The Best Things to do in St Ives: Cornwall’s Artistic Haven
St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most beloved destinations, offers a Cornish experience that is simply unmissable. Here, the charming, whitewashed fisherman's cottages tumble down towards a picturesque harbour, which was once the heart of Cornwall’s pilchard industry. The town is set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, where the Atlantic waves crash onto perfect white sands, making it one of the best places for soaking up the magic of the Cornish coast.
St Ives Harbour, Cornwall
Whilst St Ives draws a crowd in the summer, it is equally enchanting in the off-season, when its world-class art galleries, breathtaking landscapes, and independent boutiques offer a quieter, more intimate experience. Whether you’re wandering through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, admiring the world-class art scene, or exploring the hidden gems in local shops, St Ives is certain to keep you entertained.
Overlooking St Ives Bay, the town’s idyllic harbour is flanked by a choice of beautiful beaches, each with their own charm. The old stone buildings and winding lanes give the town a distinctive, timeless Cornish feel, which keeps visitors coming back for more.
Keep reading to discover the best things to do in St Ives, one of Cornwall’s most popular seaside towns.
Visiting St Ives from The Cornish Place
Communal Courtyard at The Cornish Place
Due to its popularity and compact size, St Ives can become quite crowded, particularly in the summer. Staying at The Cornish Place allows you to experience everything the town has to offer whilst retreating to your own peaceful haven at the end of the day. Surrounded by Cornish countryside, our self-catered holiday cottages provide the perfect setting for true relaxation. Wake up to the gentle sound of birdsong and unwind in the evening as the sun sets over the rolling fields.
At The Cornish Place, we strive to make our holiday cottages feel like a home away from home. Enjoy The Piggery, our cosy indoor hangout area stocked with snacks and board games. Outdoors, explore fields perfect for dog walks, soak in the outdoor hot tubs, or wander through a nearby bluebell woodland. On-site amenities also include a micro-gym, a pizza oven, and the Butt Ugly Bar for a refreshing drink or two.
Conveniently located, The Cornish Place is just a 30-minute drive from St Ives. Alternatively, you can take a quick 10-minute taxi ride to Redruth Train Station and hop on one of the most scenic train journeys in the country, leading to St Ives.
To learn more about our luxury holiday cottages in Cornwall or check availability, please visit our website.
Exploring St Ives
To make the most of your visit, don’t miss out on each of these ways to explore St Ives.
The Harbour
The Harbour, St Ives, Cornwall
At the heart of St Ives lies its harbour, framed by the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic. Unlike many harbours it has a pristine sandy bottom, which makes the water particularly blue. At low tide, you can relax right on the sand and enjoy freshly-caught fish and chips whilst watching boats gently bobbing in the water.
The backstreets
Cobbled back streets, St Ives, Cornwall
The harbour is lined with charming shops and inviting restaurants, but don’t stop there. Wander into the maze of narrow back streets to uncover hidden gems, from boutique stores to locally-owned galleries. As you explore, soak up the authentic ambiance of this historic fishing village and marvel at just how snug some of the alleys are. Keep an eye out for intriguing street names like Teetotal Street, Salubrious Place and The Digey.
The Island
The Island, St Ives, Cornwall
No trip to St Ives is complete without a visit to the Island, a grassy headland that’s easily accessible on foot. Despite its name, it’s connected to the town, offering a short but scenic walk. Follow the coastal path around its edge for breathtaking views of the Atlantic, and on the far side, you’ll discover more galleries, charming restaurants, and tranquil beaches.
Outdoor activities in St Ives
As one of the most beautiful places in Cornwall, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy in St Ives.
Enjoy a relaxing beach day
Porthminster Beach, St Ives
With six beautiful beaches to choose from, plus nearby Carbis Bay, St Ives has plenty of options for a perfect beach day. Harbour Beach is ideal for fish and chips by the sea, whilst Porthminster is a family favourite with shallow waters ideal for paddling at low tide. Joining the two is Lambeth Walk, which is dog-friendly year-round, but vanishes at high tide. On the other side of the harbour, Bamaluz is a hidden cove reached through backstreets by those in the know. Porthgwidden offers a quiet sandy escape under the Island, and Porthmeor is famous for its surf and a fantastic café.
Treat yourself to a coastal walk
Zennor Head, Cornwall
The route from the harbour around the Island is just over a mile long, perfect for a short stroll. However, for keen ramblers, St Ives offers fantastic hikes in either direction along the South West Coast Path. Head east to Carbis Bay, Hayle, and the Towans, a three-mile stretch of golden sands backed by dunes. Or venture west along dramatic cliffs to the pretty village of Zennor.
Embark on a boat trip to Seal Island
Seal Island, Cornwall
Just a few miles west of St Ives lies Seal Island, home to a colony of grey seals. Hop on a boat from the harbour to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, alongside a variety of other local wildlife. As you cruise, soak in the stunning views of St Ives and the breathtaking Cornish coastline.
Catch some waves
Surfing, Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
During the winter, the waves in St Ives are fierce, only suitable for experienced surfers. But in the summer, Porthmeor Beach is an ideal place to get to grips with riding a board. St Ives Surf School can be found on the beach, offering surf lessons and equipment hire. Pay them a visit to catch your first waves or refine your technique on a board.
The best art galleries in St Ives
Attracting famous artists from around the globe, St Ives is also home to some of the UK’s most highly renowned art galleries.
Tate St Ives
Tate St Ives
If there’s one gallery you visit when you come to St Ives, it has to be the Tate. Featuring contemporary exhibitions from modern British artists, you will also see works from the famous St Ives School of artists.
Penwith Gallery
Penwith Gallery, St Ives
This former pilchard packing factory showcases the work of the best local artists. Including three public galleries, a printmakers’ workshop, sculpture courtyard, artist studios, shop and more, there is plenty to keep you entertained at Penwith Gallery.
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden
Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden, St Ives
Run by the Tate since 1980, the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden preserves the life and work of one of St Ives’ most important twentieth century artists. Known for her abstract geometric sculptures, Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures can be found around the world.
Food and drink in St Ives
Despite its small size, St Ives has a huge choice of places to indulge in food and drink, including one of the oldest pubs in the country.
Enjoy a tipple
Sloop Inn, St Ives Harbour
Don’t miss out on a trip to the Sloop Inn, first established circa 1312. A favourite with artists, visitors, smugglers and locals throughout the years there’s a reason it’s lasted so long. If you’d prefer to channel your inner pirate, the Rum & Crab Shack offers over a hundred different rums to choose from, plus exquisite locally-sourced lobster and crab dishes. Head to Silco for the best gin and tonic in the area, or the Pilchard Press & Alehouse for a microbrewery experience. For a traditional option popular with the locals, head to the Golden Lion.
Eating out
Porthminster Beach Cafe, St Ives
For foodies, the town offers a fantastic choice of dining options to suit every taste. Porthminster Café is a firm favorite, celebrated for its tapas and exquisite seafood dishes overlooking the sea. For a romantic evening, The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant provides an intimate setting. If fine dining is your style, The Ugly Butterfly in nearby Carbis Bay offers an unforgettable culinary experience, whilst One Fish Street serves up creative and tempting tasting plates. Craving comfort food? Hub St Ives is the go-to spot for mouthwatering gourmet burgers, or Harbour Fish & Chips provide you with the classic seaside experience.
St Ives Food and Drink Festival
St Ives Food and Drink Festival, Porthminster Beach
Indulge in a weekend of the finest Cornish food, drink, and music at the St Ives Food Festival, a much-loved seaside extravaganza. Set on the stunning Porthminster Beach, the festival features a packed lineup, local food and drink stalls, and cooking demonstrations. Take a dip in the sea to build up your appetite or unwind on the golden sands after savouring the delicious offerings. It’s nothing short of coastal bliss!
Enjoy a scenic train ride
Train to St Ives
Last but not least, St Ives boasts one of the most breathtaking railway journeys in the UK. The scenic stretch from St Erth to St Ives winds along the edge of St Ives Bay, offering elevated views of golden beaches, turquoise waters, and the picturesque town below. To experience this unforgettable journey, you can catch the train from Redruth and transfer to the St Ives branch line at St Erth. Alternatively, park your car at St Erth and enjoy the final leg of your trip by rail.
Plan your trip
Are you ready to enjoy the best of both worlds, with a trip to St Ives whilst escaping the crowds? Book now to secure your spot in one of our luxury self-catered holiday cottages in Cornwall.