There’s something special about St Ives. The beaches, atmosphere, views…and that feeling of being away from it all. So, is St Ives a great place for holidays in Cornwall? We think so, and here’s why…
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The lure of a St Ives holiday is undeniable, so much so that the town has won Coast Magazine’s, Best Seaside Holiday Destination, and was named one of Europe’s top 10 beach destinations by TripAdvisor users as reprted in The Guardian.
If you’re planning a trip to this gorgeous spot but are not sure which part will be best suited to your holiday, we can help.
When deciding where to stay in St Ives there are a few things to consider and these will depend entirely on your needs. Parking is usually high up on people’s list of priorities so if that’s you, you may wish to book a holiday home in St Ives with parking, or a cottage that’s within easy walking distance of a long stay car park (as on-street parking can be scarce during the busier seasons).
Maybe you’d like your holiday home to be close to the beach – especially if you’re looking to spend your days on the sand and in the water. The Digey and Downalong are perfectly placed just a short stroll from the seafront. Or you may be more taken by somewhere that has a sea view which means you’ll be best off searching in areas like Porthminster, Porthmeor, Clodgey Point and around the harbour.
Luxury Coastal has over 60 holiday homes in St Ives, so whether it’s a pet-friendly pad, a house with a hot tub, or a cottage with its own parking, our collection of properties has something for everyone.
Whatever it is, St Ives has a charm that’s unlike any other, and we’d recommend it at any time of year. You may be content to wander those winding streets and park yourself outside a coffee shop, but there are plenty of attractions in St Ives for those family days out.
The Tate St Ives, perched right beside Porthmeor Beach. The Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden which is in the sculptor’s former home – a ‘must’ for art lovers or for those with an interest in Cornish artists.
For fabulous coastal views, take the train from St Ives station to Lelant. The journey may be short, but if you sit on the side with the sea view you’ll get a glimpse of some of the South West’s most gorgeous coastline. You can either get a return, or walk one way, but just don’t forget your camera!
All those coastal walks will leave you with a hankering for good, locally sourced food and in St Ives, you’ll have plenty places to choose from.
The Cellar Bistro – one of the most popular St Ives restaurants with the Trip Advisor masses, it has a great reputation for serving up good food in a cosy setting. Olive’s Café is another favourite, and it’s perfect for a hot drink and a slice of cake in between those sandy walks.
Speaking of sandy walks, Porthmeor Beach Café is all about tasty treats with a spectacular view. Whether you pop in for a pit stop during a day on the sand, or you sample the cuisine and enjoy the setting, it’s a hit. Why not cosy up outside in one of the pods, where you can make the most of the views while you sip on a drink? Bliss.
Wander the cobbled streets that lead down to the harbourside and you’ll find a smattering of friendly local pubs that serve good, hearty meals. Expect a chat with the locals while you wait for your food, and walls lined with photos that offer a peek into the resort’s past.
There are some dazzling beaches in St Ives. Everything about this corner of Cornwall is gorgeous, and you’ll have your pick of sandy spots to enjoy. Crystal clear waters lap sandy beaches along the dramatic coast, and with two Blue Flag beaches in the town St Ives is the perfect choice for a beach holiday.
Porthmeor. Set close to the town and with Blue Flag status, this beach is within a short walk of most of our cottages in St Ives. Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months and with some of the town’s best surfing conditions, and the beach being the base for the St Ives surf school, Porthmeor is the natural choice for those looking to learn to surf.
St Ives’ second Blue Flag beach is Porthminster. Situated within a few minutes’ walk of St Ives train station, complete with large car park, Porthminster Beach is very accessible. Again, lifeguards patrol on summer months and dogs are welcome in the winter.
“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.
LC Loves Local St Ives ItineraryThe Tate Art Gallery, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, St Ives Harbour and some of the country’s best beaches including Porthmeor Sands come top of the list. Add to that a vibrant art and food culture as well as one of the country’s prettiest train lines (favoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) and you’ll just be scratching the surface of what makes this town so iconic.
Harbour Fish & Chips, Sharkey’s and Becks Fish & Chips get the thumbs up from us! With a harbour at its heart, deliciously fresh fish is naturally easy to come by so visitors to the town are spoiled for choice!
Yes. The Downalong is characterised by a tangle of narrow cobbled streets, granite cottages and whitewashed stone and forms the oldest, most historic part of the town set just back from the harbour. It’s a bustling place that’s awash with bakeries and cafes, galleries and boutique shops – perfect for discovering an arty souvenir to take home.
Dotting the beachfront are the likes of Porthminster and Porthgwidden Beach Cafes which are literally well, on the beach; and the award-winning Pedn Olva restaurant has sweeping views over the harbour and out to sea. From understated seafood cafes to fine dining, St Ives has a fantastic foodie scene that’s fit for even the most discerning of food critics.
The Malakoff is not only an amazing place to visit if you’re a budding artist but it’s also the perfect spot to take in the view out over the town and over to Hayle/Gwithian, Carbis Bay and Lelant. Smeaton’s Pier and Harbour Beach as well as Godrevy Lighthouse afford amazing vantage points so make sure your phone’s battery is charged as you’ll be in full snapping mode when the sun starts to sink on the horizon.
Yes! With so many beaches, towns, and attractions nearby, St Ives weekends can be as busy or chilled out as you’d like. Our 48 Hours In St Ives guide should give you plenty of inspiration to help you plan ahead.
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