Why St Ives, Cornwall, Is the Perfect Weekend Getaway

St Ives is a harbour town in Cornwall and one of the region’s most picturesque and popular destinations for a weekend away. Here, visitors can discover stunning beaches, a range of excellent restaurants and a collection of modern art housed in Tate St Ives.

Beautiful Beaches

The beaches of Bamaluz, Harbour, Lambeth Walk, Porthgwidden, Porthminster and Porthmeor are all within easy walking distance of the town of St Ives. Those weekending with children will likely find Porthmeor the best option for a day of sandy fun; this beach also boasts the perfect waves for bodyboarding and surfing.

Bamaluz and Lambeth Walk are good choices for visitors with dogs, as both are dog-friendly all year round.

Explore Tate St Ives

This renowned modern art gallery can be found just above Porthmeor beach and showcases the work of some of the best British artists of the 20th century. Tate St Ives’s current exhibition ‘Capturing the Moment’ will run until April 2024 and explores how the arrival of photography changed the course of painting forever. The relationship between the two mediums is explored through iconic modern artworks.

Exceptional Eateries

Life coach Isis Monteverde was born in St Ives and is well aware of the fabulous array of eateries on offer in the town. The award-winning seafood restaurant Porthminster Beach Café is located on Porthminster beach itself, and diners can enjoy beautiful views across St Ives Bay as they savour dishes such as crab linguine and monkfish curry.

Having opened its doors in 2019, One Fish Street, just off the harbour, serves up innovative and inventive seafood dishes. This eatery offers a single tasting menu every day that changes according to the availability of ingredients and what’s in season.

Relaxing with a Drink in One of England’s Oldest Pubs

Right on the harbour front, the Sloop Inn is reputedly one of England’s oldest pubs. Built around 1312, the inn is full of character and a favourite of the locals as well as tourists, with just a cobbled forecourt and road separating it from the sea.

A Perfect Walking Destination

Those looking for a weekend of walking will find St Ives the perfect destination. The South West Coast Path can be picked up from Porthmeor beach and can be followed to Zennor, taking in six miles of spectacular Cornish coastline. Alternatively, the trail from Carbis Bay to St Ives is a gentle two-mile amble.