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
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.
Ideally placed in the very heart of the Cornish fishing village of Newlyn, Seabreeze Cottage is just a short walk from a great choice of pubs, a Micheline Star restaurant, the harbour with its famous fish market and the South West Coastal Path. Close to Mousehole, Penzance (where you can catch a ferry to the Scilly Isles), St Michaels Mount and within easy reach of the areas many attractions including St Ives, the Minack Theatre and Lands End. One dog welcome and great for walkers and those with a passion for outdoor adventures, as well as relaxing by the sea.
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'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.
"Porthgwidden Cottage, Lelant" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Nestled in the heart of the village of Lelant, Porthgwidden Cottage is a delightful Grade II listed, three-storey retreat. Lovingly refurbished to combine timeless character with modern comforts, this enchanting cottage offers a warm and...
"Zareba, St Ives" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. As you enter Zareba, you'll find the first kitchen, which is sleek, stylish, and thoughtfully equipped with a gas range cooker, dishwasher, and American-style fridge/freezer. Adjacent to the kitchen is the inviting dining room, offering seating...
"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...
"Mordros, St Ives" is a 3 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. *This property backs on to the main road into St Ives so is perfect for accessing all of the town's restaurants and attractionsLiving RoomLocated on the second floor with French doors opening out to a Juliet balcony which has...
"3 Sandy Lane, Carbis Bay " is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Arrive, drop your suitcases, grab the surfboards and head straight down to the azure blue waters and white sands of Carbis Bay. Nestled between Gwithian Sands and St Ives, this stretch of coastline is renowned for its crystal-clear colours and...
"Island View" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay, a little seaside village near St Ives, is well-known for its stunning stretch of sugar-white sand beach. The beach has a tropical vibe thanks to its turquoise waves and sheltered location, making it ideal for an old-fashioned day at...
"Treetops" is a 4 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 8 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay is most renowned for its gorgeous stretch of pure white sand, which is only a short drive from the famous St. Ives. With its turquoise seas and sheltered conditions, the beach is ideal for a traditional day at the beach. The beach...
"3 The Manor, Porthkidney Sands, Lelant" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 8 guests in Cornwall. Ground Floor ApartmentLiving Room AreaThis room flows into the dining area and has ample seating that includes two leather sofas and an armchair. The room has a feature fireplace and large archways that access the kitchen and the...
"Rosewall Retreat" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. St. Ives is one of the most picturesque harbour towns in Cornwall, with its winding lanes and quaint cottages clustered along the water's edge. Visitors can also enjoy the town's proximity to the Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, as...
"2 Bed Apartment in St. Ives" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 2 bedrooms – 2 doubles - 1 shower room with shower and WC - Electric oven and hob, fridge with ice box, washing machine and microwave - Smart TV in the...
"2 Salubrious Terrace" is a 3 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 6 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...
"Labour in Vain" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. One of Cornwall's prettiest harbour towns, St Ives offers fabulous beaches, shops, a thriving arts scene, great pubs and restaurants and much more. The surrounding area has much to see and do, with abundant wildlife, fabulous coastal walks,...
"Beach Haven" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay, a seaside community in St Ives, is well known for its stunning stretch of sugar-white sand beach. The beach has a subtropical feel to it thanks to the turquoise water and the shady setting, making it ideal for a lazy day at the...
"Celeste" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Resting in the heart of Cornwall is the picturesque seaside village of Carbis Bay, a beautiful hub boasting a host of pubs and restaurants that are just a short walk away, as well as handy convenience stores and fantastic beaches boasting pure...
"Gennaker" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cornwall. Carbis Bay is a delightsome village enjoying Cornwall's north west coast, flanked by the coastal resorts of St Ives and Hayle. The village is served by a stunning, Blue Flag beach, which not only offers a range of watersports opportunities with...
"2A Salubrious Terrace" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 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...
"Ocean Shore" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. St Ives, Cornwall has been a seaside resort since the 19th century. It is a small but thriving town with a rich and varied history. The Tate St Ives gallery and the Barbara Hepworth Museum are popular tourist attractions and exhibit some of the...
"Sparrows Nest" is a 5 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 10 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...
"St. Dominic 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...
"Hidden 20- Gallery Hot Tub" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"Hidden 19- Coastal Hot Tub" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"Hidden 11- Porthmeor View" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"Hidden 9- Grand Bay Suite Hot Tub" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Close to the southern edge of Bodmin Moor, the pretty village of St Ive (there are three parts) is characterised by rolling green fields, stone circles, rocky tors and a labyrinth of paths winding through the countryside. Though the community...
"Hidden 15- Garden Hot Tub" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment 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...
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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.
