With an incredible coastline and a picturesque harbour, one seaside town in Devon has been rated as the second-best seaside location for an entertainment-filled stay. Thanks to research undertaken by OLBG, St Ives in Cornwall has everything you need to enjoy a quintessentially British beachside getaway, topped only by Tenby in Pembrokeshire.
Meander through the maze of narrow, cobbled streets of St Ives and you’ll discover independent shops and charming fisherman’s cottages. With four beaches to choose from, a trip to this Cornish offers just as much St Ives is historically significant and famed for its beaches such as Porthmeor, known for its surfing, and the family-friendly Porthminster. The town is also celebrated for its vibrant art scene and stunning coastal walks and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, tennis, and golf.
People urged to check passport as one ‘change’ could stop certain travellers flying
Visitors to the area won’t need to go far to find first-class food and drink and local hospitality.
Where to stay in St Ives
There are plenty of places to stay in St Ives, but according to TripAdvisor, one of the best-loved by visitors is The Boskerris Hotel. A contemporary, boutique hotel with a relaxed Mediterranean style, guests love the stunning seafront location and laid-back vibe. Other popular hotels include the historic Treganna Castle Resort with its picturesque setting overlooking the harbour and the beautifully decorated Headland Hotel with its classic bed and breakfast accommodation.
Where to eat
The town caters for all tastes, but for traditional seaside fare, the Cornish Deli in Chapel Street has an overall score of 5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor, thanks to its locally sourced menu. Fresh fish and chips can be scooped up at the 5.0-rated One Fish Street restaurant and the Porthmeor Beach Cafe has incredible views and tasty food.
Where to drink
Pubs and hostelries in St Ives are plentiful with perhaps the most iconic being The Sloop Inn, down on the Wharf, overlooking the Harbour. Offering fresh food, great beer and a friendly atmosphere, it receives a high Tripadvisor score from locals and visitors alike. Other great places for nice cold drink include The Lifeboat Inn, The Cornish Arms, The Badger Inn and The Union Inn. Wherever you are headed in St Ives, you’ll never be too far from a pint, a pie and a pasty.
Beaches in St Ives
Home to an impressive five beaches, life by the water is one of the biggest draws to the pretty Cornish harbour town.
Porthmeor Beach
Famous for its consistent surf, Porthmeor is a haven for surfers and those looking to catch some waves. Overlooked by the iconic Tate St Ives building, Porthmeor is a sandy, safe beach with lively bars and a buzzing atmosphere. Popular with visitors from all over the UK and beyond, one Tripadvisor review called it “one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, on par with the Caribbean and Mediterranean.”
Porthminster Beach
This family-friendly beach is located just below the railway station, making it very convenient for visitors to the town. With its golden sands and calm waters, Porthminster is perfect for a relaxing day with the kids. A Blue flag beach destination, it could be anywhere on the French Riviera when the sun is shining. With golden sands, blue seas, waving palm trees and views out across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse, it’s no surprise that the beach has been awarded the Seaside Award which celebrates the commitment to the environment, water quality, and safety of the beach.
Town Beach (Harbour Beach)
Situated in the heart of St Ives, Town Beach is within the heart of the town and the harbour walls. With lots of sand at low tide and a very sunny stretch, the shallow waters are child-friendly making it popular with families. St Ives is still a working harbour though and this beach is at the heart of it. Commercial fishing boats still operate and the town’s essential emergency service – the RNLI lifeboats- launch from the station.
Porthgwidden Beach
As the smallest beach in St Ives, the quaint little suntrap is perfect for snorkelling, whilst the bay’s rock pools are loved by young beach explorers at low tide. There are colourful two-storey beach huts available for hire and its sheltered location makes it ideal for a peaceful and relaxing
