St Ives

St. Ives is an ancient town on the Cornwall coast. It's crystal clear waters remind you of a tropical island, but with a charming West Country twist. Since the Middle Ages, St. Ives has been an important fishing port. Today, it is a popular Cornwall holiday destination with amazing beaches, outdoor activities, and quaint shops. Once of the best ways to stay here is on a cottage holiday, with Carbis Bay being one of the most picturesque spots.

Beaches

St. Ives has several scenic beaches, each with its own character to suit families, water sports lovers, and sun worshippers. The largest is Porthmeor Beach, which has plenty of space for families to spread out and good surfing, including a surf school. It has lifegaurds during peak season, parking, refreshments, and toilets. Small and picturesque, Porthgwidden Beach is a short walk from St. Ives town centre. It is the smallest beach in the area, but has beautiful sandy and a sheltered location which provides safe swimming. Another great sheltered beach is Harbour Beach. If you want to soak up the sun, this is the best beach for you. Not far from St. Ives town is Carbis Bay Beach, arguably one of the beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Swimming here is safe and there is one-mile of sand, so you'll easily find your own little secluded spot.

Museums and Galleries

St. Ives is rich in artistic culture, with a number of excellent galleries and museums to visit. Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is one of the most popular, and for good reason. The museum features the work of one of Britain’s most celebrated sculptors Barbara Hepworth. Hepworth relocated to Cornwall in 1939 and the museum, which is managed by the Tate Gallery, is situated in her former studio. She worked both inside and in the garden, which now displays her bronze, wood, and stone work. The museum provides interesting insight into the artist's work and life. Since the museum is run by the Tate, you can purchase a combined ticket for both the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture garden.

St. Ives Museum is a small but wonderful place to visit. It is opened during the peak season and completely run by volunteers, who are extremely knowledgeable about the collections on display. The exhibits focus on the maritime and railway history of the area.

Penwith Gallery is one of the oldest in St. Ives and one of the best. It features artwork by some of Cornwall's most famous painters, and recently discovered some important works during a refurbishment, including paintings by Alethea Garstin and Borlase Smart. Another excellent St. Ives gallery is New Millennium Gallery, which exhibits modern works in large spaces.

Historic Attractions

Take a stroll along the 660-foot long Smeaton's Pier, built in 1776. The pier was originally 360-feet long and lengthened at the end of the 19th century. At the end of the pier is St. Ives Lighthouse, which was built at the time of the extension. At the start of the pier is St. Leonard's chapel. This tiny chapel was built long before the pier and was used by fisherman to pray before they went on the dangerous journeys out to sea, paying the priest in fish.

Perhaps the most beautifully situated cemetery in England Barnoon Cemetery sits on a hillside overlooking the sea. You can visit it independently or on a ghost walking tour. It is an incredibly peaceful spot with interesting old graves.

Located on the peninsula of St. Ives known as as the Island, even though it isn't one, is St. Nicholas' Chapel. The small one room chapel is thought to have been built during Medieval times. It sits in an exposed location on top of a hill and is a great place for birdwatching and views.

In town, one of the main features of the skyline is St la church. The church is named in honour of the founder of St. Ives, Saint la, an Irish princess who is said to have brought Christianity to the area in the 5th century. It was built at the start of the 15th century and contains a beautiful Barbara Hepworth sculpture.

Carbis Bay

Located across St. Ives Bay, from St. Ives town is the beautiful seaside town of Carbis Bay. It is a place of outstanding natural beauty and popular for those who want cottage holidays. It has a flat sandy beach that is suitable for families and is home to the largest parish church peal in Cornwall.

Carbis Bay accommodation is varied and suitable for all tastes and budgets. You can rent holiday cottages of varying sizes from cosy one bedroom getaways for couples to charming stone family accommodation, many with spectacular sea views.

Now that you've read about the many delights St Ives has to offer, complete your virtual tour below with the video guide. See the beaches and experience the surroundings of this truly wonderful destination.