St Ives, West Cornwall

St Ives is one of Cornwall's best-loved seaside towns, famous for its picturesque harbour, beautiful sandy beaches and thriving artistic heritage. Situated on the north coast overlooking St Ives Bay, the town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, traditional fishermen's cottages, independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, all surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

The historic harbour remains at the heart of St Ives, with colourful fishing boats, waterfront buildings and a sandy beach revealed as the tide falls. Nearby Porthmeor Beach is popular with surfers and families, while Porthminster Beach offers a broad stretch of golden sand overlooking the bay. The smaller beaches at Porthgwidden and Harbour Beach add to the town's appeal, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coast.

St Ives has long attracted artists, drawn by its distinctive coastal light and beautiful surroundings. Today, visitors can explore Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, and numerous independent galleries showcasing local and international art. The town also has a lively cultural calendar, including its annual September Festival.

The South West Coast Path offers spectacular walks around the surrounding headlands, while the scenic branch railway between St Erth and St Ives provides memorable views across the bay. Nearby Carbis Bay, Hayle and the beaches around Gwithian and Godrevy offer even more opportunities for exploring this beautiful part of Cornwall.

Although our holiday cottages are situated in nearby towns and countryside locations rather than St Ives itself, they provide a convenient base for visiting the town and enjoying the surrounding coastline. Discover our selection of holiday cottages near St Ives and explore everything this popular Cornish destination has to offer.

Own a holiday property in St Ives? Find out more about letting with Cornish Cottages.