St Ives, Cornwall: England’s Coastal Gem 

By Dan Harmon

Where? 

A small fishing town in Cornwall, southwest England.  The tip that sticks out of the end of the left side of the country is Cornwall.

Why Go?

St Ives is a quaint English seaside town turned tourist hotspot, but one that hasn’t lost its charm or character. A maze of cobbled streets boarded by five ribbons of golden sand beaches. 

When To Go? 

The best time of year to visit St Ives is summer (July/August). While sunny skies aren’t guaranteed, during summer, St Ives’s famous cobbles turn into bustling pedestrian highways, where thousands descend on its beaches, bars and restaurants. In winter, shops close up, temperatures drop and St Ives becomes a ghost town. For less crowds and pleasant weather, visit in April or September. 

Getting There 

By Air 

The closest airport to St Ives is Newquay 45 minutes away. There are regular flights between London Gatwick and Newquay for around £160 return. 

By Road 

From London, St Ives is around a 6-hour drive, depending on traffic. Take the A-30, the main road that connects Cornwall to the rest of the country. If you’re traveling on a public holiday, set off early to avoid standstill traffic. 

By Public Transport 

You can also take the train or bus to St Ives. Train prices and routes vary drastically, depending on where you’re coming from, but check out Great Western Rail for the best routes and rates. Alternatively, take the National Express bus. You can find tickets from London Victoria to Hayle (10 minutes drive from St Ives), for around £50. This is the cheapest way you can get to St Ives.  

Getting Around St Ives

The easiest way to get around in St Ives is on foot. If you’re driving to St Ives, park at the Leisure Centre at the top of town, then walk into town. Avoid driving into the town itself as it’s packed with tourists in the summer. 

Best Things to Do 

The Beaches 

There are five beaches in St Ives, all pristine, all golden and all with their town character. My personal favorite is Porthmeor. Here you’ll find waves perfect for learning how to surf, and the famous St Ives Surf School right on the sand.

After taking to the waves, wash things down with a cocktail or three at Porthmeor Beach Cafe. If it’s too windy on Porthmeor, head over to the shelter of Porthgwidden or Porthminster. 

Coastal Walk: St Ives – Zennor

Heading out along the headland from St Ives, walking to Zennor is one of the most beautiful walks you can do in all of Cornwall. The coastal path winds past jagged headlands and cuts through farmlands, before concluding in the tiny town of Zennor. Here, you can post up in the Tinners Arms pub, to wash away the walk with an ice-cold local cider. 

The Island 

The Island, which isn’t an island at all, is St Ives’s most famous landmark. A grassy hill crowned by the famous St Nicholas chapel is the centerpiece of St Ives and makes the town so picturesque. Walk up there on a sunny day and you’ll be rewarded with epic views across Porthmeor and St Ives town. 

Where to Stay

If you’re on a budget, check out Cohort Hostel (£56 per night), right in town. Or for something more lavish, check out Tregenna Castle Resort. The Resort gives you views across St Ives harbor and comes complete with a golf course, and restaurant. And yes, you get to stay in a real castle! Prices from £246 per night.  

Local Tips 

Parking 

Parking is tricky anywhere in town, especially in summer. For a stress-free trip, park in the one-thousand-space car park at the leisure center, then walk from there. It’s around a 15-minute walk and there is also a shuttle bus in summer. 

The Weather

Because Cornwall juts out into the North Atlantic, the weather can be unpredictable. Sometimes, when the rest of the country is cast in sunlight, sea mist and drizzle can plague the coastline. Come prepared for all conditions. 

Where to Eat? 

There is some seriously good food around in St Ives. Check out Porthmeor Beach Cafe for tapas, cocktails and some of the best beach views in town. Or head over to Porthminster Beach Cafe, for some classic seafood dishes.  

UK Travel Information 

Visas & Entry 

For visitors from the US, the United Kingdom offers a 6-month visa on arrival. For citizens of Australia, you’ll get 90 days. Please check the official government website for specific requirements. 

Currency 

British Pound Sterling. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere. 

Language 

English. 

Health & Safety 

No vaccinations are required in the United Kingdom. 

St Ives Is…

Expect beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, cobblestone streets, excellent seafood and a lively atmosphere. Despite its popularity St Ives hasn’t lost its charm and visiting this coastal gem at any time of year, will give you a trip you’re unlikely to forget.  

Resources for Visiting St Ives

www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/

www.visitcornwall.com/destinations/st-ives 

Dan Harmon is a professional travel writer, video creator and surfer, residing in St Ives, Cornwall United Kingdom.