St Ives Holidays

Where should you stay in St Ives?

St Ives is dreamy, but don’t take our word for it. Coast Magazine once rated it the Best Seaside Holiday Destination, and TripAdvisor users named it one of Europe’s top 10 beach destinations in The Guardian.

You may be wondering which area is the best to stay in, and that depends entirely on what matters most to you. Perhaps you’d like to wake up to sea views or be a few steps from the town centre and harbour. The good news is that our collection of cottages in St Ives covers most of the town, so it’s easy to find the perfect place for your stay.

Cottages for guests with dogs

With so many fantastic beaches and walks nearby, a dog-friendly holiday in St Ives is a great choice. About 80% of Luxury Coastal’s St Ives properties welcome dogs. Whether your dog is happiest chasing a ball on the beach or pottering along a coastal path, there’s plenty to explore together.

Our favourite dog walks along the coast path

Most of our dog-friendly properties are also near the South West Coast Path, so walkies! are most definitely on the agenda. We have two fantastic dog walks to recommend for your stay in St Ives, which are…

Carbis Bay to St Ives

This is a lovely walk if you fancy a scenic railway trip too. Great Western Railway operates the service from St Ives Station to Carbis Bay, and welcomes dogs on the train as long as they are kept on leads or in a carrier. From Carbis Bay to St Ives it’s an easy walk, with wonderful views across the sea along the way.

St Ives to Porthkidney Sands

For a good run on a big dog-friendly beach, head along the South West Coast Path from St Ives towards Porthkidney Sands. The route takes you past Porthminster Beach, Carbis Bay and Hawkes Point, with sea views along the way. With a wide stretch of golden sand for dogs to run, play and explore, and with no dog ban, Porthkidney Sands is the perfect place for them. If you don’t feel like walking back to St Ives, you can catch the train back from Lelant.

Why choose St Ives for a holiday?

St Ives is just as good for lazy beach days as it is for exploring. Couples can take surf lessons at Porthmeor, walk the coast as the sun goes down or settle in for a drink overlooking the sea. For families, there are rock pools to investigate at Bamaluz Beach when the tide is right, boat trips from the harbour and a day out at Paradise Park near Hayle.

If you’re visiting as a couple, a swim at the Mermaid’s Pool might be tempting, but check tide times and sea conditions carefully before considering it. For families, a boat trip is a lovely way to see the coastline from the water — keep an eye out for seals.

Summer brings the busiest beaches and liveliest streets, especially during school holidays. Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy the coast paths, while winter is a chance to wrap up warm, explore the galleries and return to your cottage after a bracing walk by the sea.

Art galleries and shopping

Art and St Ives is synonymous, so you’ll discover many independent galleries dotted around the town where you can pick up a unique piece of local art to take home with you. Lifestyle and clothing boutiques abound, as well as gift shops, well-know high street brands, delis and bakeries.

St Ives Harbour and boat trips

The harbour is the heart of the town and has the best views over the bay and coastline. Here there are many lovely places to eat, or to simply to sit and watch the world go by. You can also book a boat trip from one of the companies based around the harbour and see the coastline from the water. Trips vary depending on the time of year and the weather, so check what’s running during your stay. You might even spot a seal along the way!

St Ives Beach Guide

Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor has a wide stretch of sand and a lively surf scene. It’s a good spot for surfing or watching the waves, with places to eat nearby and Tate St Ives just above the beach.

Porthminster Beach
With soft sand and a more sheltered feel, Porthminster is a favourite for a relaxed beach day. It’s close to the train station and town centre, with cafés nearby.

Harbour Beach
Right in the middle of town, Harbour Beach is a good place to sit and watch the boats. The beach changes with the tide, and shops and places to eat are close at hand.

Porthgwidden Beach
Tucked away near the Island, Porthgwidden is smaller and sheltered. It’s worth considering if you prefer a beach that feels a little removed from the busier stretches of sand.

Bamaluz Beach
Bamaluz is a small, rocky beach near the harbour, best explored at low tide. Check the tide before you go, as it isn’t the same sort of sandy beach as Porthmeor or Porthminster.

Carbis Bay
Just along the coast, Carbis Bay has pale sand and clear water. It makes a good change from the town beaches and can be reached by train or on foot along the coast, depending on your route.

A note for dog owners: Some local beaches restrict dogs during the summer months, and the rules vary by beach. Check the current local council guidance before you set off.

Restaurants, cafés and pubs in St Ives

You’ll find cafés all over St Ives, whether you fancy a coffee, a cream tea or something to eat after the beach. Some have sea views, and there are outdoor tables and beach pods where you can sit and watch the waves when the weather plays ball.

There’s plenty of choice for dinner, too, from easy family meals to seafood and somewhere a bit special for a night out. Have a wander around the cobbled streets near the harbour and you’ll come across traditional pubs, some with old photos on the walls showing St Ives as it used to be.

And, of course, there’s fish and chips. Grab a takeaway and find a spot by the harbour or on the beach — just watch out for the seagulls!
Our tip: St Ives gets busy during the summer and school holidays, so book ahead if there’s somewhere you particularly want to eat. Otherwise, have a wander around the harbour and town centre and see what takes your fancy.

Visiting St Ives: what you need to know

A little planning makes getting around St Ives easier, particularly if you’re visiting during the school holidays.

Getting to St Ives

You can travel by car or train. By rail, change at St Erth for the branch line into St Ives. Keep an eye out for the coastal views as you approach the town.

Parking in St Ives

It’s worth sorting out parking before you arrive. Spaces in the centre can be limited, especially in peak season, so check whether your accommodation has its own space. Trenwith car park and the park-and-ride option at St Erth may be useful alternatives, depending on the season and your plans.

Getting around St Ives

Much of St Ives can be explored on foot. Bear in mind that some streets are steep or cobbled, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. Local trains and buses can help if you want to explore further along the coast, and taxis are another option.

How long should you stay in St Ives?

A weekend gives you time to explore the town, enjoy a beach walk and find somewhere good to eat. Stay longer and you can explore more of the surrounding coast without trying to fit everything into a couple of days.

Is St Ives expensive?

Like many popular seaside destinations, some things can be more expensive during the summer holidays however there are always free things to enjoy like days on the beach and walks on the coast path.

“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.