St Ives, Cornwall, is a charming seaside town that offers a unique blend of art, culture, and natural beauty. From visiting the Tate St Ives to feasting on fresh seafood, there are countless amazing things to do in this picturesque Cornish harbour town.
Sunshine, sea air, and the slow-paced charm of a Cornish harbour town make St Ives an ideal destination for a holiday in England. Whether you're visiting for the art scene, delicious fresh fish, or to relax on a beach, there's something alluring about this little region of Cornwall.
Our recent trip had all the right ingredients: a dreamy holiday cottage, golden beaches, family adventures, a good splash of culture, and sunshine that felt almost Mediterranean. We spent our days perusing handmade creations in St Ives, spotting quaint holiday cottages peppered in amongst the charming cobbled streets, enjoying the work of local artists, and feasting on tasty local foods.
There were strolls around St Ives Harbour, lazy beach days, energetic cliff jaunts, and endless photos. We stayed at The Lookout, Hawkes Point, which was our first time staying around Carbis Bay, and we struck absolute gold with our cottage. We booked through our favourite Cornwall provider, Aspects Holidays.
The Lookout holiday home is perched above Porthkidney Beach, offering stunning views of the sea and a huge tidal range that links into Hayle Estuary. The house has three double bedrooms, making it perfect for families, particularly with the large balcony and lawn area. We also loved the bit of magic that came with train tracks running along the bottom of the garden.
Our little toddler was so excited every time a train chugged past, like something from a movie! The location is the perfect base if you're looking to spend time in St Ives or visiting southwest Cornwall's attractions. We loved that we could hop on the train into St Ives without worrying about the usual parking chaos.
St Ives is famed for its art scene, with numerous galleries and creative spaces scattered throughout the town. Just wander the streets, and you'll be met with windows of colourful canvases, seaside photographs, and unique sculptures. The biggest draw is the Tate St Ives, which showcases a range of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists who lived in Cornwall or were inspired by the region.
One of the top things to do in St Ives is visit the Tate St Ives itself. The building is incredible, with curved architecture framing the view over Porthmeor Beach. It's a gallery where the space is almost as amazing as the works adorning the walls! We enjoyed seeing the works of Patrick Heron, Alfred Wallis, and Barbara Hepworth, and learning more about their experiences in the area.
For those looking for unique shopping experiences, St Ives has plenty to offer. Cornish seaside towns can feel a bit samey when it comes to shops, but St Ives offers a lot more than just nautical outfits and sweet shops selling fudge and sticks of rock. There are several boutiques, one-off gift shops, and outdoor wear stores like The Common Wanderer and homeware store Cream Cornwall.
Gift shops like The Paper Sailor and The Painted Bird stand out for their eye-catching displays of locally-made items. If you're into surf style, there's no shortage of brands like Saltrock, Finisterre, and Fat Willy's, but it's those smaller, independent stores that really stood out. For foodies, St Ives is a town with inviting restaurants and cafes on every corner, many serving local ingredients, with sea views on the side.
Our recommendation for the best things to do in St Ives is EAT! The town has so many options for great food, from Talay Thai Kitchen to Porthminster Beach Café, where we enjoyed a Michelin-recommended lunch plate overlooking Porthminster Beach. With a special birthday to celebrate, we booked a table and were not disappointed.
For those visiting in May, the St Ives Food & Drink Festival is a seasonal activity that's worth noting. The festival transforms Porthminster Beach into a buzzing celebration of flavours from around the globe, with local restaurants showcasing their food through sample dishes and chefs performing cookery demos for the crowds.
A highlight of our trip was walking along the South West Coast Path, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline. We timed it almost perfectly to watch St Michael's Mount disappear into the sea as we crossed the cobbled causeway that connects the island to the mainland.
St Michael's Mount is one of the most photographed locations in Cornwall, and for good reason – it's like something from a fairytale! The castle-topped tidal island is connected to the mainland by a path that disappears with the tide. We timed our visit perfectly to cross the walkway and see the island, but be sure to buy a ticket to explore the historic buildings, castle, or gardens.
Finally, St Ives offers plenty of opportunities for beach time, whether it's Porthmeor, Porthminster, Carbis Bay, or the dog-friendly Porthkidney Sands. We adored Gwithian Beach and the areas around Godrevy Lighthouse, which offer stunning views and a chance to spot grey seals in the colder months.
For those looking for more beach time, there are plenty of options along the St Ives coast. The town also offers some of the most beautiful train journeys in the country, with the St Ives Branch Line offering stunning views of the coastline on its short journey from St Erth to St Ives.
With its unique blend of art, culture, and natural beauty, St Ives is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Cornwall. Whether you're visiting for a family adventure, a romantic getaway, or simply to relax on a beach, St Ives has something for everyone.
Our base at Carbis Bay was perfect for families, with plenty of accommodation options available via Aspects Holidays. If you're planning your own trip to Cornwall, we recommend checking out our other guides for more help planning your trip – from my favourite restaurants in Padstow to the 13 best things to do in North Cornwall.
With its stunning coastline, charming towns, and unique attractions, Cornwall is a destination that has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for art, culture, nature, or simply a relaxing beach holiday, St Ives is an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful region of England.
