The gorgeous Cornish coastal town of St Ives buzzes with life all year round. The friendly community has a thriving art scene and fantastic amenities that include great pubs and restaurants, shops, and a wide choice of holiday cottages to rent. From cosy fisherman’s cottages by the harbour to expansive villas sleeping ten or more people in luxury, St Ives caters for all, whatever your taste and budget. Below are just seven of the many reasons that you will love St Ives as your next holiday destination. Read more
Baywatch epitomises contemporary coastal elegance, offering a chic, two-bedroom apartment a mile from St Ives and just a few hundred meters from Carbis Bay's sandy beach. Ideal for couples and families of four, it features modern decor with sea views, off-street parking, and easy access to Carbis train station for direct travel to St Ives. It's fully equipped for self-catering and a ten-minute walk to La Casita, the Beach Club Restaurant, and Walter's on the Beach. Enjoy Carbis Bay's Blue Flag beach, perfect for swimming and water sports, and explore nearby St Ives with its galleries, shops, and stunning beaches.
The Beach Pads is a stunning collection of three amazingly located seafront Beach Houses in Lelant, St. Ives, offering group holiday accommodation in Cornwall for up to 22 people. The properties can be booked in differing combinations and individually as well as combined. There are differing tariffs according to the number of houses/bedrooms booked. With direct access to Porthkidney Beach, guests can enjoy sunbathing, barbecuing, and ocean swimming just steps from their door. If you want to wake up to jaw dropping sea views Beach Pads will deliver! The property features a private swimming pool and an inviting outdoor entertainment area, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby wildlife and the scenic 13-mile St. Michael's Way. Conveniently located near vibrant towns like St Ives and Penzance, The Beach Pads provides an ideal setting for unforgettable family holidays. Book now for your perfect seaside retreat!
With its beautiful beaches, mild weather and friendly community, St Ives should be on everyone's favourite holiday destination list. Bay Watch House is ideal for extended families or groups of friends because it is spacious and centrally located. The elegant Edwardian villa provides large group accommodation for up to 13 people in comfort, with beaches, pubs, shops, cafes and galleries all within walking distance. You can see the beach, headland and island from all of the rooms at the front of the house, and it is also close to top Cornwall attractions including St Michael's Mount, the Minack Theatre and The Eden Project.
You can enjoy the best of the Cornish coast and countryside at Bramble Cottage. This gorgeous self-catering holiday home is just over a mile from St Ives Harbour and Beach and within a short drive of beaches like Porthgwidden and Porthmeor. The cottage is spacious enough to easily sleep up to six people in three bedrooms, but its cosy charm also makes it feel welcoming for couples. The garden is enclosed and has distant sea views and is very dog-friendly; and with fantastic footpaths along the lane from the cottage, it's a great choice for guests who don't want to spend their entire holiday stuck in the car.
This charming cottage is in Hayle on the beautiful Cornish coast. Though only 300 metres from the town centre, it is peaceful and private thanks to its secluded position. In addition to being within walking distance of beaches and the South West Coastal Path, guests are within easy reach of favourite attractions like Land's End and the Minack Theatre. This cottage is ideal for couples but also perfect for families who appreciate the high standard of accommodation and sunny courtyard garden.
You'll be the envy of your friends when they hear you're staying at Gull Rock, so why not bring them with you! This large seafront holiday home is across the road from Porthmeor Beach and within a short stroll of St Ives many fantastic shops, galleries, and eateries. It sleeps 12 people in six bedrooms, four of which are ensuite, and suits families and friends. The location is incredible with guests having easy access to the beach, South West Coast Path and some of Cornwall's favourite attractions including Land's End and the Eden Project.
"Villa 80" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Just a short drive from iconic St Ives, the seaside village of Carbis Bay is best-known for its beautiful stretch of pure white sand. With turquoise waters and sheltered conditions, the beach feels almost subtropical and is the perfect spot for...
"Harbour View" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay is a small coastal village situated on the north west shores of Cornwall. The village is a renowned tourism hotspot, owing to its relatively untouched beach, stunning cliff paths and abundance of afford accommodation, eateries and...
"Seascape" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay, a popular tourist destination close to St. Ives, is renowned for its pristine white sand beach. The beach, with its turquoise seas and sheltered settings, is ideal for a traditional day at the sea. If lounging in the sun isn't your...
"Azure Retreat at Una" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Just a short drive from iconic St Ives, the seaside village of Carbis Bay is best known for its beautiful stretch of pure white sand. With turquoise waters and sheltered conditions, the beach feels almost subtropical and is the perfect spot for...
"Gwinear" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay, a beach village just a short drive from St Ives, is most renowned for its magnificent expanse of pristine white sand. The beach feels almost subtropical, with turquoise waters and protected conditions, and is ideal for a good...
"Shearwater View, 7 Rosemorran, St Ives" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Both bedrooms and the family bathroom are at entrance level, with the living room, kitchen / diner on the upper level of the split-level layout Living AreaOpen plan with the kitchen and dining area with lovely sea...
"3 Sandy Lane, Carbis Bay " is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Drop your suitcases, grab the surfboards and head down to the azure blue seas and white sands of Carbis Bay. Set between Gwithian Sands and St Ives this coastline is renowned for its clear colours, depicted by numerous artists including John...
"Mariners Watch" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Just a short drive from iconic St Ives, the seaside village of Carbis Bay is best-known for its beautiful stretch of pure white sand. With turquoise waters and sheltered conditions, the beach feels almost subtropical and is the perfect spot for...
"1 Bed Apartment in St Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 1 king-size bedroom - 1 bathroom with large walk in shower, WC and wash basin - Electric oven, gas hob, fridge, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine - 50" Smart TV and...
"Surf and Sand" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. The beachfront community of Carbis Bay, which is only a short drive from famous St. Ives, is well-known for its stunning stretch of fine, white sand. The beach feels almost subtropical with its turquoise seas and protected surroundings, making...
"Ocean Breezes" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Situated just a short walk from the beach and St. Ives town this is an ideal retreat for those looking to relax. Great sea views with it’s own garage.. All on the First Floor: Open plan living...
"1 Bed Cottage in St. Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 1 double bedroom - 1 shower room with WC - Electric oven and induction hob, fridge with ice box, toaster - Wood burner effect gas fire - Smart TV - Please bring your...
"Waves Apartment, St Ives" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Living areaOpen plan with the kitchen and dining area with access to the private balcony and wonderful town and sea viewsLarge comfortable three seater sofa, armchair, coffee table, TV and DVD playerDining areaOpen...
"2 Bed Apartment in St. Ives" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 bunk bedroom - 1 shower room with WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, and dishwasher - Travel cot and highchair available -...
"Belyars Penthouse" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. St Ives is one of Cornwall's most beautiful harbour towns, with small streets and tightly packed cottages nestled around the quayside, the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth museum, magnificent beaches, superb shops, a lively community of...
"Bayvista" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Just a short drive from iconic St Ives, the seaside village of Carbis Bay is best-known for its beautiful stretch of pure white sand. With turquoise waters and sheltered conditions, the beach feels almost subtropical and is the perfect spot for...
"The Sanctuary" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. One of Cornwall's prettiest harbour towns, St Ives offers narrow streets, tight-packed cottages nestling around the quayside, the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth museum, fabulous beaches, superb shops, a thriving community of artists, great...
"Seahorse Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. One of Cornwall's prettiest harbour towns, St Ives offers narrow streets, tight-packed cottages nestling around the quayside, the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth museum, fabulous beaches, superb shops, a thriving community of artists, great...
"Genoa" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. The beach hamlet of Carbis Bay is well renowned for its magnificent stretch of pure white sand, which is only a short drive from iconic St Ives. The beach feels almost subtropical, with turquoise waters and protected conditions, and is ideal...
"3 Bed Cottage in St Ives" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules - 3 bedrooms – 1 double, 2 singles - 1 bathroom with small bath, shower cubicle and WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine - Smart TV and DVD...
"English Harbour" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. St Ives is one of Cornwall's most charming port towns, with small streets, tightly packed cottages nestled around the quayside, the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth museum, fantastic beaches, excellent shops, a flourishing community of...
"Lighthouse View" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 3 guests in Cornwall. A short drive from St Ives, Carbis Bay is renowned for its stunning length of sugar-sand shoreline. Located on the north coast of the island, the beach features turquoise waters and sheltered circumstances that make it feel nearly tropical. The...
"6 Sandy Lane, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. This property is one of seven beautifully appointed apartments. Set on the first floor of this modern building,with a balcony perfect for dining al fresco and and two double bedrooms, this is the perfect couples retreat.This stylish...
"8 Fernhill, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. The elegantly furnished and beautifully appointed 8 Fernhill is part of a luxurious development of apartments in Carbis Bay and boasts specular sea views. Carbis Bay’s golden beach is a short walk away; here you can enjoy a variety of water...
Popular towns in and around Cornwall:
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Beaches - Cornwall’s beaches are spectacular, and St Ives is no exception. The wiggly coastline at this point means there is a choice of sandy beaches within walking distance of town, with more being only a short drive or bike ride away. Porthmeor Beach is a favourite for swimming and surfing, with Blue Flag status and easy access to the shops, pubs and cafes in town. Porthgwidden Beach is smaller and more sheltered than Porthmeor and popular with families and sunbathers. Lambeth Walk is hidden beneath the water at high tide and is dog-friendly all year round. St Ives is a working fishing town and sitting on Harbour Beach, building sandcastles and watching the boats come in and out is a lovely way to entertain the kids for a few hours.
Museums and galleries - St Ives has had a thriving art scene since the early 1950s. Not only does it have the spectacular Tate St Ives Gallery, but visitors can also enjoy the Barbara Hepworth Museum and the Bernard Leach Pottery and Museum. The town saw the birth of the British Modernist Movement and is home to the renowned St Ives School of Painting where visitors can hone their skills. Browsing St Ives plethora of galleries is a treat, although you will struggle to fit it all in on one day.
Outdoor activities - We can’t talk about St Ives without mentioning the famous South West Coast Path which is perfect for a leisurely summer stroll or for blowing away winter cobwebs. Outdoor activities in St Ives include not only walking, swimming and surfing but also paddle-boarding, coasteering, kayaking, cycling, fishing, golf, tennis, lawn bowls, and horse riding.
Day trips - While there is plenty to see and do in town, it would be a shame to come to St Ives and not explore some of the wider area. St Ives has beautiful countryside as well as breathtaking beaches, so head inland and discover moors, tors and places like Zennor, the tiny hamlet where D. H. Lawrence and, later, Michael Morpugo both lived and wrote in a granite coastal cottage. Beyond St Ives are places like St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, Falmouth, Sennen Cove and Land’s End. Attractions include Minack Theatre, National Maritime Museum, the Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, Newquay Zoo, Flambards Theme Park, and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, as well as multiple National Trust and English Heritage properties.
Views - In a landscape that has inspired artists and photographers for generations, it is no surprise that St Ives and the area around the town has lots of fantastic views to fill your Instagram or to sit and enjoy in the company of your favourite person. The shape of the coast around St Ives means that it is possible to watch the sun rise and set over the water, depending on where you choose your spot.
Food and drink - Fish and seafood are a speciality of St Ives restaurants, with many serving fish unloaded from the harbour that day. Meat eaters and vegetarians are also well catered for in the town, where visitors will find a wealth of establishments to suit all tastes and budgets.
Climate - Being on the edge of the Gulf Stream means that St Ives enjoys a warmer-than-average climate. Hot summer days are cooled by refreshing sea breezes, while warm Gulf Stream currents lead to winters as mild as some Mediterranean resorts. Visitors can expect at least seven hours of sunshine a day in spring and summer, and with a sea temperature that varies between 9C and 19C, it is possible to surf all year round (and swim, if you’re the hardy sort!)
St Ives has everything you could wish for in the perfect holiday so don’t wait - book your self-catering holiday in a St Ives cottage now.
