Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
25/08/2025
Lina Kivaka, Pexels
St Ives, England, is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, vibrant art scene, and charming cobbled streets, offering visitors a blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty.
The town's social life centres around its bustling harbour and winding streets, which host a variety of restaurants, cafes, and traditional pubs. Evening entertainment leans towards a relaxed atmosphere, featuring live music in pubs and sunset views from beachfront establishments, rather than nightclubs.
Top 6 Things to do in St Ives
Activities in St Ives range from exploring renowned art galleries to relaxing on sandy beaches, engaging in watersports, enjoying coastal hikes, and wildlife spotting boat trips.
1. Visit Tate St Ives
Experience modern and contemporary art, often inspired by the dramatic Cornish landscape, within an iconic building that overlooks Porthmeor Beach. The gallery features changing exhibitions and works by artists associated with St Ives, with panoramic sea views from various vantage points inside. It provides a deeper understanding of St Ives' artistic heritage.
Cost: Adult entry is £15.50 with a donation or £14.00 without. Concessions are available at £14.50 with donation or £13.00 without. Entry is free for visitors aged 18 and under. A Cornwall Residents Annual Locals' Pass costs £10, offering unlimited entry to both Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum.
Transport: The gallery is within a 15-minute walk from St Ives town centre and the railway station. Public transport users may receive a £1 discount on entry. While there are short-stay car parks nearby (Porthmeor and Barnoon), parking in St Ives can be challenging; using the St Erth Park & Ride train service into St Ives is recommended.
2. Explore the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Step into the former home and studio of the influential sculptor Barbara Hepworth. The museum showcases her abstract sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Her larger works are beautifully displayed within a sub-tropical sculpture garden, offering a unique insight into her creative process in the very environment that inspired her.
Cost: Admission is £11 with a donation or £10 without. Concessions are £10 with donation or £9 without. Entry is free for visitors aged 18 and under. The Cornwall Residents Annual Locals' Pass (at £10) includes entry to this museum.
Transport: The museum is a short walk from St Ives town centre, approximately an 8-minute walk from St Ives Station. Taxis from the station take about 2 minutes and cost between £4-£6. Limited on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Enjoy St Ives' Beaches: Porthmeor and Porthminster
Spend time on St Ives' renowned sandy beaches. Porthmeor Beach, facing the Atlantic, is popular for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, with a surf school offering lessons and rentals. Porthminster Beach, a Blue Flag beach, is more sheltered, making it ideal for families and gentle swimming, offering stunning views towards Godrevy Lighthouse and an award-winning beach cafe.
Cost: Access to the beaches is free. Surf lessons and equipment rentals are available at St Ives Surf School on Porthmeor Beach. Mini-golf is available at Porthminster Beach.
Transport: Both beaches are easily accessible by foot from St Ives town centre. Porthminster Beach is conveniently located just a short walk from the St Ives train station.
4. Walk a Section of the South West Coast Path
Experience the dramatic coastal scenery of Cornwall by walking a section of the South West Coast Path. For a gentler experience, a walk towards Carbis Bay takes approximately 45 minutes and offers breathtaking views across St Ives Bay. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the path west towards Zennor (around 6 miles) features steep climbs and rocky terrain, rewarding walkers with wild, expansive views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The South West Coast Path is directly accessible from various points within St Ives. The walk to Carbis Bay can be complemented by a short, scenic train ride back to St Ives.
5. Take a Boat Trip to Seal Island or Godrevy Lighthouse
Depart from St Ives Harbour for a boat trip that offers a chance to see colonies of Atlantic Grey Seals at Seal Island (The Carracks), about 3.5 miles west, or near Godrevy Lighthouse. Depending on the season and conditions, you might also spot dolphins, porpoises, or basking sharks, providing a memorable wildlife encounter from the sea.
Cost: A 25-30 minute St Ives Bay cruise costs around £18 per person. Longer trips to Seal Island or Godrevy Lighthouse are typically around 1 hour and cost approximately £30 for adults and £15 for children under 12. Two-hour sea safaris may cost around £55 per person. Many operators welcome dogs for free.
Transport: Boat trips depart from St Ives Harbour, which is centrally located and easily walkable from most parts of the town.
6. Wander the 'Down-a-long' and Harbour Area
Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of St Ives by exploring its narrow, cobbled streets, locally known as the 'Down-a-long,' and the bustling harbour area. This historic part of town is filled with independent shops, artisan galleries, inviting cafes, and traditional pubs. It's an ideal place to discover unique local crafts, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply observe the daily life of a working fishing port.
Cost: Varies depending on personal shopping and dining choices; wandering itself is free.
Transport: This area is the heart of St Ives and is easily explored on foot from anywhere in the town.
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