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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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  • Porthmeor Beach

    Porthmeor Beach

    Dog Friendly

    Wheelchair Accessible

    Bordered by St Ives’ dramatic headlands and located under the shadow of Tate St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is a popular destination for hours of beachside amusement.

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  • Porthminster Beach

    Porthminster Beach

    Dog Friendly

    Wheelchair Accessible

    Having been awarded a Blue Flag, this sheltered and secluded beach is a fantastic destination for families, with beautiful views out to Godrevy Lighthouse.

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  • Porthminster Beach Cafe, St Ives
    Image Credits: Chris Allen - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Porthminster Beach Cafe

    Porthminster Beach
    Carbis Bay
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 2EB

    01736795352

    A beachside eatery offering dishes with an Asian and Mediterranean influence with views of Porthminster Beach.

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  • Porthminster Kitchen, St Ives

    Porthminster Kitchen

    Wharf Rd
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1LG

    01736799874

    A restaurant serving a unique take on Cornish cuisine nestled in the heart of St Ives with spectacular views.

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  • Scoff Troff Cafe, St Ives

    Scoff Troff Cafe

    Market Pl
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1RZ

    01736797341

    A relaxed café set in St Ives offering visitors a delicious breakfast, lunch and evening menu inspired by the owner’s travels.

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  • St Ives, a popular seaside town

    St Ives Harbour

    Wharf Rd
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1LH

    The bustling harbour of one of Cornwall’s most popular towns where visitors can dine, relax and watch boats come and go.

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  • St Ives, a popular seaside town

    St Ives Harbour Beach

    Wharf Rd
    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1LH

    A sandy beach sheltered by harbour walls where visitors can swim, build sandcastles and make the most of the wealth of amenities just a stone’s throw away.

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  • St Ives Railway, Cornwall
    Image Credits: Chris Morgan - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

    St Ives Railway

    Hayle
    Cornwall
    TR27 6JW

    03457 000125

    A scenic railway route from St Erth to St Ives with spectacular views and stunning stops along the way.

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  • St Michael's Way Feature

    St Michael’s Way

    Saint Ives
    Cornwall
    England
    United Kingdom
    TR26 3DT

    A 12.5-mile walk between Lelant and St Michael’s Mount dating back to pre-historic times and used by pilgrims.

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  • St Ives

    Tate St Ives

    Tate St. Ives
    Porthemeor Beach
    St Ives
    Cornwall
    TR26 1TG

    +44 (0)173 679 6226

    An outstanding collection of British art in a revitalising, fresh setting that has a special emphasis on celebrating local St Ives artists and their creations.

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