“St Ives is one of those places that steals your heart. The combination of great food, incredible beaches, and that ever-changing light makes it truly special.” Rick Stein

Tucked into the glittering coastline of St Ives Bay, and arguably one of Cornwall’s prettiest and most famous towns, St Ives is a dreamy spot for a getaway. Beautiful sandy beaches and turquoise waters form the backdrop, and as you make your way along winding, bakery and boutique-lined streets, you’ll wish you could stay longer.

We love St Ives, which is why we want you to have the most fantastic experience during your time here. So, in order to inspire you, we’ve created a weekend itinerary of some of our favourite places to see and things to do.

Day 1 – Exploring St Ives

Morning

Breakfast at Porthmeor Beach Café

Start your day with breakfast at Porthmeor Beach Cafe overlooking the sea with stunning views of the golden sands and rolling waves from this beachside cafe. Try the Porthmeor full English or Eggs Benedict while watching surfers, and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

Walk Around St Ives
Starting at Porthmeor Beach, known for its surf and the Tate St Ives, climb to The Island for panoramic views and St Nicholas Chapel. Descend to the tranquil Porthgwidden Beach, then head to the bustling St Ives Harbour with its colorful boats and eateries. Explore the narrow streets, especially Fore Street and The Digey, filled with galleries and boutiques.

Afternoon

Lunch at Yellow Canary Café
Tucked into the heart of the cobbed Fore Street, the Yellow Canary Café has been in business for over 50 years. Contemporary, airy and intimate, this is the best place to grab yourself a gorgeous sandwich (made with homemade bread of course), and fabulous cup of coffee after the beach.

Train Trip to Lelant
Head to St Ives station (about 10 minutes’ walk from Fore Street) and buy tickets to Lelant (one of the tiny request stops on the beautiful St Ives Bay line). The journey is less than 10 minutes and incredibly scenic, with views right across the coastline and bay. (Be sure to book your ticket to Lelant, not Lelant Saltings). Tickets cost £4.00 for an adult return. Lelant is a pretty little village overlooking Hayle Estuary. A 7-minute walk will take you to the picturesque St Uny’s Church. From here a further 3-minute stroll sees you stepping on to the fine sands of Hayle Beach – a beautiful 3-mile sandy stretch.

Evening

Cornish Pasties & Harbour Stroll
Pop past Harvey Brothers Butchers in Tregenna Place and pick up a few of their Cornish pasties (which are simply superb!) to be enjoyed at your self-catering St Ives cottage. Follow dinner with an evening stroll down to the harbour and sip on a glass of wine at Balcony Bar & Kitchen while watching the sun set over the sea.

 

Day 2 – Sand, sea and sculpture

Morning

Breakfast on the Go
Nip into St Ives Bakery on Fore Street and pick up a pastry on the go. We love their Cruffins and Pain Au Chocolates. Head two minutes’ further on to Wharf Road for a Coffee at Yallah Coffee Kiosk.

Paddleboarding/Kayaking (Easter to October)
Walk to the slip on Harbour Beach where you’ll find St Ives Boat Rides. Here you can hire a SUP or kayak (prices from £15 an hour). Take in the incredible views from the bay back towards the town. If you don’t fancy getting wet, the company offer Rib sea safari tours to Godrevy Lighthouse or Seal Island.

Afternoon

Lunch at Porthminster Kitchen
You can’t visit the seaside without sampling a portion of local Fish and Chips, so make your way to Porthminster Kitchen on Wharf Road for some of the best in St Ives, while enjoying the views over the bay. (not to be confused with Porthminster Beach Café which is also fabulous but a longer walk)

Visit to Barbara Hepworth Museum
Spend the afternoon at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Gardens which showcases works of one of Britain’s most important 20th-century artists. Stroll the gardens for a peaceful experience.

Evening

Sea Swim & Dinner at Porthminster Beach Café
Finish your day with a refreshing sea swim at Porthminster Beach, then dry off and step into Porthminster Beach Café for dinner, where you can enjoy a meal overlooking the beach as the sun sets.

 

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

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