Holiday rentals in St Ives

Boasting award-winning beaches and turquoise waters, the seaside resort and fishing harbour of St. Ives attracts visitors from across the United Kingdom. It is located on the north coast of Cornwall, the most southwestern county in England. Looking out from the medieval chapel of St. Nicholas on the headland known as “the Island,” you can choose from four beaches, all within walking distance of one other, the most popular being Porthmeor Beach. There are many beachfront cafes that offer lunch with a view.

The harbour lies at the heart of the town, with fishing and leisure boats lined up next to Smeaton’s Pier with its striking lighthouse. The narrowed, cobbled streets of the Downalong mark where fishermen used to live in their terraced cottages, and in the centre you will find a selection of shops and cafes.

As St. Ives is a seaside resort, you will encounter the highest number of visitors during the bank holidays in England and Wales, and from late spring into summer. This is when the streets are filled with people who want to make the most of the sandy beaches and long summer days. September is one of the busiest times of the year, when the town hosts St. Ives Festival. The event takes place over 15 days in the middle of the month and offers a variety of music and arts. If you come to your St. Ives accommodation earlier in the spring or later in the autumn, the weather is still warm and you will be able to appreciate the characterful streets and fishermen’s cottages without so many people around. Keen surfers can visit the town in the winter to ride the biggest waves, particularly in January.

Tate St Ives

When you first arrive in St. Ives, you’ll likely be struck by the special natural quality of the light in this part of England, which has attracted artists since the end of the 19th century. The world-renowned art institution opened a gallery here in 1993 where you can appreciate artworks from people with a connection to the local area. The gleaming white building also gives you views across Porthmeor Beach.

South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path hugs the entire coastline of Cornwall. From St. Ives you can walk on sections that will take you the short distance to Carbis Bay, featuring a fisherman’s lookout hut, a medieval chapel, and a railway line along the way. You may also visit Lelant, where you can see migratory birds flying overhead and wildflowers closer to earth.

Boat trips

One of the best ways to appreciate the rugged coastline and beaches of the north coast of Cornwall is to take a boat trip. You can head to Godrevy Island with its lighthouse and beaches, and pass by Seal Island, where you can watch Atlantic grey seals playing in the water.