This coastal town in Cornwall has four sandy beaches and a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, seafood restaurants, and 15th-century fishermen's cottages.
St Ives sits on Cornwall's coast, where five beaches meet narrow cobbled streets. You'll find the white-walled Tate St Ives gallery displaying British artists' work, and Barbara Hepworth's sculpture garden with its bronze and stone works. At Porthmeor Beach, you can join the surfers catching waves, watch fishing boats unload their catch in the harbor, or take boat trips to spot grey seals near Seal Island. The smell of fresh-baked Cornish pasties drifts from local bakeries, while harbor-front restaurants cook fish brought in by the town's fishing fleet.
The Five Beaches of St Ives
St Ives wraps around five distinct beaches. At Porthmeor Beach, you'll find consistent 3-4 foot waves and Blue Flag-certified water quality. Porthminster Beach extends for half a mile, with views of Godrevy Lighthouse across the bay. Children splash in the calm waters of Porthgwidden Beach's sheltered cove. The Harbor Beach sits between working fishing boats and ice cream shops, while Bamaluz Beach appears at low tide beneath the museum.
Art Spaces and Studios
The Tate St Ives (£10.50 entry) exhibits British and international modern art in its clifftop building. The Barbara Hepworth Museum (£7 entry) preserves the artist's 1975 workspace, including her chisels, hammers, and partially completed sculptures. At the Leach Pottery (£8 for tours), you can watch potters throw clay on wheels and fire kilns using methods developed by Bernard Leach in the 1920s. Walk down Back Road West to meet working artists in their studios, many of which welcome visitors.
Getting Around St Ives
The St Ives Branch Line train from St Erth station follows the coastline past sandy bays and granite headlands. In summer, use St Erth's park-and-ride to avoid searching for parking in town. You can walk between the harbor, galleries, shops, and beaches within 15 minutes on the old town's uphill streets.
Coastal Walks and Viewpoints
The South West Coast Path to Zennor involves a 6-mile hike with 400-foot climbs over granite cliffs where cormorants and guillemots nest. Walk the Island's trail to St Nicholas Chapel, stopping at points overlooking St Ives Bay and the Atlantic. From Knill's Monument, you can see the entire town spread below: grey slate roofs, curved beaches, and the working harbor.
Local Food Scene
Restaurants near the harbor cook fish and shellfish brought in by the town's boats - from mackerel to cod and crab. St Ives Bakery on Fore Street makes Cornish pasties with crimped edges folded by hand. Along Wharf Road, cafes place tables outside for Cornish cream teas within view of the harbor's boats. The Sloop Inn, dating from the 14th century, serves Cornish ales and fish stews near the waterfront.
