Winter is traditionally a quieter time of year in St Ives, but our little harbour town tucked away in West Cornwall continues to thrive in the winter winds too.
Although perhaps slightly biased, read on for ten reasons to visit and fall in love with St Ives outside the summer season.
- BEACHES
As dog bans are lifted at the end of October and carparks get a little quieter there is more opportunity (and room) to explore St Ives beaches. Porthminster, Harbour, Bamaluz, Porthgwidden and Porthmeor beach are a rambler’s paradise.
2. SURF
If you can handle the cold, winter waves in St Ives are a treat. Quieter spots and big swells make for some real fun, just don’t forget your hood and boots.
3. WEATHER
Believe it or not, the constant rain, wind and bad weather that winter brings with it makes for some pretty spectacular scenes. Plus, although seldom, when the sunshine and blue skies do return, it makes for a beautiful winter’s day.
4. VIEWS
Enjoy time relaxing and taking in the scenery with spectacular views across our Cherished portfolio.
Fancy sitting in the window of 5 Sea View Place nestled on the rocks above Bamaluz Beach watching the waves crash in below? Or 1 Ship Aground on the Wharf, watching the boats bob in the harbour? Or, Porthmeor Beach from Atlantic Watch on Beach Road… We could go on. Call the office to hear more about our sea views!
5. GRUB
Contrary to popular belief, St Ives restaurants and cafes don’t batten down the hatches in winter, so use this opportunity to get yourself a table at one of St Ives’ many eateries. Try Talay Thai on the harbour front for a flavourful tapas experience or Firehouse Bar and Grill on Fore Street for chargrilled deliciousness and gin galore.
6. WALKS
Wrap up warm and start rambling through the cobbled streets of Downalong, or along the beach at low tide. Winter is the perfect time of year to explore and do some Christmas shopping in the plethora of independent shops that St Ives has to offer; minus the crowds.
7. ART
St Ives is a hub for all thing’s art! This winter, Tate St Ives, is celebrating the start of the festive season on November 30th with pop-up talks, activities for families and local choir performances.
8. CHRISTMAS
The most wonderful time of the year! Christmas in St Ives is double wonderful, with cosy fisherman’s cottages and festive lights on Smeaton’s Pier- a happy feeling engulfs the town, despite the inevitable rain of course.
On Friday 29th November, Father Christmas will arrive into St Ives harbour in style with the amazing RNLI at high tide, 6pm. The Christmas Lights will be switched on at 6:45pm in Royal Square.
Sign yourself up to a Christmas wreath making workshop in town, SILCo Searoom are hosting Zennor Wild on December 5th and 6th– tapas, gin and Christmas (yum!).
9. BOXING DAY SEA SWIM
Porthminster Beach, one day after Christmas, at noon, filled with turkey and pudding… Nothing better than the annual sea swim, right? An event that brings locals and friends of the town (and dogs!) together.
10. NEW YEARS EVE
A huge St Ives tradition; don your best fancy dress and get yourself down to the harbour to flow through the town with all the other giddy revellers. (The earlier the better if you have younger children). If you make it through, the fantastic fireworks at midnight from Smeaton’s Pier will this year mark the beginning of a new decade!
For winter prices and availability across our Cherished portfolio, please call our friendly team in the office on 01736 490 640.
We look forward to welcoming you to St Ives this winter.
Author: Molly, Cherished Property Manager
