families with children.
The Nare has kayaks available for guests.
Dogs are welcome on the beach throughout the year. During the summer season, they should be kept on a lead on the beach during the daytime. In the morning, evening and during the winter months, however, they can roam free and run for miles across the sand.
At low tide, Carne Beach reveals a wide expanse of sand – ideal for a spot of beach volleyball or kite flying. And while the gentle waves make it unsuitable for surfing, other water sports like sailing and windsurfing are popular on windy days. The hotel also has kayaks available for guests.
The views from Carne Beach are legendary. But nothing quite matches up to exploring this beautiful region by boat. The Nare can arrange private charter sailings on its own motor launch or sailing yacht, giving guests the rare chance to experience Roseland from the water.
'As one disgruntled TripAdvisor reviewer points out, Carne is 'flat, wide and with little to fire the imagination'. There are no amusements, no shops and… only the Tea by the Sea food truck and an unpredictable ice-cream van. There's no surf school, no phone signal and nowhere to launch a jet ski. In other words, on these outrageously beautiful sands, you have to make your own fun. What a disappointment.'
Susan D'Arcy, 50 best beaches in Britain, The Sunday Times
With views stretching from the iconic Nare Head to the Lizard, Carne Beach has inspired works by many talented artists. Perhaps it will inspire many more.
Jeanni, the hotel's artist in residence, runs bespoke lessons to help guests unlock hidden artistic talents. These range from two-hour taster sessions right up to intensive nine-hour lessons based on her unique and proven teaching method. A very special souvenir may await - a hand-painted memento of this staggeringly beautiful location.
