Artists have been drawn to St Ives for years, enticed by its subtle and romantic light. If you ask any artist whose taken home here they will say it’s because there’s something special about the light. The artistic nature of the town is evident, with museums, galleries and quirky art shops lining the laneways.
But St Ives is not just a town for artists. Surfers and food lovers are also drawn to this relaxed, outdoor living. St Ives, somewhat surprisingly has a great food scene. There is everything from beach bars, restaurants, fish & chips, ice cream shops, independent coffee shops, vegetarian cafes, bakeries and a wide selection of international cuisines.
Surfers have their pick of four stunning beaches close to the town, as well as a surf school for beginners. For more advanced surfers, the swell in winter can get pretty big. One of the most popular beaches for both families and surfers is Porthmeorย beach. This has a stunning coastal backdrop and sits opposite the Tate gallery. Harbour beach and Porthminster Beach are also sheltered beaches, great for swimming.
Things to do in St Ives…
Barbara Hepworth Museum
This was actually Hepworth’s personal studio from 1949 until she died in 1975. The small space and beauty really lies in the garden, where her sculptures sit (most of which were placed by Hepworth herself). The tranquil setting has a tropical vibe lined with palm trees and the sun pushing it’s way through the leaves, hitting the sculptures in a perfect formation.
This is a very interesting visit, to find out more about Hepworth’s life and just to sit where she sat, and take in the beautiful setting. You can buy a combined ticket with the Tate gallery which will work out cheaper. I would recommend doing both!
St Ives Tate Gallery
I had no idea there was even a section of the Tate gallery in St Ives before my visit but it may even be better than the London one. If not just purely for the views from inside, that back onto the beach, through a giant glass window shaped in a semi circle.
The art as you might expect is pretty contemporary but there are some interesting works to be seen. The building has just been through a ยฃ20million refurbishment and some of the rooms and architecture are quite spectacular.
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Soak up the sun on the Beach
There are no shortage of beautiful beaches here. On a hot sunny day, with the water turning a gorgeous turquoise colour, there’s no better way to relax then to head to the beach. The Harbour beach is basically in the town if you don’t want to walk much and is a hub for atmosphere. Beware of the seagulls though- they will pinch your lunch!
If you’ve come from the Tate, well, Porthmeorย beach is just in front, along with the beach cafe. Art, beaches and food- what else do you need!
Explore the Cobbled Streets of St Ives
I loved just wandering around the backstreets and checking out the cute shops along the way. St Ives has some really pretty streets and quirky fisherman’s cottages, all adorned with tools lying outside ready to be used.
Flowers hang from baskets along the narrow streets that open up to hidden galleries, pretty boutiques and handmade craft shops. Fore street is supposed the be one of the prettiest but was super busy when I went, so for unspoilt photographs, head there early!
Where to get good coffee in St Ives:
St Ives is up and coming on the coffee scene with lots of independent coffee shops popping up. I happened to stumble across a small one man, hole in the wall type thing, serving coffee by Yallah coffee roasters. The guy said that this was the first day they were even open and the only place they are situated themselves (they provide beans for various cafes also).
The coffee was delicious and locally roasted- what a find. The farms they use are sustainable, environmentally friends, plus all takeaway cups are biodegradable. Be sure to check it out in front of the harbour beach.
Where to Eat in St Ives:
As I said at the top, there are many places to eat, from nicer restaurants to relaxed beach bars. Above the coffee place I just mentioned sits The Surf Shack- a shabby chic cafe with relaxed vibe.
There are tonnes of bakeries, cafes and diners to choose from. Head to either Fore street or along the harbour for a variety of choices.
Where to stay in St Ives:
There are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets, from hotels to budget hostels. If you have a car then getting a holiday cottage rental may work out good value for you. I had an Airbnb in Carbis Bay which is only a 15 min drive/train ride into St Ives. Staying just outside the main town may be cheaper also.
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Getting to St Ives:
Easily accessible by overnight trains from London Paddington, the Midlands and the North. You can also get a coach with National Express to Penzance and then hop on a local bus to St Ives. By car, St Ives is just off the A30 and the nearest airport is Newquay. For more info check out the official site.
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20 Comments
I love visiting contemporary art museums and had no idea that St. Ives had one, much less two! What great options when you need a break from all that sunshine on the beach!
I know I never knew about the Tate gallery down there either ๐
Oh my gosh! Why haven’t I heard of St. Ives in Cornwall before? I love it! I can see the beautiful light you speak of in your post. No wonder artists are drawn to this place. I think I know where I want to go this spring. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yeh its right at the end of the Uk on the South west side but we are a pretty small island so it’s worth the longish road trip!
You had me at cobbled streets! Walking in those lanes, enjoying a lazy day at the beach and finding restaurants along the beach sounds like the perfect unwinding vacation!
For sure, theres something for everyone ๐
I always find it so odd to see beaches and sun in the UK! Definitely need to make my way there so it gets imprinted in my brain haha, lovely pictures and great guide!
We do get sun sometimes ๐
What a lovely town St. Ives is! It’s definitely my kind of place with such beautiful turquoise waters! I would spend the whole day on the beach and then hit up a lunch spot for fish and chips!I never knew about this place so thanks for sharing.
haha no problem- go on a good sunny day to make the most of it.
Oooh this looks so different to when we visited St Ives! We arrived on a freezing day, after a long walk out in the cold. It was beautiful, but in a rugged “I’ll chill you to the bone, then let you warm up by the fire”-type way! The sunny beaches and pretty light makes it all look even nicer!
If you go back, we had a meal at Porthminster Kitchen, and it was amaaaazing. ๐
Yeh the weather can change things but at least you can see it from a different perceptive ๐
I am so drawn to the cobbled streets and all the cute little cafes that line it! You sold me on St. Ives when you said it’s also a hot spot for food lovers, and I could totally see myself wandering through the streets of St. Ives sampling a bit of food and drink at every spot. The beach looks gorgeous as well, and I imagine that would be a lovely place to relax as I food coma off everything I just ate!
for sure haha!
Wow St Ives really looks so special,a great combination of art and nature..those beaches looks amazing. Honestly I never heard about it before and it was great reading your article. Now I am adding it to my bucket list for sure
And the good thing is theres plenty to do in surrounding areas also ๐
Wonderful post, Sam! I will add St Ives to my bucketlist!
ahh thanks
What a dreamy little town. Love your beach pictures which are so serene and unspoiled. The Tate St. Ives gallery is pretty amazing. I love museums and this is a great place to hang out and soak in the culture. A great cup of coffee helps as well. Nice review of St. Ives
Well if you like coffee and art this is the place for you hehe