Holiday homes & rentals in St Ives

Located on the Celtic Sea coast, west of Camborne and north of Penzance, St Ives is a pretty seaside town in Cornwall known for its golden sandy beaches, top-notch cafés, and thriving cultural scene. A St Ives holiday cottage is the perfect choice for a relaxed holiday getaway in the charming county of Cornwall.

The quaint seaside town is peppered with boutique shops and has many great restaurants serving locally-caught seafood, as well as other regional favourites. Galleries such as the Tate St Ives and nearby theme parks mean there's something to entertain the whole family. To get back to nature, walk along the stunning cliffs or head south for a visit to Land's End at the tip of England. All this and more await when you book a St Ives holiday home.

How to get to your St Ives holiday home

Arriving at your St Ives holiday home couldn't be easier! The train is one of the most efficient and pleasant ways to reach St Ives. Trains depart from London Paddington for Penzance several times a day. You should alight at St Erth and continue to your final destination by local bus or taxi.

Coaches are also an option. Three services a day leave London Victoria and the journey takes around nine hours. If you wish to drive to St Ives, follow the A30 which will take you directly to the local area. Having your own vehicle is especially useful, as it enables you to explore the wider area with ease and flexibility.

The county of Cornwall is also served by Newquay International Airport. The airport has many domestic and a few international flight routes operating daily.

Best places to eat in St Ives

Cornwall is famed for its pasties and one of the best places to grab the local delicacy is Presto Pasty. Other popular places to sample the county's classic dish are Pengenna Pasties and Warren's Bakery.

For an affordable lunch, head to Blas Burgerworks, which offers beef, chicken and vegetarian options, all served with a variety of toppings. Hub St Ives is another great burger joint, with a Brooklyn theme. They also serve a good selection of both local and international ales.

Alba Restaurant, set in a former lifeboat house, is famous for its seafood, including scallops and crab. This fine dining restaurant also has a great tasting menu, so you can sample a little of everything.

St Ives' attractions

A key draw in St Ives is the beach. The shore is dotted with welcoming cafés and restaurants, and facilities such as showers. The two main beaches in the area are Porthminster Beach and Porthmeor Beach - you should easily be able to find a holiday cottage quite close to them. Pack a picnic and some beach towels and head to one of these for a relaxing day in the sun.

Paradise Park is located about 5 km from St Ives and is a wonderful spot for nature enthusiasts. The wildlife sanctuary boasts over 650 different species of animals and birds and is additionally home to the World Parrot Trust. There's the JungleBarn indoor play centre to keep little ones busy, whilst the Bird in Hand Pub, which serves a range of speciality ales and delicious meals, is perfect for when you get peckish.

If you're travelling with kids and looking for an all-weather activity, then the Flambards Experience is an excellent choice. The park encompasses thrilling rides as well as themed indoor areas, such as Victorian Village and Britain in the Blitz. It is worth booking in advance online in order to secure a 10% discount.

Art in St Ives

Located close to the harbour is the Barbara Hepworth Museum. Here you can visit the sculptor's studio, see her classic works and walk in the beautiful gardens. Another great spot for taking in art is the Tate St Ives, part of the Tate collection of galleries along with the Tate Britain, Tate Modern and Tate Liverpool. Housed in a striking building that overlooks Porthmeor Beach, the gallery focuses on modern British artists. Combined tickets are available for here and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, while entry is free for those aged under 18.

What to see in St Ives

The stunning, historic town of Penzance is a mere 20-minute drive from St Ives. Famed for its abundance of Regency architecture, Penzance is filled with boutiques and cafés. Penlee House is a particular highlight, showcasing works from the Newlyn School movement.

For a unique day out, head to Land's End at the very edge of the country, just 40 minutes from your St Ives holiday home. England's most south-westerly point is neither a town nor city, but there is a good amount of attractions here. These include great cliff-side walking trails, the famous sign post showing the distances to New York and John O'Groats, and a bar attached to the nearby Land's End Hotel, where you can relax over a drink.

Festivals and events in St Ives

You'll be able to enjoy a range of exciting festivals and events throughout the year while staying at your St Ives holiday cottage.

St Ives September Festival The Festival is one of the biggest St Ives’ events held every September. During this 15-day long festival, the whole town comes alive with an extravaganza of literature, culture, music, and art. The event also features art exhibitions, art workshops, street entertainment, Open Studios, and a variety of other events.

St Ives Food Festival This is a popular food festival held on the stunning Porthminster Beach every May. During the event, you can check out amazing cookery demonstrations by celebrity and talented local chefs. The event also includes local produce market, food stalls from top food traders, musical performances, and a range of family-friendly activities.

St Ives May Day This week-long annual festival features colourful parades, workshops, and various cultural events, attracting writers, artists, musicians, and poets.

Tranquillity in Saint Ives - beaches and beyond

St. Ives Harbour

A working port to this day, St. Ives Harbour is a great spot to watch local fishermen at work, while devouring ice cream and pasties. An amusement arcade nearby keeps kids entertained.

Porthmeor Beach

Close to Saint Ives' city centre, this dog-friendly beach is popular with surfers and families. Restaurants and cafés around serve excellent sandwiches and pasties.

St. Ives Lighthouse

Located at the end of Smeatons Pier, St. Ives Lighthouse measures 9 metres and has an interesting octagonal design.

St. Ives Church

Dedicated to St. La, an Irish female missionary, St. Ives Church houses a pipe organ from 1831. Watch out for the 15th-century gargoyles and grotesques, and the Fishermen's Aisle where glass windows let fishermen watch over their boats while in church.

Barnoon Cemetery

Perched high on a cliff overlooking Porthmeor beach, the historic Barnoon Cemetery is accessible via an uphill walk from the beach. You'll be rewarded with outstanding views.

Frequently Asked Questions