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Things to do in St Ives

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Discover the best things to do in St Ives using our guide

If you are wondering what to do in St Ives, then our compact guide to all the best things to do has you covered!

Enjoying a prime position on the Cornish coastline is the ever-beautiful St Ives. Complete with an idyllic harbour, a maze of cobbled streets and alleyways and an extensive collection of galleries, there is certainly a plethora of great things to do in St Ives.

Beaches in St Ives

One of the best things to do in St Ives is catching some waves at one of the many beaches this narrow peninsula plays host to! Despite being a relatively small coastal town, St Ives offers an inordinate amount of beaches that are considered some of the best beaches in Cornwall. Positioned in the shadow of the iconic Tate St Ives gallery is the bustling Porthmeor Beach, which is a popular destination for surfing and swimming, whilst Porthminster Beach offers exceptional views of Godrevy Lighthouse. Other beaches near St Ives include; Gwithian Towans Beach and Carbis Bay Beach, both offering more peaceful moments, away from the usual hustle and bustle of a coastal resort.

Attractions in St Ives

Choose to spend each morning exploring the pretty harbour, littered with eateries and cafés before treating yourself to a spot of retail therapy with a visit to Fore Street. Another great thing to do in St Ives is to visit the Tate St Ives gallery. The recently remodelled and extended gallery offers visitors the chance to explore numerous interesting and innovative exhibitions of modern art and is one of the top things to do in St Ives. Those with children can look forward to a day out at Paradise Park, whilst those seeking more culture can pay a visit to the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden.

Activities in St Ives

In addition to great surfing and watersport opportunities on the local beaches, you will find a number of great things to do in St Ives that the entire family can get involved with. Boat trips to Seal Island is a popular activity for many when visiting this part of Cornwall, offering a great opportunity to get up close to a colony of grey seals. On this excursion, you can also look forward to views of the rugged coastline and Porthmeor Beach, as well as a whole host of other fascinating wildlife!

Continue reading to discover more great things to do in St Ives…

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  • Knill’s Monument

    Worvas
    St Ives
    TR26 2AY

    Head to Worvas Hill to see this fascinating monument dating back over two centuries.

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  • Lakeside Cabin Cafe

    Lakeside Cabin Cafe

    Nance Lakes
    Lelant
    St Ives
    TR26 3EZ

    07387 833309

    Homemade cakes, cream teas, breakfast and lunch are served up lakeside at this hidden gem.

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  • Leach Pottery

    Higher Stennack
    St Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 2HE

    01736 799703

    Visit the original home and workplace of potter Bernard Leach and take home some pieces made by talented Leach potters.

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  • Lelant Station to St Ives
    Image Credits: Jane White - CC BY-SA 3.0

    Lelant Station to St Ives

    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    England
    United Kingdom
    TR26 3DQ

    Follow the railway line from Lelant to St Ives and explore relics from ancient history along with local birdlife on this moderate walk.

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  • Seafood platter

    Mermaid Seafood Restaurant

    21 Fish St
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1LT

    01736 796816

    A family-owned restaurant in St Ives serving up freshly caught fish, locally farmed meat and wines from a carefully curated wine list.

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  • man admiring contemporary art

    New Craftsman Gallery

    24 Fore St
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1HE

    01736795652

    A gallery exhibiting the work of over 100 painters, potters, sculptors and fine art jewellers set in St Ives.

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  • Paradise Park

    Paradise Park

    16 Trelissick Rd
    Hayle
    TR27 4HY

    Award-winning Paradise Park features over 130 species, many colourful birds, plus, otters, red pandas and more. Amazing summer flying shows, close encounters and a JungleBarn indoor play centre.

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  • Penwith Gallery, Feature

    Penwith Gallery

    Back Rd E
    Saint Ives
    TR26 1NL

    01736 795579

    After a moment of peacefulness amidst lovely artwork? Come to Penwith Gallery.

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  • Porthgwidden Beach

    Porthgwidden Beach

    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    England
    United Kingdom
    TR26 1NR

    A well-equipped beach nestled beneath the grassy slopes of St Ives with stunning views out to Godrevy Lighthouse.

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  • porthkidney beach

    Porthkidney Beach

    Lelant: St Uny
    Church Rd
    Lelant
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 3DY

    A mile-long stretch of sand between the mouth of the River Hayle in Lelant to Hawk’s Point in Carbis Bay.

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