How to Spend a Perfect Day in St Ives, Cornwall

Sandy beaches, panoramic sea views, and a wealth of modern art – the picturesque seaside town of St Ives has long been the jewel in the crown of the Cornish coastline and a cultural hub for artists and surfers alike. Here’s how to spend a perfect day in St Ives.

Scenic Stroll

First things first, get your bearings and soak up the salty air and bohemian lifestyle of this small town. From the train station, you can walk along the harbor dotted with colorful fishing boats, past Porthgwidden Beach to the beautiful headland known as the Island. Arm yourself with a traditional Cornish pasty from one of the many local shops; Pengenna Pasties are particularly tasty. Sit in the park near the Chapel of St Nicholas, a perfect spot to admire the power and immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, boasting connections to smuggling and the Napoleonic Wars.

Art and Culture in St Ives

St Ives has long been a haven for artists and is the birthplace of the St Ives School, a group of artists including Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, and Patrick Heron. Consequently, it’s no surprise that the Tate set up camp here. Housed in an iconic spiral-shaped building, the modern European art on display at Tate St Ives is a must-see, with a rolling catalogue of special exhibitions. Just down the road is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, an oasis of calm where you can relax among Hepworth’s famous stone, bronze, and wooden sculptures. A combined ticket over 7 days to both museums costs £14.50. Additionally, there are several smaller galleries, including Leach Pottery and the St Ives Society of Artists, one of the town’s most established art collectives.

An Afternoon Mooch

No trip to St Ives is complete without an afternoon wandering the quaint backstreets of fisherman’s cottages lined with shops, bakeries, and local galleries. Meander down Fore Street and enjoy a traditional Cornish cream tea at The Yellow Canary; discover local artwork at the New Craftsman Gallery; and succumb to the temptation of cakes and pastries in the window of St Ives Bakery. You will find hidden gems like St Ives Parish Church, which has one of the tallest church towers in Cornwall, and tiny Mount Zion Coffee, known for their expertly crafted coffee.

The more adventurous can also enjoy some time on the water, taking surf lessons or paddleboarding with the St Ives Surf School.

Dinner with a View

Recharge your batteries and replenish the lost calories by ending your day of exploration with dinner. With some of the best restaurants in Cornwall, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Porthminster Beach Café and Seafood Café specialize in offering fresh seafood from the Cornish coast, or for supper with a view, head to the terrace at The Loft. For a more casual dining experience, Blas Burgerworks is a wonderful option, or if you’re in the mood for a refreshing pint of Cornish ale, visit the Sloop Inn, reputedly one of the oldest pubs in the UK.

Getting There

Parking in St Ives can be notoriously tricky and quite expensive, especially during the summer months when the town fills with tourists. If you are traveling by car, consider using the Park & Ride at St Erth station – which is a 15-minute drive from St Ives – and catch the coastal train to St Ives station. It’s only two stops, offering spectacular ocean views as the railway sweeps along the coast past golden beaches like Hayle Towans and Carbis Bay. Direct trains from London Paddington go to St Erth but take over 5 hours.