A Pocket Guide to St Ives

The picturesque fishing port of St.Ives is one of Cornwall’s most adored towns and offers a unique and ever-changing seascape that is a visual delight in all seasons. As well as its famous white sand beaches, turquoise sea and quaint cobbled streets, this artists’ mecca has a thriving foodie scene, great surf and miles of breath-taking, nearby coastline to explore.

Look past the summer crowds and tourist hotspots and the beautiful seaside town has oodles to offer. These are just a few of our favourite spots, that lie ever so slightly off the beaten track, tucked away down narrow streets or just around the coastline.

SEE

BARBARA HEPWORTH MUSEUM & SCULPTURE GARDEN

The Barbara Hepworth Museum was opened in 1976 and has been managed by Tate since 1980. On show is the largest collection of Hepworth’s sculptures in wood, bronze and stone at the place where she lived and worked. Wandering through the house and studio brings the artist back to life and the garden is a particularly inspiring sanctuary, featuring some of the artist’s larger works. A little tip, should you also look to visit the Tate Museum, you can add this to your admission ticket to save a bit on your entrance fees.

GODREVY LIGHTHOUSE & SEALS

From wherever you see it, along the coast from St Ives to Gwithian and beyond, the image leaves an impression. Godrevy Lighthouse, thought to be Virginia Woolf's inspiration for To the Lighthouse, is one of the most iconic landmarks. The walk around Godrevy Head from the National Trust car park is not much more than a gentle stroll, but as well as front row seats to the lighthouse, it offers incredible views of St Ives bay. If you walk a little further, you might also be lucky enough to see the large Grey Seal colony at Mutton Cove.

ANIMA MUNDI

An independent gallery occupying three light-filled floors of exhibition space, Anima Mundi embraces Cornwall’s slower pace of life and offers what Gallery Director Joseph Clark describes as a place of 'peace from the frenzied pulse in 21st-century civilisation’. Not a typical Cornish gallery by any standards, Anima Mundi exhibits an extraordinary collection of thought-provoking contemporary art by artists from around the globe.

EAT

ONE FISH STREET

An intimate restaurant situated just off the harbourfront, One Fish Street opened in 2019 and quickly gained a reputation for serving up innovative and interesting seafood. They offer a tasting menu that is dictated by the fish that are caught on the day, depending on the season and availability, and varying from the humble to the far-flung.

MERMAID SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Situated in the old fishing quarter, less than 100 yards from the Harbour and down one of the quaint, narrow cobbled streets, The Mermaid is a true hidden gem that offers legendary seafood platters accompanied by a tempting array of daily specials. In 1980 it was taken over by its present owners who have completely rebuilt it with affection and care, and who, in doing so, have made it one of St. Ives’ most interesting and romantic restaurants that’s décor is a throwback to an enchanting bygone era.

GURNARDS HEAD

A gloriously unpretentious dining pub with rooms, there are many reasons why The Gurnard’s Head stands out – and not just because of its vibrant mustard yellow colour, which offers a striking landmark on a beautiful and rugged stretch of coastline. Its warm atmosphere embraces, it has been beautifully renovated throughout and the upbeat staff are a delight, so just sink into comfortable surrounds and enjoy a fresh seasonal menu in the midst of the exposed Penwith Moorland.

SHOP

ONDA

A visual-mood board for beautiful living, Onda is a newly opened lifestyle store, brimming with ethically sourced, one-off pieces from homewares, clothing, books, fresh flowers and toiletries and everything in-between.

LITTLE PALAIS

A brilliant little neighbourhood bar and bottle shop, Little Palais is found on the back streets of St Ives and offers a great space away from the crowds. As well as being able to snap up some of the most interesting finds to take home, they serve a selection of wines and cocktails that we love to drink (and great nibbles too), it’s open Weds to Sat, but definitely wise to book in advance for a spot on their little outside bench.

THE ALLOTMENT DELI

The Allotment Deli source all their produce as locally as possible and supporting local brands at the heart of everything they do. The shop is full of the finest produce and award-winning, tasty treats to take away and their counter offers an abundance of homemade savouries, lunch options and cakes too!

DO

BEACHES

Beach fans are spoilt for choice in St Ives: Porthminster (gives you a sense that you’re in the Mediterranean), Porthgwidden (a little more secluded), Harbour, Porthmeor (best for surfers and swimmers alike), Lambeth Walk and Bamaluz are all within an easy walk of the town and are mostly sandy although Harbour and Lambeth Walk do disappear at high tide.

WALK

A brilliant all-day coastal walk is from St Ives to Zennor (6 miles one-way or 12-mile circular walk). Pick up the South West Coast Path from Porthmeor beach and head towards Zennor, along one of the most spectacular stretches of the Cornish coastline. Take a break at The Tinners Arms (worth the walk-in itself) or grab an ice cream at Moomaid of Zennor (thought to be the best in the Dutchy), then either head back the way you came or follow the in-land countryside route known as the ‘Coffin Path’. There is also a bus, which will take you straight back to St Ives.

SURF
St Ives Surf School has a great reputation and is known as one of the best places in Cornwall to learn to surf. Offering surf instruction, SUP lessons, sea kayaking and coasteering for all ages and abilities, it’s based on Porthmeor Beach. The wonderfully friendly and experienced coaches are trained lifeguards and there are even some surf pros amongst them too!

A little tip…

Parking in St Ives is notoriously tricky (and expensive), especially in the summer when the town is filled with tourists. A far more rewarding option is to use the Park & Ride at St Erth station – a 15-minute drive from St Ives – and catch the coastal train to St Ives station. It’s only two stops and you can enjoy spectacular ocean views as the railway sweeps along the coast past the golden beaches of Gwithian and Carbis Bay.