St Ives Cottages

Picturesque St Ives Harbour and the golden sands of the beach (courtesy of Pudda)

Looking for the perfect seaside holiday?  Then visit beautiful St Ives in Cornwall.  When visiting this quaint town, steeped in both rich tradition and modern influences, there is something for nearly everyone to enjoy.  Spend your morning at the beach, your afternoon strolling through the town’s many galleries and attractions, and your evenings in an epicurean delight of the local restaurants.

Porthmeor Beach is a great place for someone looking to relax, or be a bit more active. It is not unusual to see people sunning along the shore, reading or chatting, but the water contains some of the best surfing conditions in the

The Tate St Ives art gallery is astounding... inside and out (courtesy of Pudda)

entirety of Britain. Walk from the beach to the nearby dockside to see the old fashioned fishing fleet, just a fraction of what it once was, and maybe charter a boat to enjoy some tranquil fishing or sightseeing.

Artists have been drawn to the area for almost a century, with the first artists colony founded in 1939.  Today, there are two main art societies, each favouring different styles of work, and plenty of museums and galleries dot the streets of St Ives, the centrepiece of which is the Tate St Ives.  One of the more popular attractions for people on holiday is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which according to Hepworth’s wishes, her work is on display for public enjoyment in perpetuity.

St Ives Harbour lit up at night (courtesy of a_faz)

There are also many amazing gardens for visitors to enjoy, including the Trewyn Gardens, Memorial Gardens, and Tregenna Castle.  These, as well as many other public gardens, are a delightful place to rest and relax, and maybe enjoy some bird watching.

A short trip away is St. Michael’s Mount, part of the National Trust; it is a nearby island with an exotic garden, and mediaeval church and castle.  While ferries are available at high water, there is a foot path along the causeway that can usually be used by visitors.

You can enjoy a glorious sunset at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives (courtesy of Taylor Dundee)

Almost any cuisine that you desire can be found in St Ives.  You can sample vegetarian, Mexican, Italian and Mediterranean, alongside some truly unique Cornish dishes.  The best restaurants have only the freshest produce and local ingredients, including some delightful sea food.  If the weather is right, be sure to look for a restaurant that has a patio that overlooks the town’s beaches.  It is the perfect way to end an amazing day.

St Ives self-catering accommodation: