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
The best of St Ives for Art LoversAn art lover's guide to St Ives: trace Hepworth and the St Ives modernists through Tate St Ives, Leach Pottery, working studios and the famous Cornish…The Ultimate St Ives Beach GuideA full breakdown of every St Ives beach: lifeguards, surf, swimming, families, rock pooling and facilities, so you pick the right one.
The Ultimate St Ives Travel Guide: 100+ Questions AnsweredEverything you actually need to know about St Ives, Cornwall: parking, trains, beaches, dog rules, food, art and more, answered in one place.
Walking & Exploring St IvesA guide to walking in and around St Ives: the Down-a-long, the coast path to Zennor and Carbis Bay, accessibility, and getting around on foot.
Where can you see Whales & Dolphins in Cornwall?Lately, I’ve been spending several hours tracking the Humpback Whales and dolphins that have been visiting West Cornwall, drawn by the plentiful fish in the area.…
Where To Eat In St IvesSt Ives food guide: the best pasties, fish and chips, seafood restaurants, cream teas, and where to eat with dietary requirements.
Winter in St IvesWinter is for purists. It’s quiet, moody, and incredibly cosy. You’ll find empty beaches, roaring fires in pubs, and a twinkling harbour at Christmas.
