Local Info

St Ives is renowned for its picturesque harbour, cobbled streets, art galleries and craft shops. Its wide range of restaurants, beautiful beaches and stunning scenery make it ideal for a lively family holiday or a quiet break.

According to local legend, St Ives is named after a young woman missionary, St Ia, who floated over from Ireland on an ivy leaf. Fishing has shaped the town’s history with many families making their living from catching pilchards, mackerel and herring. Their historic granite cottages lining the winding lanes and alleys are part of the town’s charm.

During your stay, you can explore the tiny streets and visit the many small shops, craft and art galleries including the famous Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum. Or you might choose to relax on one of four large sandy beaches, try your hand at surfing, watch the world go by from a harbourside restaurant or walk along the magnificent clifftops with their superb views. Each September, the St Ives Festival features a wide variety of music, poetry and art from performers around the world.

If you wish to venture away from the town, the whole of West Cornwall is just a short drive away. There is the Lizard Peninsula with its coves and beaches or the rugged beauty of Land’s End and Penzance, from where you can take a day trip to the Isles of Scilly. There are also a number of National Trust properties and gardens in the area. Further afield, the shops and restaurants of Truro and Falmouth are worth a visit.

Other activities and places of interest you might like to try:

For further information, visit www.stives-cornwall.co.uk.