One Perfect Day in St Ives
Ah, St Ives. It’s one of Cornwall’s best-known names and for good reason. Beaches that wouldn’t look out of place in the Med, a light that’s drawn artists for over a century, and a town centre that’s all windy alleys and ice cream shops — what’s not to love?
Well, let’s be honest: in the peak of summer, the crowds can make it a bit much. Parking is tricky, queues are long, and the narrow streets fill up fast. That’s why we always recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons if you can. Come in late spring or early autumn and you’ll find space to breathe, light that’s still glorious, and the same soft sands without needing to jostle for a deckchair.
But whether you’re braving the crowds or sneaking in for a peaceful off-peak wander, we’ve put together everything you need to make the most of a day in St Ives — from how to get in, to where to eat, swim, walk, and shop.
Getting There: Park and Ride is Your Best Friend
If you’re visiting St Ives from Trewena, it’s about a 50–55 minute drive across the spine of Cornwall. But don’t even think about trying to park in the town centre in high season. Instead, we highly recommend using the St Erth Park and Ride.
Where to park:
- St Erth Station Park and Ride — postcode: TR27 6JW
- From here, hop on the scenic branch line train to St Ives. It’s a short, beautiful ride (about 10 minutes), hugging the coast with glorious sea views. Trains run regularly throughout the day.
Trewena Tip: The train journey from St Erth to St Ives is an experience in itself — sit on the right-hand side for the best views!
First Stop: Hit the Beach (or At Least Admire It)
One of St Ives’ major calling cards is its beaches — and there are a lot of them for such a small place. Depending on your mood (and tide times), you’ve got a few to choose from.
Porthminster Beach
Just below the station, this is the beach that greets you as you arrive. It’s wide, sandy, and has a slightly more relaxed feel than the ones closer to town.
Porthmeor Beach
Backed by the Tate, this is one of the best beaches in Cornwall for swimming, surfing and sunset watching. Big skies, great waves, and people-watching galore.
Harbour Beach
Right in the centre of town, the harbour beach appears magically at low tide. Ideal for paddling with little ones or just lounging near the buzz of the waterfront.
Bamaluz and Porthgwidden
Tucked away between rocks and cottages, these smaller beaches feel like little secrets. Bamaluz is dog-friendly all year, while Porthgwidden is great for a quieter swim or sunbathe.
Swim Tip: Bring a towel, swim gear, and don’t forget a windbreak if it’s breezy. The water here is stunning — clear and turquoise on a sunny day.
Art and Soul: Culture Stops in St Ives
Art is woven into the fabric of St Ives, from the world-famous Tate St Ives to local artists selling their work straight from studios.
Tate St Ives
A clean, modern gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach. Exhibitions vary, but always with a focus on modern and contemporary art. There’s usually something thought-provoking or visually spectacular — and the architecture alone is worth a visit.
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Don’t miss this. Tucked just behind the high street, the house and garden showcase one of Britain’s most important sculptors, and it’s a deeply atmospheric place to wander. The garden, with her bronze sculptures nestled among sub-tropical plants, is quietly stunning.
Local galleries
You’ll find dozens of smaller galleries and artist studios dotted throughout the town. Just walk and wander. You might stumble on a hidden gem.
Cultural Tip: If you’re an art lover, you could spend a whole day just gallery-hopping here. Check local listings for pop-up exhibitions or open studios.
Lunch and Snacks: Something for Everyone
You won’t go hungry in St Ives. Whether you’re after a fresh seafood lunch, a pasty on the go, or a proper sit-down meal with a view, this little town has you covered.
There are options for all tastes and budgets — from family-friendly cafés to fine dining spots — and naturally, being Cornwall, there’s some brilliant seafood on offer. Around the harbour, you’ll find plenty of pub menus and ice cream parlours vying for your attention, often with outside seating perfect for a sunny day.
Pasties and ice cream shops are dotted everywhere, and most of them are excellent. But a word to the wise: the seagulls are brazen. If you’re planning a pasty or cone, it’s worth finding a quiet spot or sitting indoors if you can — they’ve been known to snatch food straight from unsuspecting hands!
Seagull Warning: They’re sneaky. Don’t wave your pasty around.
Wandering the Town
One of the best things to do in St Ives is to just explore. The town is a tangle of narrow lanes (the “Downalong” area especially), with whitewashed cottages, bunting, and a mix of shops ranging from the charmingly odd to genuinely beautiful.
Expect to find art galleries, craft shops, independent bookshops, and plenty of places to pick up a keepsake or two. It’s a browser’s paradise and a great way to soak up the town’s creative atmosphere.
Exploring Tip: Some streets are very steep or cobbled — wear good shoes.
Coastal Walks
If you’ve had your fill of the town’s buzz, head out for a walk. The South West Coast Path leads in both directions from St Ives, with beautiful views and plenty of sea air.
Walk West: Towards Zennor
This is a longer, wilder walk for the keen. The path snakes around rugged cliffs and hidden coves. Zennor is about 6 miles away, and you can grab a taxi back.
Walk East: Towards Carbis Bay
Much easier. A 25-minute stroll on a clear path with sea views all the way. You can even stop off for a dip at Carbis Bay Beach.
Walking Tip: Bring water and suncream. Even a short stroll can take longer when you’re stopping every five minutes to stare at the view.
Late Afternoon: Ice Cream or Aperitif?
Before you leave, grab a scoop of something cold or settle into one of the town’s many harbour-side bars or beach cafés for a relaxed drink.
There’s no shortage of spots to unwind with a pint or a cocktail while watching the sun dip towards the sea. From historic inns to stylish beach bars, you’ll find something to match your mood.
Getting Back to Trewena
Grab the train back to St Erth and you’ll be home at Trewena in under an hour. Time it right and you’ll catch the late sun falling across the coast.
Final Thoughts
St Ives is busy. It’s beautiful. It’s brilliant. But it can be overwhelming in August, so take it at your own pace. Come early. Stay late. Avoid the busiest times. And remember: it’s not about ticking off every sight. It’s about being there — toes in the sand, sketchbook in hand, or just staring out to sea.
Back at Trewena, you’ll appreciate the calm all the more.
Need help planning your trip? We’re always happy to check train times, suggest quieter corners, or point you to the best coffee spot. Just ask when you check in!
