Caribbean blue waters and white sand beaches sit against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and old fishermen cottages in St Ives, one of the most beautiful fishing villages in England.
Artists have long been drawn to Cornwall for its beautiful light. Over the last century, the town has gained an international reputation for its art scene. Sculptor Barbara Hepworth and painter Ben Nicholson were among those that moved here in the 1940s, inspired by the town and its wild, windswept coastline.
However, there’s more to St Ives than its artistic heritage. Surfers flock to Porthmeor Beach for its mellow, glassy waves. Foodies will be spoiled for choice when it comes to seafood restaurants and cozy pubs. Wildlife fans can take a boat trip offshore to spot seals and dolphins.
Traveling to St Ives from London by train is easy. It’s a long but beautiful journey, passing lush rolling farmland, yacht-dotted harbors, and ancient woodland.
Grab your hiking boots and a camera — here’s our guide to St Ives in Cornwall.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Hans Davis Photography. Image Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Where is St Ives in the UK?
Trace a line to the most south-westerly point of the UK and you’ll find St Ives. This quaint fishing town sits on the north coast of Cornwall, just 20 miles from Land’s End — the last stop on the UK’s mainland before North America.
What are the best things to do in St Ives, Cornwall?
Start at the Tate St Ives, one of four important contemporary art galleries in the UK. Inside this modernist building are abstract works by the St Ives School, a group of innovative artists — including Barbara Hepworth — that lived in the fishing town between 1940 and 1960.
Hepworth’s old fishing cottage nearby is also worth a visit. Wander through her house and jungle-like garden filled with her signature smooth, minimalist sculptures. You’ll see Hepworth’s studio, as well, which remains as she left it when she died in 1975.
Just a few steps away is Fore Street, the main shopping parade in St Ives. You’ll find independent shops selling everything from outdoor clothing to homewares and gifts. Peruse the shelves inside the St Ives Booksellers or pick up a rustic bowl at St Ives Ceramics.
For lunch, head to Pengennas for the best pasty in town, followed by a scoop of salted almond and hazelnut ice cream from Moomaids of Zennor. Continue along the seafront up to St Ives Head for a 360-degree view of the town, Carbis Bay, and Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance.
Afternoons are best spent in the water, whether that’s surfing on Porthmeor Beach, or hopping on board a boat trip to Godrevy Island — home to a colony of Atlantic grey seals.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrew Michael. Image Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Which are the best restaurants in St Ives, Cornwall?
Porthminster Beach Cafe is one of the most beautiful spots for lunch in Cornwall. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the restaurant’s eponymous beach with its pristine white sands and gin-clear water. Tuck into the Italian-inspired crab, mussel, and prawn linguine with an ice-cold glass of sauvignon blanc.
A 30-minute walk along the coast path from here will take you to Ugly Butterfly inside the Carbis Bay Hotel. Michelin-starred chef Adam Handling fronts this elegant restaurant, which has a strong stance on sustainability. Start with the coconut tequila cocktail made with roasted pineapple soda followed by the barbecued monkfish.
Alternatively, for something more casual, book Beer and Bird. Fried chicken and craft ale are the focus at this cozy joint plonked right in the center of town. With its low ceilings and roaring fireplace, it is particularly inviting during the colder months.
What is the weather in St Ives, Cornwall like?
St Ives sits right on the Atlantic Coast. Strong south-west winds regularly hit the shoreline. Winters can be wet and mild with temperatures hovering around 40 to 50°F.
However, from April to October, the weather in St Ives is much more settled. Expect breezy blue-sky days with highs of about 70°F in the summer. May, June, and September are the best times to visit. Avoid August when the narrow streets are packed out with holiday crowds.
How do I get to St Ives in Cornwall by train?
St Ives has its own train station with services running to London, Plymouth, Exeter and beyond. From London, the 250-mile journey takes around 5h 14min on the quickest route with one change in St Erth. Alternatively, Plymouth to St Ives is just 1h 57m by train.
Book your trip now with the Trainline app — blue skies and beaches await!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrew Michael. Image Location: St Ives, Cornwall
