Our guide to St Ives, Cornwall

In the far reaches of West Cornwall lies St Ives, a quintessential Cornish town with golden beaches, clear blue waters and breathtaking landscapes that draws visitors from around the world. Yet, St Ives’ rich history and world-famous independent businesses supported by a passionate, year-round community make it far more than a summer getaway destination. Our guide to St Ives includes cultural hotspots, foodie favourites and what's on offer along its breathtaking coastline.

Tate St Ives

At its essence, St Ives is an artists’ town. The heart of its cultural tapestry stands the Tate St Ives, a testament to the area’s influence on British art. The gallery, perched on the hillside on a former gasworks plot by Porthmeor Beach, pays homage to former locals like Barbara Hepworth and Patrick Heron alongside a rotating lineup of international artists. After indulging in the art, head upstairs to the roof terrace café for a panoramic view of St Ives while filling up on locally sourced cake. tate.org.uk

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

To fully appreciate St Ives, one must delve into the artistic legacy of Barbara Hepworth. Visit her former home and workshop, Trewyn Studios, found on a narrow lane off Barnoon Hill. Here, over 30 striking sculptures in wood, stone, plaster and bronze adorn verdant gardens originally laid out by Hepworth herself with help from her friend, composer Priaulx Rainier. tate.org.uk

Leach Pottery

With the British pottery revival in full spin, why not visit its spiritual home? Leach Pottery, located above the lower town on Higher Stennack, was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach – widely regarded as the father of British studio pottery - and Japanese potter Shoji Hamada. Doubling as a museum and a shop, visitors can marvel at films capturing Leach’s artistry while viewing the latest creations by an ever-shifting cast of guest potters. leachpottery.com

Porthminster Beach Café

You may already be familiar with this foodie hotspot thanks to Executive Chef Michael Smith, who has passionately promoted this beachside establishment for over 15 years via a successful cookbook, TV seriesBeach Caféand more recently, St Ives’ annual Food & Drink Festival. From a charming 1930s beach house, the seasonal seafood menu serves up vibrantly flavoured dishes, many with an Asian influence, while you soak up the scenes at Porthminster Sands. porthminstercafe.co.uk

Little Palais

This wine bar, found on the top floor of Old Custom House on the harbour front, has a cosy neighbourhood feel. They specialise in low intervention wine by the glass, but their thoughtfully constructed cocktails are equally as impressive. Pair your drinks with a selection of small plates, including local cheeses and tinned fish on toast. Save room for their homemade ice cream - flavours range from brown bread, strawberry salad and a hazelnut ice cream sandwich.    

St Ives Bakery

It goes without saying that Cornwall takes its pasties very seriously (only those made locally can be branded ‘Cornish’), and this charming bakery serves up the best in town. If the scent drifting down Fore Street doesn’t draw you in, its window display stuffed with sourdough loaves, scones and cloud-white meringues certainly will. Pasties are the classics done exceptionally well: cheese and vegetable, steak and stilton, and a choice between premier steak (shortcrust pastry) or flaky.

St Ives Ceramics

A staple in in the town for over 30 years, St Ives Ceramics opened in 1990, turning a former ice cream shop on Fish Street into a workshop for John Bedding, former apprentice to Bernard Leach. Today, it stands as a gallery and shop displaying beautiful and abstract ceramics, plus a range of heritage works called the CBS Collection - a revolving stock of British and Japanese Master Potters of the last century.

St Ives Farmers Market

Rather than a tourist trap, this farmers market sits at the heart of the St Ives community. Running every Monday between 9.30am and 2pm at the Island Centre, you’ll find everything from freshly grown produce to locally reared meat, honey, crafts, sweet treats and more. Local musicians add to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Beaches

For residents and visitors alike, St Ives’ beaches are the star attraction. Six are within easy reach of the town. All have soft yellow sand and turquoise blue waters, but each has its own unique features. Looking to stretch out and take in a surfing lesson? Head to Porthmeor, the largest beach in the area. For peace and quiet, pitch up and Porthgsidden. Want to explore the bay away from the seasonal throng? Hire a motor boat at Harbour Beach and go at your own pace.

South West Coast Path

While only a small stretch of the South West Coast Path runs through St Ives, it offers excellent trekking in both directions. Explore the rugged cliffs and spectacular views heading west towards Pendeen via Zennor, or go east towards Carbis Bay and head to Godrevy for high cliffs and dramatic coves.

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