St Ives is a smorgasbord of sights, sounds and activities for visitors. Combining the historic charm of a Cornish seaside town with a strong contemporary arts, music, and theatre culture, it is no surprise that St Ives is one of the most popular destinations in Cornwall.
Whatever you want from your holiday, St Ives is able to provide. From families with young children to entertain, to couples who want to take in the culture, the town holds enough to keep any tastes and preferences occupied. Here’s a quick overview of some reasons to stay in St Ives.
Classic holiday activities
Being a harbour town, St Ives is perfectly positioned to offer the classic seaside activities a holiday in Cornwall so often brings to mind. With several beaches, varying from the popular to the secluded, fans of sunbathing, swimming, or surfing will be in heaven. Boat trips and water sports activities are readily available, allowing you to get out onto the water and enjoy a unique perspective of one of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall.
Contemporary
Perhaps the jewel in St Ives’s crown is the Tate Gallery. Its reputation spreads far and wide, and inside you will be able to find a huge range of modern and traditional pieces by artists both local and international, historic and emerging. In conjunction with the Tate is the Barbara Hepworth Museum, where you can get a look at the studios and works of the famous and celebrated sculptor. These two attractions alone provide art lovers plenty of reasons to visit St Ives, and that’s not even touching upon the many galleries featuring the work of local artists.
Traditional
For foodies, one of the best reasons to stay in St Ives is the idyllic sea front, packed full of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops. They are a great place to enjoy some traditional Cornish seafood, caught fresh and locally, whilst enjoying a view out over the harbour and the bay. Cafes give you the perfect chance to stop and have a rest, as well a cream tea, before you continue to explore the winding streets and quaint shops that the town has to offer.
Unusual
Coasteering is the fastest growing adventure activity in the UK. It gives you a chance to climb and jump from the cliffs in an exciting and safe way. The Cornish coastline is home to some amazing cliff faces, caves, and coves. Coasteering is the perfect way to explore these, mixing sightseeing, water sport, and adrenaline pumping adventure into one great package.
Staying in St Ives
There are many reasons to stay in St Ives. Whether you want calm and relaxing, or busy and exciting, the town has everything you need for a perfect holiday in Cornwall. One of the great reasons to visit St Ives is the huge range of fantastic holiday properties available to rent. Visit Cherished Cottages to browse some of the best self-catering holiday homes in Cornwall.
