St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most celebrated seaside towns, its steep, narrow streets and harbour long a draw for artists, home to Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum alongside a genuinely working fishing fleet.
Beyond the galleries, the town offers a run of beautiful beaches right on its doorstep, from Porthminster to Porthmeor, along with coast path walking out toward Zennor and some of the best light in the country.
This page is your jump off point for everything you need to know about St Ives, with detailed guides below to the best beaches, walks, places to eat and stay, and things to do.
Best places to park in St Ives
Van life in St Ives
Read our full guide >The best of St Ives for Van LifersA van lifer's guide to St Ives: where to park a campervan, water and waste realities, the best coast road, dog-friendly beaches and easy places to eat.
Cornwall-wide guide >Cornwall for van lifersVan life Cornwall done right: where to park up, wild camping etiquette, water refills, dump stations, driving the narrow lanes and the best times to roll in.Best things to do in St Ives
Read our full guide >Dolphin watching in St IvesDiscover why St Ives Bay is one of the best places in Cornwall to see dolphins. Learn where, when, and how to spot these incredible marine mammals.
Read our full guide >The best things to do in St IvesDiscover the best things to do in St Ives, from exploring world-class modern art at the Tate and Barbara Hepworth Museum to surfing the turquoise waves of Porthmeor Beach. Explore…Beaches near St Ives
BeachPorthgwidden Beach, St IvesPorthgwidden is the smallest and best sheltered of the well-known beaches in St Ives, a small bay of soft golden sand between the headland known as the Island and the…
BeachPorthmeor Beach, St IvesPorthmeor is the main surfing beach in St Ives, a soft sandy beach tucked between two headlands. It sits right in front of Tate St Ives, and most of the…
BeachPorthminster Beach, St IvesPorthminster Beach sits on the eastern side of St Ives, a short walk below the railway station and close to the town centre. This crescent of golden sand looks out…Walks near St Ives
Walk · 6.8 milesHayle to St Ives WalkThe Hayle to St Ives walk follows the South West Coast Path for approximately 10.9km. It is a one way route rather than a circular walk, maintained as part of…
Walk · 12.2 milesSt Ives to Pendeen WalkThe St Ives to Pendeen walk follows the South West Coast Path for approximately 22km. It is a one way route rather than a circular walk, maintained as part of…Best places to eat in St Ives
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Features: Accessible, Vegetarian Options, Vegan Options, Gluten Free, Bar, Highchairs, WiFi
Best places to stay in St Ives
Carbis Bay Hotel
Features: Beachfront, Breakfast, Free Parking, WiFi
Harbour Hotel St Ives
Features: Bar, Breakfast, Free Parking, Spa & Wellness Centre, Swimming Pool, WiFi
Pedn Olva, St Ives
Features: Beachfront, Breakfast, Free Parking, Restaurant, WiFi
Trevose Harbour Hotel
Features: Beachfront, Breakfast, WiFi
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Best accessible places in St Ives
More guides about St Ives
10 fascinating facts about St IvesSt Ives is one of Cornwall’s most famous and beloved seaside towns, a place where golden beaches, turquoise waters, and artistic heritage come together in perfect…
A winter walk around St IvesOn 10/02/26, the weather was perfect for a circuit of the town, cold, crisp, and bright. This walk begins at Barnoon car park, which sits just…
An Art Lovers Guide To St IvesThe story behind St Ives' art colony, plus a practical guide to Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum, Leach Pottery and more.
Autumn in St IvesMany locals consider this the best time of year. The sea is at its warmest (having heated up all summer), the crowds thin out, and the…
Dog-Friendly St IvesEverything dog owners need to know about visiting St Ives: seasonal beach bans, year-round dog beaches, dog-friendly pubs, and walks.
Parking, Trains & Getting to St IvesThe complete guide to parking, driving and getting to St Ives, Cornwall: car parks, the St Erth Park & Ride, trains, buses, and taxis.
Planning Your Trip To St IvesThe practical side of a St Ives trip: best time to visit, tides, shops and pharmacies, festivals, New Year's Eve, and how many days to book.
Seals, Seagulls & Wildlife in St IvesWhat to expect from St Ives Bay wildlife: seagull safety, seal-watching boat trips, dolphins and basking sharks, answered honestly.
Spring in St IvesSpring is when St Ives wakes up. The days get longer, the light becomes incredibly crisp (perfect for photography), and the cliffs turn a vibrant yellow…
St Ives to Zennor: The Scramble and the SirenExplore the wild contrast of West Cornwall. From the art-filled streets of St Ives to the ancient mermaid legends of Zennor via the legendary coastal scramble.
Summer in St IvesThis is St Ives at its most vibrant. The town buzzes with energy, the beaches look like the Caribbean, and the harbour is filled with boats.…
The best beaches for surfing in St IvesFrom the rolling Atlantic swell at Porthmeor to family-friendly Carbis Bay, here are the best beaches to surf in St Ives, plus surf schools and parking…
