st ives things to do

Things to do in St Ives

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Discover the best things to do in St Ives using our guide

If you are wondering what to do in St Ives, then our compact guide to all the best things to do has you covered!

Enjoying a prime position on the Cornish coastline is the ever-beautiful St Ives. Complete with an idyllic harbour, a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways and an extensive collection of galleries, there is certainly a plethora of great things to do in St Ives.

Beaches in St Ives

One of the best things to do in St Ives is catching some waves at one of the many beaches this narrow peninsula plays host to! Despite being a relatively small coastal town, St Ives offers an inordinate amount of beaches that are considered some of the best beaches in Cornwall. Positioned in the shadow of the iconic Tate St Ives gallery is the bustling Porthmeor Beach, which is a popular destination for surfing and swimming, whilst Porthminster Beach offers exceptional views of Godrevy Lighthouse. Other beaches near St Ives include; Gwithian Towans Beach and Carbis Bay Beach, both offering more peaceful moments, away from the usual hustle and bustle of a coastal resort.

Attractions in St Ives

Choose to spend each morning exploring the pretty harbour, littered with eateries and cafés before treating yourself to a spot of retail therapy with a visit to Fore Street. Another great thing to do in St Ives is to visit the Tate St Ives gallery. The recently remodelled and extended gallery offers visitors the chance to explore numerous interesting and innovative exhibitions of modern art and is one of the top things to do in St Ives. Those with children can look forward to a day out at Paradise Park, whilst those seeking more culture can pay a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden.

Activities in St Ives

In addition to great surfing and watersport opportunities on the local beaches, you will find a number of great things to do in St Ives that the entire family can get involved with. Boat trips to Seal Island is a popular activity for many when visiting this part of Cornwall, offering a great opportunity to get up close to a colony of grey seals. On this excursion, you can also look forward to views of the rugged coastline and Porthmeor Beach, as well as a whole host of other fascinating wildlife!

Continue reading to discover more great things to do in St Ives…

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  • The Bean Inn, Feature

    The Bean Inn

    The Bean Inn at Coast B & B
    Coast, St Ives Rd
    Carbis Bay
    Saint Ives
    TR26 2RT

    01736 791706

    If you love vegan or vegetarian cuisine, The Bean Inn near St Ives is the place to visit! A selection of mouthwatering dishes can be sampled here, from curries to Buddha bowls.

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  • The Blue Bramble Gallery, Feature

    The Blue Bramble Gallery

    1
    Market House
    Market Pl
    Saint Ives
    TR26 1RZ

    01736793344

    The quirky Blue Bramble Gallery has been a part of St Ives’ art scene since 2014. Come here to admire and buy local artists’ quirky artwork.

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  • The Halsetown Inn, Feature

    The Halsetown Inn

    Halsetown,
    Saint Ives
    TR26 3NA

    01736 796536

    You can find this welcoming pub on the outskirts of St Ives. An array of dishes are on offer here, from traditional pub fare to vegan treats.

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  • The Loft Restaurant and Terrcace, Feature

    The Loft Restaurant and Terrace

    Norway Lane
    Saint Ives
    TR26 1LZ

    01736 794204

    This fabulous restaurant rests in the heart of St Ives and offers tasty meals with a side of sea views.

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  • Porthmeor Beach

    Zennor Circular Walk

    Zennor Circular Walk
    St Ives Head
    TR26 1NT

    Enjoy the popular circular walk from St Ives to Zennor, enjoying some of the most striking parts of the South West Coastal Path. It is a 12-mile long route, taking you through both coast and countryside.

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