A Guide to St Ives, Cornwall

Historic fishing port & artists’ enclave: find out why St Ives Bay is considered one of the world’s most beautiful coastal corridors.

‘As I was going to St Ives…’

Set on the edge of the spectacular Penwith peninsula, with far-reaching views of sparkling bay waters and sweeping, sandy shores, lies the historic port of St Ives.

Steeped in maritime history dating back to the Middle Ages, the harbour was once the centre of North Cornwall’s thriving fishing trade and played host to a bustling fleet of luggers.

The town is a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets – adorned by flowers and bunting – that lead to the waterfront. It’s encompassed by a series of beautiful, white sandy beaches and sheltered by a jut of land known as Pendinas which was once the site of a promontory fort and remains the breathtaking location for the small granite chapel of St Nicholas.

Today, St Ives is well-known for its flourishing arts scene and is home to a number of prestigious galleries and studios, including Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. It’s also able to boast a long and impressive list of artists in residence – from abstract pioneer, Roger Hilton, to the eminent sculptor, Breon O’Casey – most of whom were fellows of the St Ives School for artists which rose to prominence in the wake of the First World War.

Things to do in St Ives

There’s no shortage of things to see and do both in and around St Ives, from family days out to romantic coastal strolls.

Arts lovers and culture vultures will be in their element when they follow the St Ives history and arts trail. With its magnificent views of the Celtic Sea, Tate St Ives curates an endless stream of displays and exhibitions from award-winning  and community-based artists, often embracing the area’s rich coastal heritage. Nestled into the roof-topped hillside, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden offers a fascinating insight into the creative genius of one of the nation’s most celebrated artists.  If you’re looking for a hands on experience, the Leach Pottery centre on Higher Stennack offers courses and classes in the ancient art of pottery and clay moulding. Learn about the town’s engrossing history with a tour around St Ives Museum which is located in the heart of the town. The building itself has its own fascinating past, serving a once vital function as the town’s principle fish cellar. These days, it’s crammed with various artefacts, exhibits and curiosities rather than heaps of slippery pilchards, and can be found not far from the iconic Smeatons Pier.

It’s nigh on impossible to leave St Ives without a handcrafted trinket or two, the town’s array of galleries and arts studios are full of artisan originals, ideal for those searching for an authentic Cornish memento.

If you’re enjoying a self-catering holiday in St Ives and looking for some wild family fun, head for Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary and Jungle Barn, a place where the kids can go ‘ape’ while also getting up close and personal with a variety of amazing creatures, from majestic golden eagles to beguiling penguins, and learning some fascinating facts along the way. Taking full advantage of the stunning Blue Flag waters of Porthmeor Beach, every year the St Ives Surf School encourage hundreds of would-be wave-riders to find their feet upon the sparkling swells that roll into the bay. A team of qualified instructors also specialise in stand up paddle board, kayak and coasteering, so why not sign the whole family up for an action-packed day in the surf.

If you’re planning a gathering of friends or you have a special occasion to organise, then the Escape Time live escape rooms could be just the ticket. Pit your wits against the games master, find the clues and solve the puzzles as you lead your team to glory. Both indoor and outdoor games are available. After all that adrenalin-fuelled escapology, you’ll be in need of some downtime together in one of St Ives’ many stylish bars and bistros. We’ve picked out the popular Balcony Bar & Kitchen found on The Wharf and close to town’s amusement arcades, and the buzzing atmosphere of the Firehouse Bar & Grill, also on the waterfront. Both these laid-back but lively hangouts would make ideal venues for your evening soirees, each receiving glowing reviews.

Places to Eat in St Ives

St Ives’ hospitality is second to none, so expect a warm and friendly welcome when you visit any one of its cafés, bistros, restaurants or pubs. From tempting light bites to sumptuous fine dining, we’ve picked out a handful of eateries that have a reputation for wowing their customers.

Tucked away on Chapel Street, the shelves of The Cornish Deli are laden with wholesome and delicious food. Pop in morning, noon or night to enjoy some amazing dishes and a menu to suit all tastes. Located on the busy Fore Street, Cellar Bistro continues to cook up a storm in the kitchen, delighting its diners with the flare and delectability of its spectacular dishes. A hearty stroll down the pretty and appropriately named Fish Street in the old fishing quarter, and you’ll encounter the cobbled stone walls of the Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, an award-winning venue renowned for its fresh seafood and ravishing gastronomy.

Away from the bustling waterfront and jostling streets lies one of St Ives’ best kept culinary secrets. Overlooking the tranquil, sun-dappled shores of the Nance Lakes (a popular fisherman’s haunt) the Lakeside Cabin is a sanctuary for wholesome, homecooked food which can be enjoyed in the café’s beautiful gardens. If you’re a lover of ancient buildings and historic hostelries, a date with the oldest pub in St Ives is a must. The Sloop Inn is believed to date back to the 1300s and can be found perched on the edge of the harbour, commanding an idyllic view of the bay from its flowerful terrace. It’s one from a long list of cosy inns and taverns that line the charming streets of St Ives, many of which are dog-friendly.

St Ives Beaches

St Ives is blessed by an array of beautiful, sandy beaches; from small, sheltered coves to long golden sweeps. Here are a few of the most popular and the most secret, all waiting to be found along what’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

Popular with bathers and surfers, Porthmeor is perhaps the most open and exposed shore in St Ives ,which explains its gleaming swells and salty surfers. It’s a Blue Flag beach with seasonal lifeguarding where dogs are allowed to scamper between October and April. There are lots of amenities close by and the views of St Ives Bay are incredible.

In contrast, Bamaluz Beach is a quiet little cove not far from the harbour. The soft sandy shores can be consumed by the high tide, so it’s best enjoyed at times of low water. The backdrop to this hidden gem is the remains of the Wheal Dream tin mine, while the St Ives Museum is within easy walking distance if you fancy a change of scene. There are no lifeguard patrols and dogs are allowed to run freely throughout the year.

Recommended by the Marine Conversion Society’s Good Beach Guide, the gently shelving sands of Porthgwidden Beach remain very popular with families. This sheltered inlet attracts lots of sunshine and the serene turquoise waters are inviting for tots in need of a paddle. Black Cliff beach helps make up the three-mile golden stretch that hugs the coast close to the neighbouring harbour town of Hayle and lies not far beyond the Mexico Towans rivermouth.  This sheltered sweep, also known as Upton Towans, is backed by tufted cliffs and dunes.

Carbis Bay beach was among the seven Cornish beaches to win Blue Flag status in 2019. The calm, crystal clear waters are perfect for bathers, and the soft mile-long shore provides plenty of space for you to set up your beach camp. Located to the east of St Ives, many visitors arrive at Carbis Bay via the St Ives branch line. At low tide, wildlife enthusiasts can make the short walk to neighbouring Porth Kidney sands and its RSPB bird sanctuary. Lifeguard patrols are in operation throughout July and August and dogs are only allowed on the beach between the hours of 5am and 8am. There are several cafés, tearooms and restaurants nearby.

Popular walks around St Ives

The rugged cliffs, dramatic headlands and sweeping bays that hug this section of the south west peninsular remain the inspiration for thousands of walkers and ramblers. Here are a trio of easy to moderate walks around St Ives, picked out from iWalk Cornwall’s long and extensive list.

Lelant to St Ives

Set forth from the coastal village of Lelant, on the mouth of the Hayle estuary, to pick up the winding pilgrim’s path known as St Michael’s Way, passing Porth Kidney Sands and Porthminster Beach before arriving at St Ives Harbour. This walk is considered moderately strenuous.

St Ives to Carbis Bay

Enjoy a hearty walk around the St Ives parish, picking up the eastern route through Steeple Woods nature reserve before trundling Trelyon Downs, savouring the views of St Ives Bay as you go. The walk continues onwards to the golden sands of Carbis Bay before veering inland to cross the meadows and pick up the green lanes that skirt the ancient boundaries of St Ives.

St Ives to Carn Naun

A walk that guides you westward through the former mining district and along the South West Coast Path as it heads towards the characterful village of Zennor. Follow the old miner’s trail, passing engine house ruins, as you plot a course towards Carn Naun point. The rugged coast and scintillating views await as you pass secret smugglers’ coves before rounding back towards St Ives and a well-earned fish ‘n’ chip supper.

Family Attractions Near St Ives

There are a number of famous family attractions in south west Cornwall. Here are a few to bear in mind if you’re looking to plan an exciting day trip.

Let’s start with one of the most iconic and westward locations in England; Land’s End is 838 miles from John o’ Groats, the place where many an intrepid adventure has set out to walk the length of Old Blighty. If you’re not in the mood for a round Britain yomp, maybe an unmissable family photo opportunity will do instead?

Nestled into the cliffside and overlooking the shores of Porthcurno, The Minack Theatre has welcomed some of the world’s finest musicians and thespians to its unique open-air stage. A packed schedule of performances and a truly exquisite backdrop combines to wow all those lucky enough to take a seat in the open gallery.

Step back in time when you follow the ancient cobbled causeway to St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island in Mount’s Bay that’s woven with mediaeval pathways, towering castle walls and exquisite sub-tropical gardens.

In the heart of West Cornwall you’ll find one of the Duchy’s most captivating gardens. Part of the legendary Bolitho Estate, the Trewidden Garden was originally established by Thomas Bolitho during the 19^th Century. Spread over fifteen leafy and manicured acres, the garden embraces more than three hundred camellias and magnolias and also one of the largest tree fern dells in Europe.

Cornwall is famous for its ancient ruins and monuments, and we’ve picked out a site believed to be among the most significant megalithic structures in the British Isles. Known locally as the ‘holed stone’, the Mên-an-Tol stands only a handful of miles from the historic village of Madron, in the depths of south west Cornwall. The site is comprised of three stones and is believed to date back to either the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. It remains one of Cornwall’s most important examples of its rich archaeological history.

Travelling to St Ives

Travelling to St Ives by train from London Paddington takes approximately six hours. You can experience one of the most scenic lines in the UK when you alight at St Erth to pick up the St Ives Bay line, passing Carbis Bay before arriving at your destination. National Express operate long distance coaches into Cornwall arriving and departing from St Ives bus station. Newquay Airport is approximately one hour’s drive from St Ives and has links to London Stanstead, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Dublin and Edinburgh.