St Ives Cornwall

St Ives really is a feast for all the senses and is the most visited seaside Town in Cornwall for a reason. Charming cobbled streets, lined with galleries, shops, and restaurants are accompanied by white sands and turquoise waters. St Ives Harbour is a hive of activity, whether you want to explore the arcades, stroll around the quaint shops at your leisure, or perhaps enjoy some chips or ice cream whilst watching the multicolour boats pass by (just watch out for those seagulls!).

As well as St Ives being a magnet for artists, foodies and holiday makers, it is also a hub for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.

In fact, in the centre there are 2 beautiful beaches (one featured as TripAdvisor’s top 10 European beaches), as well as its stunning harbour, and the nearby Carbis bay beach, famous for its white sands.

St Ives Accommodation

If you are looking for holiday accommodation in St Ives check out our page here – Stay in St Ives.

St Ives beach

St Ives town centre has 2 main beaches, blue flag rated Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster beach. You can also find the smaller beaches of Porthgwidden beach, Harbour beach, and Bamaluz beach.

The famous Carbis Bay beach is around a half an hour walk away along the stunning South West Coast Path, or alternatively a 2 minute train ride, which has to be one of the most stunning train rides in the world.

Porthmeor Beach

Porthmeor Beach is a wide sandy beach located just below the famous Tate St Ives, and one of the most famous Cornish beaches. An absolute favourite with surfers, due to its regular impressive waves, and home to the famous St Ives Surf School.

Porthmeor is a stunning beach great for families, sunbathers and swimmers. There is a regular lifeguard service and plenty of facilities within close range.

Porthminster Beach

Porthminster is a large, sandy beach with the most stunning views overlooking St Ives bay. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a range of water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking, and has a number of facilities close by.

With turquoise waters, and golden sand, you may even spot a seal or two bobbing amongst the waters.

Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline located a short walk or stunning train ride from St Ives. With its golden sands and clear waters, it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The beach offers stunning views and is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Additionally, the nearby Carbis Bay Hotel provides luxurious accommodations and stunning views of the beach and surrounding area.

You can also find a guide to the ’12 best Cornwall beaches’ here.

Tate St Ives

Home to the famous Tate St Ives, and a must-visit when in the area. Discover 100 years of art, celebrating how West Cornwall has welcomed and inspired artists and revealing new connections to artists from around the world.

Artists include Alfred Wallis, Marlow Moss, Barbara Hepworth, Partou Zia, and Bob Law.

Tate St Ives is housed in a beautiful building designed by the architect Jamie Fobert, which overlooks Porthmeor Beach, arguably the best view from any art gallery in the world.

The gallery’s collection focuses on modern and contemporary art, particularly the work of artists associated with this part of the world, including perhaps their most famous resident, Barbara Hepworth.

What can you see at the Tate St Ives?

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists.

The Tate also runs a program of events and activities for visitors of all ages, including talks, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

The museum is open seven days a week, and admission fees apply. Visitors can also purchase a joint ticket to visit both the Tate and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which is located nearby and showcases the work of the acclaimed sculptor Barbara Hepworth, a must-see.

Is Tate St Ives free?

Tickets are free for Tate Members, local pass holders and children under 18. For adults tickets are £12 with a donation, £10.50 without a donation, and concessions £10.50 with a donation, £9.50 without a donation.

Can you go to the Tate without a ticket?

Tickets to Tate St Ives are limited so advance booking is recommended particularly in the summer months.

How many days do you need at St Ives?

St Ives can certainly be done on a fantastic and full day trip, but it also offers enough to spend your whole holiday there, depending on your schedule.

What is the best time of year to visit St Ives?

The beauty of St Ives is that it can be visited any time of year and has so much to offer. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of visiting St. Ives during the different seasons:

Summer (June-August): Summer is the most popular time to visit, with guaranteed sunshine, and the town buzzing with tourists and events. This is the best time for beach activities and water sports, however, it can be very crowded during this time and accommodation costs are at their highest.

St. Ives Literature Festival in June: An annual event that celebrates the town’s literary heritage, featuring talks, readings, and workshops by renowned writers and poets.

Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit St. Ives, the flowers are in bloom, and the town is much quieter than in the summer. The weather can be hit and miss, but it is a really great time to explore without the crowds.

St. Ives Food and Drink Festival in May: A popular festival that celebrates local food and drink, featuring a variety of stalls, demonstrations, and workshops.

Autumn (September-November): Autumn is arguably the best time to visit St. Ives, as you will get a quieter experience and lower prices. The weather is still mild, and the crowds have gone.

Events include:

St. Ives September Festival: A 2-week-long celebration of music, art, and culture, featuring concerts, exhibitions, workshops, and performances.

St. Ives Jazz and Blues Festival, September: A 3-day festival that showcases local and international jazz and blues musicians, featuring live music performances in various venues throughout the town.

Winter (December-February): During winter many of the attractions are closed, however, this can be a good time to enjoy the town’s cosy cafes, pubs, and restaurants, and take advantage of exploring the beautiful empty streets.

This time of year you can also enjoy a number of events such as:

St. Ives Surf Film Festival October/November: A 3-day festival that celebrates surf culture and cinema, featuring screenings of international surf films, workshops, and talks.

Christmas market and light displays in December.

St. Ives Feast Day February: A traditional celebration that dates back to the 15th century, featuring a procession, a ceremony at the local church, and a fair in the town square.

St Ives Weather

The weather St Ives can be absolutely stunning, and you would be forgiven for thinking you are not even in the UK at all. West Cornwall is known for being particularly temperate all year round.

Spring: The temperature during the spring months typically ranges from 8°C to 14°C. This is the driest season of the year, with occasional sunny spells and light showers.

Summer: The temperature during the summer months typically ranges from 12°C to 19°C. This is the warmest season of the year, with long hours of sunshine and occasional rain.

Autumn: The temperature during the autumn months typically ranges from 10°C to 16°C. This season is wetter than the spring and summer, with occasional storms and windy weather.

Winter: The temperature during the winter months typically ranges from 5°C to 10°C. This is the wettest season of the year, with frequent rain and occasional frost.

Overall, the weather in St. Ives is mild and temperate throughout the year, but it can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in weather conditions. It’s a good idea to pack layers and waterproof clothing.

Why is St Ives famous?

St. Ives is famous for several reasons, including its beautiful beaches, stunning coastal scenery, and rich artistic heritage. Here are some of the main reasons why St. Ives is famous:

Natural Beauty

Located on the coast of Cornwall, one of the most beautiful regions in the UK. The town is surrounded by stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation.

Artistic Heritage

St. Ives has a long history as an artistic hub, attracting artists and writers since the 19th century. In the 20th century, the town became a centre for modernist art, with many artists, including Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, and Naum Gabo, living and working in the area. Today, the area is still home to a vibrant artistic community and is known for its galleries, exhibitions, and workshops.

Surfing St Ives

Famous for its surfing, with Porthmeor Beach attracting surfers from around the world. The beach is known for its consistent waves, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels.

Tourism and Attractions

St. Ives harbour is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the town’s natural beauty, artistic heritage, and range of attractions, including its famous boat trips, the Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.

St Ives Map

Below are a couple of St Ives Cornwall maps for your reference.

Address: St Ives Station, TR26 2GB

Parking: There are numerous car parks across St Ives, including at the famous St Ives train station.

Facilities: The town is jam-packed with all the facilities you could need!