Whether you’re heading to St Ives for its world-famous art scene, scenic coastal walks, or just to enjoy a Cornish pasty on the beach, this guide will help you plan the perfect trip. After living in Cornwall for over a year and visiting St Ives more times than we can count, we’ll cover everything you need to know as a first-time visitor.
Discover how to get to the seaside village of St Ives (including parking tips), the best time to visit, and the events happening throughout the year. With sample itineraries for day trips and weekend getaways, this guide will save you time and help you make the most of your visit.
CONTENTS
Introduction
Is St Ives worth visiting?
How to get to St Ives?
How to get around St Ives?
When is the best time to visit St Ives?
Best beaches in and around St Ives
Best cafes in St Ives
Where to shop in St Ives?
Best things to do in St Ives
Sample itineraries for St Ives
Where to stay in St Ives?
How to use this guide
Use the contents table above to jump straight to the sections you need, whether that is deciding if St Ives is right for you, figuring out how to get here, or planning your perfect road trip in Cornwall.
This guide is based on real experiences and is designed to help you plan a flexible and responsible trip. Feel free to customise the itinerary based on your interests and travel pace. Whether you want to focus more on relaxing beach days, exploring cultural sites, or enjoying local food and festivals, this guide can help you plan a trip that suits you best.
Tucked into the north coast of Cornwall, just above Penzance, the picturesque Cornish village of St Ives is known for its golden beaches and narrow cobbled streets. Surrounded by water on three sides, its unique location captures a soft, shifting light that gives everything a golden edge. This glow has drawn artists, writers, photographers, and travellers for generations, and it still does today.
When visiting Cornwall for the first time, St Ives is a must-see. Known for its artistic and cultural influences, the town also offers a huge selection of shops, cafés, restaurants, and outdoor activities right on its doorstep. As a working fishing town, it’s framed by a charming harbour full of boats, providing fresh seafood and boat trips to nearby wildlife spots.
St Ives is home to several stunning sandy beaches, perfect for water sports, swimming, and relaxing. As one of the most popular seaside towns in Cornwall, it's a wonderful place to explore for a taste of Cornish charm, with plenty to see and do during your coastal getaway.
If you’re planning a longer trip around Cornwall, don’t miss our Best 15 Things to Do in Cornwall and Ultimate Beach Guide for even more adventures beyond St Ives.
Is St Ives worth visiting?
A coastal getaway to St Ives has a way of slowing time. Watch the waves roll in on Porthmeor Beach, take a moment to relax on the sand, and let the fresh sea air calm your nerves and melt your worries away.
Whether you're staying for a weekend or just visiting on a day trip, St Ives is well worth adding to your Cornwall itinerary. It caters to art lovers, outdoor adventurers, foodies, those in search of retail therapy, and anyone who simply loves the seaside.
How to Get to St Ives?
By Car
Avoid driving in the town centre as the streets are narrow and, especially for bigger cars, it can be a bit of a nightmare to navigate. We’d highly recommend parking outside the centre of St Ives. There are several short-stay and long-stay car parks in St Ives and the surrounding area, with easy access to the scenic fishing town.
Trenwith Car Park and Ride - One of the largest and most convenient car parks, with over 750 spaces. It fills up fast, so aim to arrive early. There’s a shuttle bus into town, or you can walk; the car park is at the top of a hill. Ideal for motorhomes or campervans. No overnight parking permitted.
St Ives Rugby Club - Plenty of parking a little further outside the town centre. A shuttle bus runs into town for £2.50 return, and parking here is among the cheapest in St Ives. Also suitable for motorhomes and campervans.
The Island Car Park - Central and convenient, but you'll need to drive through some narrow streets to reach it. Parking fills quickly. No bus connection needed. Not suitable for motorhomes or campervans.
TOP TIP | Planning to stay for the week in St Ives? Buy a Rover Ticket, which allows you to park in any of the five long-stay Cornwall Council car parks (Barnoon, Island, Park Avenue, Station, and Trenwith).
By Train
This stretch of coastline boasts some of the best train rides in the UK, and the section from St Erth Station to St Ives is one of the most beautiful. With a convenient park and ride at St Erth, you can leave your car for the day and enjoy a scenic arrival into St Ives by train.
London to St Ives - Great Western Railway runs regular services from London Paddington to St Erth. From there, you can catch a connecting train to St Ives. The journey takes just over 6 hours in total.
You also have the option to board the Night Riviera Sleeper from London Paddington to Penzance, allowing you to sleep overnight and wake up in Cornwall. From Penzance, you can take a train to St Erth, and then on to St Ives.
St Erth Station Park and Ride - With over 500 spaces, St Erth Park and Ride is a great option if you want a stress-free arrival and one of the most scenic train rides in Cornwall. All-day parking is available for £5, followed by a short 15-minute journey into St Ives along the coast. Larger spaces are available for campervans and motorhomes.
How to get around St Ives?
It’s best to avoid driving around St Ives. The roads are narrow and winding, with cobbled streets in some areas. This can make driving difficult and stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
The best way to get around the town is on foot. Most places are within easy walking distance. If you plan to explore areas just outside of St Ives, bus and train links are available.
By Bus
There are two main bus services in St Ives: the Royal Bus Network and St Ives Bus Company.
St Ives Bus Company serves Stennack, Carbis Bay, Hayle, the Leisure Centre Car Park, Town Centre, Leach Pottery, and Porthmeor.
Royal Buses connects St Ives with Polmanter Touring Park, Trenwith Car Park, Trevalgan Touring Park, and Penderleath Campsite.
When is the Best time to visit St Ives?
St Ives is a year-round destination, with each season offering a variety of events and activities suited to different times of the year. Here’s a breakdown of what each season has to offer to help you choose the best time to visit based on your interests and what you won’t want to miss.
Summer (June–August)
Summer in St Ives is the best time to make the most of the beautiful sandy beaches. It’s ideal for families and those wanting to swim, surf, and sunbathe, as the weather is usually warm and sunny, and sea temperatures are at their warmest.
With this comes an influx of visitors during the summer holidays at the end of July and August, when the streets can become packed and it may be difficult to get around quickly. So either embrace the crowds or, if you prefer to enjoy St Ives with fewer people, consider visiting outside of July and August.
Be sure to book accommodation and restaurant reservations well in advance due to the increase in visitors. Enjoy seasonal events such as St Ives Lifeboat Day in August, which features cake stalls and games, with all proceeds going to the RNLI, an organisation that saves around 32 lives each year. The St Ives Carnival is a colourful parade suitable for families and everyone, with live music and free admission.
Autumn (September–October)
As most of the summer crowds diminish, the weather remains warm and allows you to explore outside, perfect for hikers, and the autumn light is particularly beautiful, attracting artists and photographers. The museums and nearby attractions will be much quieter, allowing you to enjoy the art galleries without the crowds.
The St Ives September Festival is an event worth visiting, celebrating cultural and artistic expression through music, poetry, comedy, art exhibitions, talks, theatre and workshops. The Cornwall Film Festival in October is hosted by St Ives, celebrating Cornish and International cinema.
Winter (November–February)
Cornwall in winter is one of its best-kept secrets. Enjoy dramatic coastal scenery and mild temperatures, as it rarely freezes or snows in St Ives. Many galleries and cafés stay open, offering a cosy refuge after your outdoor adventures.
Watch the waves roll in during a storm from a warm pub or seaside cottage, and take advantage of excellent accommodation deals for a romantic getaway. Many beaches lift dog restrictions in winter, making it the perfect time to explore Cornwall’s stunning coastline with your four-legged friend.
You’ll encounter even fewer crowds during the winter months, and there are plenty of festive events to keep you entertained, especially around Christmas. The Christmas Lights and Lantern Parade brings Santa to St Ives by boat and marks the official switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights. New Year’s Eve features spectacular fireworks and a lively fancy dress street party.
Spring (March–May)
One of our favourite times in Cornwall is May, when the flowers are in bloom and the weather is warm, making it ideal for nature lovers keen to get outside and enjoy the sea thrifts and gorse that blanket the cliffs in colour.
It’s the perfect time to explore the South West Coast Path, try outdoor activities, and make the most of the longer days in St Ives. Don’t miss the St Ives Food and Drink Festival in May, where all the action takes place on the beach with live cooking demos, street food, and music.
Where to Eat and Drink in St Ives
The food scene in St Ives is impressive, especially considering the size of the town, with historic pubs, independent cafés, and some of the best bakeries serving freshly baked goods. You won’t go hungry.
There are plenty of places to enjoy food and drink in St Ives, whether savouring fresh seafood with a sea view or traditional fish and chips on the beach.
Coffee & Ice Cream
St Ives is home to an incredible coffee culture, with independent cafés serving locally roasted beans with sea views and some of the best ice cream in Cornwall.
Mount Zion Coffee - A small café by the pier, serious about good quality coffee.
Yallah Coffee - single-origin coffee roasted in Cornwall with sustainability in mind, and serves delicious coffee.
Moomaid of Zennor - One of our favourite Cornish ice cream brands, serving mouthwatering flavours and best enjoyed while looking out over the harbour.
FOOD in St Ives
Whether you’re after fresh seafood, international cuisine, or a casual café, St Ives has many stylish and more cosy eating spots to choose from.
Porthminster Beach Café - Overlooking Porthminster beach, enjoy some of the best seafood from this award-winning café.
St Eia - A gorgeous restaurant and wine bar serving seasonal dishes near Porthmeor beach.
Talay Thai - Delicious authentic Thai food with harbour views.
West Greek - Fancy Mediterranean cuisine, feast on generous portions of gyros, souvlaki and grilled plates of homemade Greek delight.
Onzo Pizzeria - For the pizza lovers, head to Onzo for wood-fired pizza in a cosy setting or get a takeaway and enjoy on the beach.
The Fish Shed - On Porthmeor beach, enjoy fresh seafood with a sea view.
Peppers Pasta & Pizza - The best Italian in St Ives, serving you guessed it, Pizza and Pasta!
St Ives Bakery – A must for pasties, pastries and freshly baked goods to eat on the go when wandering the streets of St Ives. Make sure to guard your goods from the seagulls.
Harbour View House - A relaxed atmosphere, serving high-quality dishes using local ingredients.
Drinks in St IVes
Enjoy a glass of wine, craft beer or cocktail with sweeping sea views.
Silco - Located on the harbour, it serves contemporary small plates, cocktails, all within a stylish setting.
The Sloop Inn - the most iconic and oldest pub in St Ives.
Where to Shop in St Ives
Shopping in St Ives is a must, especially for those who love discovering local Cornish treasures crafted with creative flair and thoughtful design. The town is home to several independent boutiques and studios where you’ll find handmade ceramics, prints, jewellery, artisanal food, and high-quality clothing.
Take a stroll along Fore Street, where you’ll find some of the best shopping in St Ives. Discover beautiful homeware boutiques like The Painted Bird, Atlantic Blankets, The Paper Sailor, and Illustrated Living. If you're on the hunt for quality clothing, stop by Cornish-made brand Finisterre for sustainable wear, and check out Common Wanderer and Academy & Co for timeless pieces.
Looking for something special to take home? A little outside the main town centre, don’t miss a visit to The Leach Pottery. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique piece of Cornish art and explore the museum and working pottery studio.
Don’t miss the weekly St Ives Farmers’ Market every Monday from 9:30 am to 2 pm at the Island Centre (next to the Island car park). You’ll find local honey, cheese, seasonal vegetables, cakes, soap, flowers, fresh fish, and handmade jams and chutneys.
Best Things to Do in St Ives
Whether you're taking a day trip to St Ives or staying for the week, you’ll find there’s something for everyone. Whether you love shopping, heading out on a boat tour, or enjoying a coastal walk, St Ives has it all. Some of the best things to do in St Ives that you won’t find elsewhere include the iconic Tate St Ives and the beautiful Barbara Hepworth Museum.
BOOK YOUR TICKET | Tate St Ives Entry Ticket
BOOK YOUR TICKET | Barbara Hepworth Museum Entry Ticket
For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as surfing on Porthmeor, paddleboarding, kayaking, and walking along the South West Coast Path. If you're more interested in relaxing by the sea, don’t miss our list of the best beaches in St Ives in the next section.
READ MORE | Best Things to Do in St Ives Guide
Best Beaches in and Around St Ives
St Ives is spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches, with several stunning golden sandy options all within walking distance of the town centre. The clarity and colour of the water in St Ives are truly exceptional, making it a firm family favourite.
Larger, more wild and windswept beaches are just a short drive or train ride away, ensuring there’s a beach for every kind of visitor. Just be sure to check tide times before heading out to stay safe and avoid getting cut off.
Whether you’re looking to catch the surf at Porthmeor, take a sea dip in the harbour, or hop on the train to Carbis Bay, you’ll find plenty of beaches to spend most of your time in St Ives, soaking in the sea views and vibrant turquoise shallow waters.
Each beach in St Ives has its own unique feel and offers a different experience, so you may prefer one over another based on personal preference. Make sure to visit more than one!
READ MORE | Detailed guide to the Best beaches in St Ives
A Day in St Ives Itinerary
Morning
Arrive early at one of the long-stay car parks or take the scenic train ride from St Erth into St Ives. Grab a coffee and a pasty from Mount Zion Coffee or Yallah Coffee by the harbour. Take your time wandering the cobbled streets of St Ives and browsing the local boutiques on Fore Street.
Visit Tate St Ives or Barbara Hepworth Museum to learn about the village’s artistic heritage. Then enjoy a coastal walk around The Island, taking in the views across the Atlantic Ocean and discovering the small chapel at the top.
Lunch
If you're in the mood for a treat, enjoy a delicious lunch at Porthminster Beach Café, overlooking the sand and sea. Prefer something more casual? Pick up sandwiches from The Yellow Canary Café and eat in the stunning and peaceful memorial gardens near St Ia’s Parish Church.
Or grab a traditional Cornish pasty from St Ives Bakery and eat by the harbour. Just keep an eye out for seagulls!
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon on one of St Ives’ stunning beaches. Porthminster Beach is a fantastic option for families, with plenty of space and calm waters for swimming. If you're up for a little adventure, take a walk along the South West Coast Path to Carbis Bay, or join a boat tour to Seal Island to spot local wildlife.
Before heading back, treat yourself to ice cream from Moomaid of Zennor; you’ve earned it after all that walking.
Evening
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Silco, where you can savour delicious, simple dishes with views over the harbour. If the weather is clear, make time for sunset at Porthmeor Beach. You could also dine at Porthmeor Beach Café, where you can enjoy your meal as the sun dips below the horizon.
If you're heading back by train, check the return times to St Erth in advance, especially if you're visiting in the quieter months when services may be less frequent.
Where to Stay in St Ives
We recently stayed in the Pods at Carbis Bay, a perfect hideaway nestled in the Cornish countryside. These luxury pods come complete with a welcome hamper, private hot tubs, and access to a shared on-site sauna and spa. Cosy yet stylish, the glamping pods are part of the Carbis Bay Collection, which also gives guests access to the iconic C Bay Spa at the Carbis Bay Hotel.
BOOK YOUR STAY | Luxury Glamping Pods at POD St Ives
If luxury hotels in Cornwall are what you’re looking for, then check out our handpicked list of the best boutique hotels in Cornwall for stunning places to stay near St Ives and beyond.
This easy-to-use map below will help you find your dream stay in St Ives. Select your dates in the search bar below, and compare the best prices across the main booking sites to show you the best deals.
READ MORE | Best places to stay in St Ives | Hotels, B&Bs and campsites
