1 Night, 2 Rounds
Perched on the cliffs above St Austell Bay, Carlyon Bay is all about sea views, sea breeze and shots that need a bit of conviction. From the back tees it stretches to 6,578 yards and while it's not long by modern standards it can feel every inch of it when the wind gets up. Expect plenty of elevation change, exposed holes along the clifftop and undulating ground that makes picking the right line off the tee just as important as raw distance.
There are genuine risk-reward moments where you can take on a bolder carry to open up the angle, but miss your spot and you'll be scrambling. You can often get plenty of run in drier months, so course management matters, especially if you're trying to keep a card together in a crosswind. Bring a range of shots, keep it under the breeze when you can and leave yourself the right side of the greens because touch becomes everything around the edges. The routing makes full use of the dramatic topography, with several holes offering genuine strategic interest where local knowledge pays dividends and patience beats hero golf.
Pick a calm morning tee time if you can, the breeze often builds later in the day. If you've got non-golfers in the group, the views alone sell this place.
Who is this for?
Golfers wanting big coastal views with a proper on-course challenge, couples mixing golf with spa time and societies after a Cornwall venue that feels like an occasion.
Who is it best for?
Confident mid-handicappers and better who enjoy playing in the wind, plus tour groups looking for a standout clifftop round paired with a full-facility hotel.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
2 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
The view down the opening hole as it tracks the edge of the cliffs is awe-inspiring. A slice off the first tee will leave your ball in St. Austell Bay at the foot of the cliffs, a proximity to trouble that strikes fear into the hearts of players. The front nine follows the coastline before golfers turn home and tackle the closing stretch, which traverses the parkland further inland.
This par 72 championship golf course is complemented by exceptional facilities, including a 9-hole approach course, a 6-acre practice area, and two superb putting greens. For players looking to refine their game, resident PGA professional Grant Slater runs accredited golf clinics at Carlyon Bay's excellent academy, where tuition is tailor-made to the specific requirements of every student.
The golfing experience continues rain or shine in the brand-new TrackMan Simulator Studio. Available for individuals or groups of up to four, the studio utilizes world-leading technology for an immersive, highly interactive virtual round. Beyond the virtual fairways, it serves as the perfect entertainment space to unwind with friends and family, featuring live sports on the big screen, comfortable lounge seating and a full bar and snack service available via convenient QR code ordering.
After your round, whether on the coastal cliffs or the simulator, The Clubhouse awaits. Offering stunning views, top-notch facilities, and unparalleled standards, it remains the premier destination in Cornwall. Guests can expect friendly service, a diverse menu of delicious home-cooked meals and a wide array of beverages to cap off the perfect day.
| White | 6,433 yards | SSS 71.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | 6,026 yards | SSS 69.7 (M) 75.8 (L) |
| Red | 5,675 yards | SSS 68.1 (M) 73.5 (L) |
The Carlyon Bay Hotel is a smart base for a Cornwall golf break, with an understated feel and service that keeps things easy. There are 86 bedrooms, finished in a traditional style, with modern comforts including satellite television and many with sea views across the bay. The attention to detail is evident throughout, from the quality of the furnishings to the level of personal service that ensures guests feel looked after from check-in to departure.
For those travelling with non-golfers or looking to unwind after a round, the facilities are comprehensive. Heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, saunas, a spa pool and steam room provide plenty of options for relaxation, while outdoor tennis courts, adventure playgrounds and extensive gardens cater to more active guests. The snooker table is ideal for post-round competition, and the health and beauty salon offers a full menu of treatments including facials, aromatherapy and a specialist Golfer's Treat, all backed by the Elemis product range.
Dining at Carlyon Bay is built around quality West Country produce, with the kitchen sourcing meat and fish from local suppliers to deliver menus that showcase the best of the region. Multiple dining options ensure there's something to suit every occasion, from casual meals to more formal evening dining.
The hotel also caters well for corporate groups and events, with a choice of elegant private rooms and suites that can accommodate gatherings of any size. We can build this into an easy Cornwall break with tee times, rooms and timings organised around your group. Whether you're organising a society trip, a family break or a corporate outing, Carlyon Bay combines a spectacular clifftop golf course with the kind of hotel that makes the off-course experience just as memorable.
Dawn
✓24 May 2026
Fantastic food and service. Would return
Terry
✓11 May 2026
Lovely hotel, great location, we had fabulous weather so probably helped the general relaxed feeling, as could sit on terrace, room was just right as we had twin to share for a golf weekend, staff very helpful in bars and at breakfast, can’t fault it really.
Marc
✓10 Jun 2025
Beautiful hotel in a beautiful location.
Tom
✓22 Mar 2025
Our room was perfect. The bed was extremely comfortable and the room and bathroom both spotlessly clean and immaculately appointed. The only slight drawback was the view of scaffolding where decorators were painting the exterior of the hotel who we occasionally saw outside our windows. The hotel staff were courteous, helpful and friendly.
Gary
✓17 Apr 2023
The hotel was spotlessly clean and comfortable. The staff are first class and so is the food. Superb!
Robert
✓14 Nov 2022
Excellent service, very comfortable and relaxing throughout. Food was excellent with plenty of choice and a daily menu. We will definitely be going again.
Carol
✓21 Sep 2021
The hotel was very good, polite staff, excellent food and interior. My only negative comment is about the bedroom - our room was directly above the filtration unit of the spa. The noise was constant, if we closed the windows, the noise was still loud and the room became hot and stuffy. As the hotel was full, we were unable to change rooms. This disruption to our sleep ruined our break.
Sally
✓30 Jul 2021
Beautiful hotel in a lovely location. Would like to go back again.
Isobel
✓25 Oct 2020
We had sadly only one night here , lovely hotel and location. Sadly the hours the pool was open due I expect to COVID-19 I couldn’t use the lovely facilities .
Andrew
✓25 Sep 2019
Excellent hotel - looking forward to returning.
Dawn
✓24 May 2026
Lovely setting and enjoyable round
Ian
✓12 May 2026
Fabulous sweeping views of the coast and the local brewery... Nice wide open fairways and minimal rough, so fairly forgiving to mediocre golfers... Great day of golf here!!
Terry
✓11 May 2026
Great course fabulous views, nice greens for putting, clubhouse was adequate for our needs.
Marc
✓10 Jun 2025
Beautiful course. Forgiving but tricky when the wind is up.
Tom
✓22 Mar 2025
The course was well kept generally with some interesting holes. Unfortunately on our second round the greens were being hollow toned which made them a little bumpy. We were held up by a group evidently playing in a competition but this did not bother us much. A few holes, the 9th,12th and 13th in particular, are on severe slopes making them hard to negotiate. The bunkers were well kept and the tee boxes good despite getting a lot of traffic. The railway line running through the course is unique in my experience and quite a feature.
Gary
✓17 Apr 2023
Lovely course with stunning views. There had been a lot of rain previously and the course stood up to the conditions very well. The staff in the clubhouse were superb
Robert
✓14 Nov 2022
A good challenge especially this time of year with a bit of wind. Well kept, good welcome from staff and professional. Excellent food and service at lunch in the clubhouse.
Carol
✓21 Sep 2021
The course was in a good condition apart from the greens, that had recently been tined and sanded. It is not a difficult course, and has some stunning views across the bay. The clubhouse staff were all friendly and it had a pleasant atmosphere.
Sally
✓30 Jul 2021
The course looks easy but it was very windy so it made it difficult as the front nine is on the cliffs.
Isobel
✓25 Oct 2020
We were very lucky with the weather which always makes it more enjoyable if the sun shines. There’s not many trees which suited my husband! Great views, wide fairways and good greens. We found the club house very pleasant and everyone was very friendly. Would certainly visit again if we are down that way.
