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.
Serena sleeps up to 6 guests across three beautifully appointed bedrooms. The spacious master suite occupies the upper floor and features a king-size bed, stunning sea views and a private Nordic sauna. On the lower level, there are two further bedrooms, including a king-size room with sea views and a twin bedroom, making the apartment ideal for couples, families and friends. The property benefits from three bathrooms, ensuring plenty of space and convenience for all guests throughout their stay.
The Tide House sleeps up to 16 guests across six beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms. Four of the bedrooms feature king-size beds, while two family bedrooms offer additional mezzanine sleeping areas, each with two single beds, making them ideal for children, teenagers or additional guests. Every bedroom benefits from its own private en-suite bathroom, ensuring comfort, privacy and convenience for larger groups. The flexible layout makes The Tide House perfect for multi-generational family gatherings, celebrations and group holidays.
Topaz sleeps up to 6 guests across two beautifully appointed bedrooms and a separate snug. Both bedrooms feature luxurious super king-size beds, with one bedroom offering the flexibility to be configured as twin beds if required. The snug includes a comfortable sofa bed, providing additional sleeping space for two guests. The apartment benefits from two stylish bathrooms, making it an ideal choice for couples, families and small groups seeking a relaxing coastal escape.
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.
"Spindrift, St Ives, St Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Living AreaThe gorgeous ground floor living area is open plan with the kitchen. The room is furnished with a pearlescent velvet two-seater sofa, an armchair, a TV cabinet with flat screen TV and occasional tables with a selection of...
"1 Bed Apartment in St Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 double bedroom - 1 en-suite shower room with walk-in shower and WC - Electric oven and hob, fridge, washer/dryer - Night storage heating - SkyTV, DVD,...
"1 Bed Apartment in St. Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 double bedroom - 1 shower room with WC - Integral electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge - TV, DVD player - Please bring your own beach...
"3 Pentowan Court, Carbis Bay" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. This apartment is on the ground floor but there are eight steps down and a step up to the front doorLivingOpen plan with the kitchen and dining areaAn L-shaped sofa, coffee table, bookshelves and Smart TV...
"9 Fernhill Penthouse, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Beautifully furnished and well-equipped, 9 Fernhill Penthouse provides comfortable and contemporary accommodation. The open-plan living accommodation includes a modern and spacious sitting room, dining room and superb kitchen with high quality...
"Offshore, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. This ground floor apartment has one step up to the front doorLiving RoomThis room is open plan with the kitchenFurnished with a 3-seater sofa and an armchair, side tables and a TV cabinet with a Smart TV...
"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...
"5 Sandy Lane Apartments, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. This property has underfloor heatingLiving areaOpen plan with the dining area and kitchen with doors leading out to the balcony which has fabulous sea viewsFurnished with a large sofa, ottoman, side tables, a sideboard and...
"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...
"5 Fernhill, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. The light and airy open-plan living area includes a bespoke kitchen which boasts all mod cons and more, the ideal place to cook up a feast for family and friends. The spacious sitting area boasts a 49 inch LED Smart television with DVD player;...
"Peaceful pod with bay views, walk to 3 beaches" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge 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...
"5 Lyonesse Apartments" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"Infinite Horizon" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"Ninevah" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Lelant is a pretty village in the west of Cornwall, approximately 1.5 miles from Carbis Bay. The South West Coast Path travels through Lelant, along the estuary and past Porth Kidney Sands. Porth Kidney Sands is Lelant's stunning dog friendly...
"1 Bedroom Apartment Sleeps 2 Pets Welcome" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"Apartment 1 Llewellan" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment 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...
"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...
"Laity Vean Hideaway, Carbis Bay" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Living AreaThe living room is in the conservatory and is furnished with two roomy sofas, a coffee table and TV stand with Smart flat screen TV. This room accesses the private garden through French doorsTwo electric...
"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...
"Trenwith Bridge Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. St Ives is a vibrant harbour town nestled on the Cornish coast, home to a wide range of shops, pubs, restaurants, museums, beaches, and a colourful quayside. There are a variety of coastal walks nearby, as well as attractions including the...
"2 Bed Cottage in St Ives" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rules. Please enquire if you wish to bring more than 1 dog - 2 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 bunk bedroom (full size bunk beds). Lovely sea and harbour views can be enjoyed from the master bedroom -...
"1 Bed Apartment in St. Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 double cabin-style bed - 1 wet room with WC - Electric two-ring hob, fridge, microwave, coffee machine - Welcome pack - Smart TV - Hairdryer...
"1 Bed Apartment in St Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - Bedrooms - 1 double - Bathrooms - 1 en-suite shower room with WC - Electric oven, hob, microwave, fridge - Electric coal-effect fire - Flat-screen TV,...
"1 Bed Apartment in St Ives" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cornwall. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 1 king-size bedroom - 1 shower room with double-width shower and WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, larder fridge - Shared laundry room with card-operated...
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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.
