St. Ives
One of Cornwall's most loved destinations, there is something for everyone here in St Ives. Spend your days meandering through the cobbled streets, explore artists’ studios, sample local produce in its many restaurants and 'chill' on the many golden, sandy beaches.
In St Ives, there's so much to see...
Whatever you like, there are many relaxing things to do in St Ives. Maybe a gentle garden walk, or a visit to the many galleries or its museum. If it's something a little bit more active – there are wonderful cliff top walks, along the South West Coastal Path, local boat trips, cycling or for the more adventurous, you can join one of the local surf schools.
Radiating out from the harbour, are a maze of quaint, cobbled streets lined with fishermen's cottages. St Ives has a rich artistic heritage, with a spectrum of galleries from the small artist's to the internationally acclaimed.
St Ives has four fantastic, golden, sandy beaches within walking distance of the town, each with its own different character.
Porthminster is the first family beach as you enter the town, conveniently located below the train and bus stations. The Harbour beach, a great, safe family option, is right in the centre of town. As is Porthgwidden, which is a short walk, tucked away, around the corner from all the hustle and bustle of the town. Finally, the largest and most renowned beach is Porthmeor, famous for its surfing waves, as it faces the Atlantic just below the Tate Gallery.
Events
There's always something happening in St Ives, which is why it is so popular all year long.
From the New Year's Eve Celebrations, when you can soak up the atmosphere on New Year's Eve in St Ives, where everyone dresses in fancy dress, and the evening ends with a spectacular firework display, through the summer and the St Ives Food and Drink festival. The festival is held on Porthminster beach, the only festival of this type in the UK, as it takes place on a beach. With live music, a wide range of products from Cornwall's finest food producers and demonstrations from some of the country's best chefs.
In September, St Ives hosts the ever, popular September Festival. The festival takes place over two weeks with live music, theatrical performances and comedy sketches, theatrical workshops or just simply soak up the atmosphere.
Cornwall...
If history and heritage is more your thing, you’ll love Cornwall's historic houses, castles, museums, World Heritage Sites and iconic attractions.
From our location, we are ideally located to visit within half a day the West of Cornwall attractions of; Land's End, The Minack Theatre, Cape Cornwall, Kynance Cove, the Lizard Peninsula and St Michael's Mount.
Slightly further afield but still an easy day visit, are the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Tintagel Castle, Lanhydrock House and the Eden Project, with its massive Biomes, with its rainforest, stunning plants and exhibitions.