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
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 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 large secure garden has sea views and is very child and 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.
Luxuriate in the peace and tranquillity of the West Cornish countryside in Phoenix Cottage. Set in extensive secure grounds of some five acres, there is lots of space for children and dogs to run around and play, yet it's cosy enough for couples to enjoy. Phoenix Cottage is a few minutes' walk from the centre of Praze-an-Beeble with its popular family-friendly pub, the St Aubyn Arms, and Philps Bakery where you can buy arguably the best pasties in Cornwall. St Ives and Porthleven are within a 15-minute drive, while Penzance and Falmouth are only another 10 or 15 minutes further. All of West Cornwall's beaches and attractions are well within an hour of Phoenix Cottage which means you can visit fantastic places like the Minack Theatre, Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project without having to spend all day in the car to get there. Phoenix Cottage's owners have taken care to make sure the cottage has everything you could want for a comfortable, safe and enjoyable stay.
You'll be so glad you chose Orchard Barn as your holiday cottage in Cornwall. This charming stone barn conversion is only 10 minutes from St Ives and within easy reach of some of the region's best beaches, including Marazion and St Michael' Mount. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has a layout that works well for families or friends. Kids love the huge enclosed garden with a trampoline while parents appreciate the space and peace of the location - close enough to beaches, shops and restaurants for convenience yet far enough from St Ives and Penzance that you can avoid summer holiday crowds.
Comfortable and welcoming, The Roundhouse is perfect for couples looking for a self-catering holiday in Cornwall with superb beaches, coastal walks and an abundance of attractions within easy reach. Portreath beach is accessible by foot and the many other fabulous beaches of the North Coast including Newquay (great for surfing) and St Ives (fabulous galleries) are within driving distance. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Sitting on the North Coast of Cornwall, this beautifully presented holiday cottage nestles amongst Cornish countryside and has the sandy beach of Portreath within walking distance. Picturesque St Ives, Newquay with its great surfing beaches, Falmouth and the Roseland Peninsula are all an easy drive away. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
The perfect blend of style and character, this cosy 5-Star (Gold) holiday cottage is just perfect for two with an immense amount of character and charm. Surrounded by rolling Cornish countryside and with the golden sands of Portreath within walking distance, guests can enjoy easy access to many of Cornwall's top beaches, attractions and fishing villages when they stay at Mowhay. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
With a welcoming sitting room with beams and log burner, stylish kitchen and two beautifully presented bedrooms, Trengove Wing is an excellent self-catering choice for families and also couples (one or two). Affording an idyllic position with some of Cornwall's finest beaches within easy reach (including Portreath which is just twenty minutes walk), you can spend your days lazing on the beach, walking or discovering the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Beautifully presented, this welcoming self-catering holiday cottage is surrounded by glorious Cornish countryside with a sandy beach within walking distance and fabulous coastal walks on the doorstep. Ideally located for visiting Falmouth, St Ives, Newquay, the Roseland Peninsula and the many attractions Cornwall has to offer. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Old Chapel is away from the hubbub of St Ives yet close enough to walk to beaches and shops. The large holiday home suits families and extended families as it sleeps eight people in four bedrooms with four bathrooms, a garden, and use of the pool and other amenities at the Polmanter Touring Park. The Halsetown Inn is a short walk away, as is the St Michael's Way footpath. Local attractions include Tate St Ives, Flambards, the Seal Sanctuary, and Land's End. Holiday bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible outside of peak season.
Sitting on an arable farm close to St Ives, this beautifully presented retreat for two offers the opportunity to enjoy the perfect mix of both sea and country life. The glorious golden beaches of West Cornwall are under ten minutes away with excellent opportunities for walkers, cyclists and surfers. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Baler House is one of four beautiful holiday cottages just outside of the harbour town of Hayle and close to St Ives. It is ideal for couples or families, as there is plenty of space for four people in two bedrooms and it has easy access to both beautiful countryside and the stunning Cornish coast. Walking, cycling, surfing, fishing and golf are just a few of many activities visitors can enjoy, as well as day trips to places like Penzance, Mousehole, the Minack Theatre and St Michael's Mount. The cottage is furnished to a high standard and provides a warm welcome for guests at any time of the year. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
This gorgeous holiday cottage is just a few miles from St Ives and the coast on a quiet family-run fruit farm within easy reach of beautiful beaches, fantastic footpaths and favourite attractions like Land's End and the Minack Theatre. The king-sized bedroom suite is ideal for couples who want a relaxed, romantic holiday close to the beach and coastal footpath yet surrounded by Cornwall's picturesque countryside. Fishing, cycling, walking and surfing are just a few of many ways visitors can enjoy this incredible landscape, while days out can include visits to Mousehole, Penzance and St Michael's Mount.
The Stable Barn is one of four lovely holiday cottages at Trewoone, a family-run arable farm in the Cornish countryside that is only ten minutes from the coast. The cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is perfect for couples and families who are either travelling on their own or as part of a larger group of extended family and friends using other cottages on site. The coastal town of Hayle is nearby, with St Ives being just a short drive away and sights such as St Michael's Mount and the Minack Theatre all within easy reach. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A cosy 19th Century holiday home with hot tub in the garden, located in a Cornish village of Angarrack just five minutes from Hayle Beach with its golden sands that stretch some three miles! Within easy reach of St Ives, Stargazey Cottage is close to a multitude of attractions for great days out.
Huers Watch sits in an enviable position above St Ives just a two-minute walk from the harbour, beach, cafes and pubs. The period property is part of Pednolver Apartments and is perfect for couples, although it can sleep up to four people thanks to a comfortable sofa-bed. When hired together, the three apartments can accommodate up to 14 people in seven double rooms. All of the best St Ives attractions are virtually on the doorstep including galleries, museums, shops and world-class beaches.
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.
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.
The Penthouse is simply perfect if your idea of a holiday by the sea is being able to enjoy views over the Atlantic ocean from your bedroom, living room, kitchen, sun deck and even the bathroom! Ideally placed in a highly desirable position overlooking both the sea and the attractive town of St Ives, this fabulous top floor apartment enjoys galleries, restaurants, pubs, shops and the harbour within strolling distance (just two minutes!).
St Ives is a holiday destination that appeals to everyone whether you are an art-lover who enjoys fine food and hip bars, or you prefer to spend your time surfing and eating fresh fish and chips on the beach. Just a few minutes' walk from the centre of town, The Stones has incredible beach views and easy access to St Ives' best pubs, cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries. The ground floor apartment is dog-friendly and overlooks St Ives Harbour and town. There is room for four guests in two bedrooms plus a comfortable sofa bed that can sleep two more people, making it perfect for families and friends.
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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.
