Located at the gateway to the Penwith Heritage Coastline, St. Ives is a delightful small town that offers plenty of attractions. Renowned for its picturesque harbor and beautiful beaches, St. Ives is an ideal destination for a seaside vacation. It also serves as a perfect starting point for exploring the wonders of West Cornwall.
Add to the mix a thriving art scene, including a beachside outpost of the prestigious Tate Gallery, and a vibrant culinary landscape, and you have a bustling cultural center with an abundance of activities to keep visitors engaged.
Residing in the southwest of England certainly has its advantages. While it may require a lengthy train journey to reach London and its airports, I’m conveniently located within a short driving distance of some of the most exceptional parts of England. Cornwall, in particular, is one of my absolute favorite destinations for a quintessential British seaside holiday!
As soon as spring arrived this year, I made my way to St. Ives for a delightful extended weekend filled with invigorating cliffside hikes, visits to art galleries, and enjoying fish and chips in the sunshine!
During my stay, I had the pleasure of residing at Bay Hill Cottage, an Aspects Holidays property that arguably boasts the most magnificent view in town!
It was an ideal weekend. St. Ives offers a wealth of activities, from exploring art galleries and boutique shops to enjoying stunning beaches and breathtaking coastal hikes. Moreover, there are numerous fantastic day trips to uncover the attractions of western Cornwall.
Savor the St. Ives Beaches
For many visitors to St. Ives, a day at the beach is the top priority! Whether you’re looking to surf, swim, or simply unwind on a peaceful sandy shore, St. Ives has it all covered…
Porthmeor Beach – A spacious expanse of sand with Tate St. Ives overlooking it and the distinctive form of The Island nearby. It’s also a favored location for surfing.
Porthgwidden Beach – A small, sandy cove nestled at the foot of The Island.
Porthminster Beach – A broad, sheltered crescent of sandy shoreline with calm waters suitable for swimming and a collection of colorful beach huts. It’s a popular choice for families.
Carbis Bay – Situated just a short distance along the coast from St. Ives (still within walking distance), this is a stunning sheltered bay featuring pale golden sands bordered by grass-covered dunes. It’s also a well-liked spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Discover the Harbor and Downalong Area
Nestled against the gently sloping headland called The Island and adorned with vibrant boats, St. Ives Harbor ranks among the most scenic harbors in Cornwall.
The small and picturesque harbor has always served as the vibrant heart of St. Ives. In the past, pilchard fishing was a major industry here, and the quayside is lined with historic pilchard curing and pressing houses. Nowadays, many of these have been transformed into galleries and boutique shops. For a live view of the harborside, check out Aspects Holidays’ office webcam!
St. Ives Harbor is encircled by an array of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes. Consider grabbing a takeaway from Harbour Fish & Chips and settling down at the harborside for an open-air dinner with a captivating view!
Beyond the harbor, along the ridge leading to The Island, lies a labyrinth of tightly packed cobblestone streets with charming names like The Digey and Teetotal Street. This neighborhood is known as The Downalong, or Down-a-Long, and it’s characterized by its historical buildings and picturesque whitewashed cottages. It’s a quaint, photogenic, and character-filled area that you shouldn’t miss exploring.
Take a stroll to The Island
Perched above the harbor and the Downalong area, The Island is not actually an island but rather a petite headland that divides the harbor from Porthmeor Beach.
Surrounded by rugged rocks, the summit of this grassy headland offers magnificent vistas spanning St. Ives and the Bay. It’s no wonder that this site was once the location of an ancient promontory fort.
Today, at its summit, you’ll find a coastguard lookout and a tiny chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. Dating back to at least the 15th century, this modest, single-room granite chapel is believed to have served as a lookout in the 18th century for revenue officers who were vigilant in guarding against smugglers.
Embark on a Boat Tour to Seal Island
You can embark on a “sea safari” boat tour from St. Ives to observe seals, either at Seal Island or Godrevy Island. Several tour companies operate from the harbor, with “Dolly P” Boat Trips by St. Ives Boats being one of the top-rated options. Alternatively, you can opt for glass-bottom boat trips aboard the Nemo.
These boat tours are available from Easter to October.
Explore Tate St. Ives
Were you aware that St. Ives has a rich history as an artistic haven? The pristine light and stunning natural splendor of the nearby coastline have drawn artists to the town for generations.
This unexpected artistic aspect of the quaint coastal town is most effectively experienced at Tate St. Ives. Situated overlooking Porthmeor Beach, this Cornish branch of one of Britain’s most renowned art institutions is a must-visit when exploring St. Ives – even if it’s solely to relish the breathtaking views from the exhibition galleries and fourth-floor cafe!
Delve deeper into the artists and movements that resided, created, and drew inspiration from St. Ives. Among them were the impressionists of the Newlyn School in the 1880s, as well as the abstract artists affiliated with the St. Ives School in the 1940s and 50s.
Uncover an Iconic Artist at the Barbara Hepworth Museum
Dame Jocelyn Barbara Hepworth DBE (1903-1975) was among the prominent figures within the community of artists that would later be recognized as the St. Ives School. As a pioneering modernist sculptor, she relocated to St. Ives at the outset of WWII and made it her lifelong home.
Explore the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, located in her former residence and studio, to gain deeper insights into Hepworth’s life, artistic contributions, and modernist approach.
Outside, there lies a splendid garden, meticulously designed by Hepworth and adorned with her sculptures – a significant portion of which were crafted in her very own studio. It’s a serene and enchanting area where art and nature harmonize seamlessly – an absolute must-see!
Explore Additional Galleries in St. Ives
While the Tate and Barbara Hepworth Museum are the primary art galleries in St. Ives, there is a wealth of other local art venues worth exploring during your visit to the town. Be sure to make time for a visit to some of these additional galleries.
Even if you have only a passing interest in art, these venues provide an excellent opportunity to delve into an integral aspect of St. Ives’ identity…
- Penwith Gallery – Established by Barbara Hepworth and her fellow artists from the St. Ives School, this magnificent public gallery occupies a former pilchard packing factory.
- Livingstone Gallery – Explore contemporary and modern art associated with St. Ives, its artistic heritage, and its future direction.
- St. Ives Society of Artists – Located in the former Mariners Church, the Mariners Gallery showcases artworks by society members, with separate exhibitions by guest artists in addition to the main exhibitions. Additional shows are held at The Crypt Gallery.
- Porthminster Gallery – Among the largest and most beloved commercial art galleries in St. Ives, it features exhibitions and sales of works by both established and emerging British artists.
- Belgrave Gallery – Specializing in Modern British and Contemporary Art, with a particular focus on artists with ties to Cornwall.
Embark on a St. Ives Bay Coast Path Hike
St. Ives is situated at the far western edge of St. Ives Bay, which boasts a broad, sweeping crescent adorned with stunning sandy beaches, and the wildlife-rich Hayle Estuary at its heart.
Follow the South West Coast Path from St. Ives to Hayle, covering approximately 6 miles. Along the way, you’ll traverse grass-topped sand dunes while enjoying breathtaking vistas of the bay. Upon reaching Hayle Estuary, cross a historic swing bridge, unwind on the sands of Hayle Beach, and observe wetland birds at the RSPB Nature Reserve.
Continuing down the bay, Godrevy Head with its iconic lighthouse offers another fantastic walking opportunity. The trek from St. Ives to Godrevy Head spans approximately 10 miles, which can be quite a journey, but you have the option to take a bus or drive and then embark on a much shorter walk around Godrevy Head.
Revel in the Scenic Views Along Cornwall’s Most Picturesque Railway
St. Ives Bay is also graced by one of Cornwall’s Great Scenic Railways. The railway line from St. Ives to St. Erth travels alongside the bay, offering mesmerizing vistas of the glistening ocean, then meanders along the Hayle Estuary toward St. Erth.
The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes and costs £4 for a round trip (during off-peak hours). You could easily spend half an hour riding the train back and forth to relish the scenic views. Alternatively, if you prefer a full-day adventure, you can take the train to St. Erth and then hike along the coastal path back to St. Ives, or vice versa.
Pro tip: For the most magnificent views, choose a seat on the left-hand side of the train when departing from St. Ives, and opt for the right-hand side on the return journey from St. Erth.
Learn to Surf
St. Ives, much like many other parts of the Cornish coast, is a prime destination for surfing. There are several surf spots in the vicinity, including Sennen Cove and Gwithian Beach.
Porthmeor Beach, situated on the western side of the town, is an ideal spot for novice surfers. The beach benefits from steady Atlantic swells while also being shielded from the wind by The Island. It is here that you can locate the St. Ives Surf School, offering group and private lessons tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers.
While the waters in St. Ives Bay are less suitable for surfing due to their sheltered nature, they provide an ideal setting for enjoying milder water activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Two of the finest locations for these activities are Carbis Bay, known for its expansive sandy beaches, and the Hayle Estuary, surrounded by marshes teeming with birdlife.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and venture out into the bay for a serene paddle. You can rent equipment, schedule tours, and sign up for lessons at the Ocean Sports Centre in Carbis Bay.
Visit St. Ives Museum for a Glimpse of Local History
If you’re interested in delving into the region’s history, make your way to the St. Ives Museum located in the heart of the Downalong area. Here, you can explore a fascinating assortment of artifacts connected to the industries that have shaped St. Ives throughout its history, including pilchard fishing and processing, mining, and boat construction.
Unfortunately, the museum was closed during my visit. Similar to many tourist attractions in Cornwall, the St. Ives Museum operates only from Easter to October. However, this museum, managed by volunteers, appears to be an excellent destination to spend an hour or two perusing its diverse collection.
Embark on a Hike to Zennor
With the epic South West Coast Path (SWCP) encompassing Cornwall on three sides, the region offers a plethora of stunning coastal hikes suitable for all levels of hikers. Commencing directly from St. Ives, the journey to Zennor Head traverses some striking and challenging cliffs, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot seals along the way!
This is a challenging yet gratifying 6-mile hike, following the South West Coast Path (marked with acorn waymarkers). You can choose to return via the milder inland route for a 12-mile round trip or catch a bus back (note that bus schedules are infrequent, so check timetables in advance).
As you proceed past the headland in front of Seal Island, there’s a good chance you’ll spot some grey seals swimming in the bay or lounging on the beach just below you. However, it’s crucial not to venture onto the beach itself, as disturbing the seals could result in mothers abandoning their pups.
