St Ives in Cornwall is a popular family holiday destination. The town lies on the West Cornwall Peninsula. It is a vibrant collection of gift shops, cafes and picturesque holiday cottages, clustered around a quaint harbour and some of the countries best holiday beaches. Any visit to the West Country, must include time to experience the delights of St Ives - a beautiful and unique west coast holiday resort.
Families enjoy spending time relaxing or swimming on St Ives' holiday beaches;
The town itself is a picturesque mix of all the essential ingredients that go together to create a truly magnificent holiday destination.
St Ives, developed around the small drying fishing harbour and headland, known locally as The Island. A maze of narrow streets and alleyways are located around the harbour, and the crescent shaped beaches.
During the spring and summer months the streets are decorated with brightly coloured flower displays. The floral display, beckon you to wander through them - and discover their hidden delights and hidden corners.
The "Downalong" is the oldest part of St Ives. It is a maze of fishermen's cottages and narrow streets. It was originally built of a sandbank that linked "The Island" to the Cornish Mainland. The streets and quayside are lined with cafes, restaurants, galleries and shops.
The Island is a grassy peninsula that separates the main harbour from the beach at Porthmeor. It was at one time an Iron Age Promontory Hill Fort- a raised area of headland that still gives panoramic views of across the bay towards Hayle and along the coast toward Newquay. The Island is a great place to sit and relax, taking in the stunning views, or to look around the small granite St Nicholas's Chapel.
St Ives offers the visitor everything that they could wish for in a seaside resort. From the moment that you arrive in the town you are stunned by the panoramic vistas that seem to greet you on every turn - a great family Holiday destination, with fantastic beaches a Cornish Holiday that truly has something for everyone. Families can spend countless hours playing in the golden sands of the resorts gently sloping beaches, or simply, taking a relaxing dip in the uncharacteristically warm sea.
There are four main holiday beaches in the town, each with a distinctly different character.
Porthmeor Beach is the main beach. It is a level sandy beach that is ideal for families. Porthmeor is a favourite with surfers, due to the Atlantic Swell.
There are life guards on duty in the summer months. Porthmeor has a restaurant on the beach, as well as cafes and Gift shops in the narrow streets that radiate from it. The Tate gallery is situated adjacent to Porthmeor.
Surf enthusiasts can chase that elusive wave, along Porthmeor Beach, whilst those who are seeking somewhat more cerebral delights, can explore the towns history or experience the art work on offer in one of St Ives' many galleries.
Porthgwidden Beach lies in a small sheltered cove, tucked between "The Island" and the harbour. Porthgwidden is a small but popular beach, with a very good cafe. Excellent for families, with safe bathing.
Harbour Beach- The harbour is tidal, exposing a sheltered beach at low tide.
Harbour beach is ideal for families, in a central location, with the added benefit of all the amenities cafes, etc. that you need along its western edge.
Although mainly a tourist destination, the town maintains a small fishing industry, this is nothing to what it was - as Cornwall's principal pilchard centre. The town was shaped by the needs of the local fishing, mining and farming communities.
The harbour, is much larger than is needed for today's seafarers. The size of St Ives harbour reflects the towns past importance as a fishing port.
During the 19th century, St Ives was the home port to over 400 pilchard fishing boats. It was also a major industrial port. St Ives harbour was important the export of stone, tin and copper from the mines located around the Lands End Peninsula.
St Ives harbour from Smeaton's Pier
The harbour also imported the coal and other materials needed transport the materials to the harbour and to power the large beam engines and pumps of the local mines.
Porthmeor Beach
Porthgwidden Beach
Porthminster Beach in St Ives
Porthminster Beach in St Ives
Harbour Beach - Town Beach
Porthminster Beach is the second largest beach in St Ives. This popular holiday beach, is located to the south of the harbour and has a north eastern aspect.
Porthminster is a safe family beach, that offers excellent bathing and stunning views along the coast towards Hayle and the Godreavy Lighthouse.
Porthminster beach has a full range of facilities, including include a beach café, toilets, beach huts and mini-golf. During the main season, there is a Lifeguard patrol to ensure your safety whilst bathing.
Porthminster Cafe an award winning seafood restaurant on the edge of Porthminster beach by Porthminster Point the Cafe has stunning sea views with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
St Ives known for the unique quality of sunlight which attracted many artists to the area. The town's northern aspect and being almost completely surround by the sea, gives the light a unique warmth with an almost Mediterranean quality to it.
Turner, Whistler and Sickert were amongst the earliest artists to arrive in the area, then in 1928 the local primitive artist Alfred Wallis was discovered by Ben Nicholson and Christopher Wood. Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naurn Gabo settled in St Ives in 1939.
Following the end of WWII a new younger generation of artists emerged, including Peter Lanyon, Roger Hilton and Patrick Heron.
The strong and vital artistic tradition that developed in St Ives, particularly in the field of the abstract avant-garde, led to the siting of the new Tate Gallery here in 1993.
The award-winning building is a triumph and the gallery has become one of Cornwall's major attractions, introducing modern art to an entirely new audience.
The Barbara Hepworth Museum is fascinating and includes a garden featuring many of her sculptures. The museum is located close to the harbour, a 10 minute walk from The Tate St Ives.
A ground floor gallery situated on ground-floor gallery is situated on the quayside. Exhibitions of contemporary and modern fine art in Cornwall. The gallery is in a converted Pilchard warehouse in Westcott's Quay. The Porthminster Gallery displays some of the best examples of work from leading St Ives and British artists - mainly modern 20th century works on paper by post-war St Ives artists, including: Sandra Blow RA; Bryan Pearce; Terry Frost.
Tate St Ives
Porthmeor Beach
St Ives
Cornwall TR26 1TG
Click here to visit The Tate - Website
Barbara Hepworth Museum
and Sculpture Garden
Barnoon Hill
St Ives
Cornwall TR26 1AD
For more details visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden website
Porthminster Gallery
at Westcott's Quay
Westcott's Quay
St Ives
Cornwall TR26 2DY
Prices from £850
Traditional Granite Farmhouse -situated between St Ives and Penzance, Sited on a hilly ridge overlooking the whole of Mount's Bay. Former Mine Captain's House close to Poldark Coutry. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with awesome countryside, coastal and sea views. Parking, Four Bedrooms and Superb sea views. Sleeps 2 to 6 people plus x2 travel cots
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phone 01736 741479
Holidays Cottages on the cornish Coast - enjoy a break in a stunning Cornish coastal location - explore the beautiful beaches and coves of the Cornish Coast
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phone 01428 723819
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Cornish Seaview Cottages by the sea, cornwall
Changeover Day = Fri
Prices from £570 to £780
2 identical holiday cottages, each sleeping 4. 3 bedrooms. Bathroom with shower, fully equipped kitchen, separate dining area, comfortable lounge. Parking on site, large gardens. Quiet location, close to local amenitites. Personally supervised with emphasis on cleanliness and comfort.. Close to beaches at Carbis Bay, St Ives and Hayle. Holiday Cottages - Sleeping 4 & 4 - Short Breaks available
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phone 07855 158478
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Trevethoe Farm Cottages, St Ives
CTB member,
... a holiday to remember... in St Ives. St. Ives is a picturesque town nestled along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, England. It's a place where memories are made, especially during family holidays. Whether you're strolling along sandy beaches, exploring quaint shops, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, St. Ives offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Imagine building sandcastles with the kids on Porthmeor Beach, or embarking on a scenic boat trip to spot seals and dolphins in the crystal-clear waters of St. Ives Bay. And let's not forget the captivating art scene - visit the Tate St Ives or browse through the many galleries showcasing the work of talented local artists.
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Quayside Holidays in St Ives, St Ives
Changeover Day = fri, sat
AA 4 star and 5 star
8 truly stunning holiday properties sleeping 2 to 9 people in fantastic locations of St. Ives Bay, Portreath and Riviere Towans, Hayle - ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms. Spectacular sea and coastal views. All within 250 yards of beautiful sandy beaches and the coastal path.
Pets are Welcome at Golds Cornish Properties in Hayle -We are a Dog friendly establishment.
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Golds Cornish Properties, Hayle
AA 4 star Ailver Award
A magnificent bed and breakfast with 5 guest bedrooms in possibility the best position in the St Ives Bay area. All bedrooms are en-suite and all have excellent sea views overlooking St. Ives Bay towards St Ives. We are just 100 yards from the beach and 10 yards from the coastal path. Book Online - Pets Welcome - Free Parking - FREE Wi-Fi - Beautiful Sea Views.
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phone 01736 753777
Changeover Day = Fri + Flexible
Prices from £500 to £900
Visit England 4 star
Traditional granite barns situated just off the Spectacular coast road between St Ives and Zennor, Two lovely holiday cottages on the family farm, surrounded by stunning scenery. Enjoy the peace of the countryside with bustling St Ives just 2 miles down the road. During the main season buses run daily to St Ives. Two Holiday Cottages each sleeping 2 people.
Pets are Welcome at Trevalgan Holiday Barns in St Ives -We are a Dog friendly establishment.
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Trevalgan Holiday Barns, St Ives
Changeover Day = Fri
Prices from £310 to £820
Cringlers Barn is situated on a working Guernsey Dairy Farm in the idyllic village of Zennor. Zennor is located five miles west of St Ives. Buses run daily between the village of Zennor and St Ives. Sleeps 4
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Cringlers Barn, Zennor
Changeover Day = Sat
Prices from £599 to £1999
Annie's by the SeaSpacious Holiday Accommodation, in the centre of St Ives town, with spectacular sea views into the harbour and beyond over St Ives bay . Sleeps 5/6 people in 2 doubles and a single bedroom. Parking space outside house. WiFi . No more than a few minutes’ walk to five sandy beaches …
Pets are Welcome at Annies By The Sea in St Ives -We are a Dog friendly establishment.
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phone 07887 722898
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Annies By The Sea, St Ives
Prices from £176 to £880
Self-catering holidays Riviere Towans - Hayle overlooking St Ives Bay - Toms Holidays is the only place to go for your Cornish holiday. Whatever your self catering requirements Toms Holidays can accommodate you.
Toms Holidays has Limited Disabled Facilities, please call 01736 753010 for details.
Pets are Welcome at Toms Holidays in Hayle -We are a Dog friendly establishment.
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phone 01736 753010
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Toms Holidays, Hayle
Changeover Day = Sat
Prices from £400 to £890
Manhattan is a detached privately owned chalet fully equipped to a high standard throughout sleeping 6 people in 3 double bedrooms. Wonderful views. Only a 5 minute walk from the beach.
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phone 07980 584 769
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Manhattan, Hayle
Changeover Day = Sat
Beachside Holiday property - Once home to the famous potter Bernard Leach, has a beachfront location with uninterrupted sea views, located in the picturesque old quarter of St. Ives in the heart of what locals call 'Downalong'. The lounge has a large picture window directly overlooking Porthmeor beach and is perfect for wave watching or enjoying the spectacular sunsets - St Ives holiday property with parking -sleeps 2 to 4 people
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phone 01209 717966
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No.4 Barnaloft, St Ives
Prices from £550
Five Luxury Self-catering Holiday Homes in Mount's Bay Cornwall. - Little Barns (slps 2+) , The Tea House (slps 2) , The Cabin (slps 3+), Shepherd Hut (Slps 2), St Michael's Farmhouse sleeps 6+ , Set in 4+ acre sub tropical woodland gardens, with numerous paths & wild running track. Only 5 mins from sea & famous ST MICHAEL MT. If you enjoy GEORGE CLARKES AMAZING SMALL SPACES, you will love these x3, a cosy Barn conversion, Scandinavian LogCabin, & our latest Eco build over-looking an amazing lily pond, all with private parking.( Eco Hot Tubs in Our Shepherds Hut and The Cabin )
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Quality in Tourism / Visit England 4 star
Holidays in Hayle with the benefit of an onsite swimming pool - to help you enjoy your Holiday in Cornwall. A fantastic family holiday park right beside the beach in St Ives Bay, Cornwall. We have holiday Chalets, Bungalows, Lodges, Touring and Camping Pitches.
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phone 01736 753080
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Beachside Holiday Park, Hayle
Prices from £700 to £2050
Serendipity cottage is situated in the heart of Downalong, minutes from the harbour and beaches. It offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom/shower rooms, open plan lounge dining/kitchen. Sleeps 6.
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phone 07966 195256
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Serendipity Cottage, St Ives
Prices from £350 to £675
Recently converted detached granite barn within a small farmhouse complex, Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty within three miles of St Ives and ideally placed for exploring the West Penwith coastal paths that cover this peninsula and lead you to Lands End.
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phone 01736 791717
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Skillywadden Barn, St Ives
Quality in Tourism / Visit England 4 stars Silver Award logo
Discover the heart of Poldark country. A historic country guesthouse offering delicious cooked breakfasts, friendly service and comfortable accommodation. An ideal walking or touring centre. Relax in our gardens, walk the coastal footpath to an isolated sandy cove or explore West Cornwall. The choice is yours!
Bosavern House has Limited Disabled Facilities, please call 01736-788301 for details.
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phone 01736-788301
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Bosavern House, St.Just in Penwith, Lands end
Changeover Day = Fri
Prices from £850
Stunning cliff top Holiday Cottage - Wake up to beautiful views of the Cornish sea. Stunning Holiday Cottage situated on the coastal path at Gurnards Head, enjoying the most stunning sea and coastline views, our secluded detached cottage sleeps 7 guests in total peace and tranquillity.
Pets are Welcome at Chy Barnett in Gurnards Head nr St Ives -We are a Dog friendly establishment.
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phone 07866 497790
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Chy Barnett, Gurnards Head nr St Ives
Prices from £60 to £110
Tregeraint House is a traditional Cornish cottage offering comfort and charm. It is set in an acre of gardens with stunning views to the Scillies. Enjoy a warm welcome, a superb traditional English Breakfast and the peace and serenity of an ancient landscape unspoiled by the twentieth century. Accommodation: Large family room (with double and single bed) - Double bedroom and a Twin room
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phone 01736 797061
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Tregeraint House, Zennor
Changeover Day = Fri + Sat
Quality in Tourism / Visit England 4 Stars
Two lovely self catering holiday barns each sleeping 2 people at Trevalgan Farm - situated just off the spectacular coast road between St Ives and Zennor.Our holiday barns are set in an area surrounded by wonderful scenery, with bracken covered hills andrugged cliffs covered in heather and gorse.
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Trevalgan Holidays, none
Changeover Day = Sat
Prices from £700 to £2100
This is probably the best house in the best position in St Ives. Beautiful fishermans Cottage in the centre of the old quarter of St Ives. Built in the middle of the 19th Century on a cobbled street, one minute from the shopping centre, harbour, beaches, restaurants, Tate Art Gallery etc Sleeps 2 to 8 people
Pets are Welcome at The Wreck in St Ives -We are a Dog friendly establishment.
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phone 07843690530
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The Wreck, St Ives
Prices from £300 to £700
Foxy - The Shepherd's Hut- sleeping 2 people, Our latest new Eco build! - with Eco wood burning Hot Tub. Nestled in our very own Cider orchard, part of a 4+ acre woodland garden. A delightful cosy rural retreat, for that ‘back to nature experience’. Try star gazing from the purpose made deck, listening to the dawn chorus, or simply chilling out , & enjoying the views over the orchard & woodland below.
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Foxy Shepherd Hut, near Marazion