Our Guide to St Ives: The 10 Best Things to Do

Golden beaches, a picturesque harbour and an artistic heritage that’s drawn painters and potters for over a century – it’s no wonder St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations. 

It’s even been named among the best towns in England for a two-day recharge, with WorldAtlas pointing to its sandy beaches and clear, blue-green water as more reminiscent of the Mediterranean than the UK. Whether you’ve got a single afternoon or a full weekend, here’s our pick of the best things to do in St Ives.

Key takeaways:

• St Ives is famous for its art scene, its beaches and its winding harbourside streets – and it has more than enough to fill a long weekend.
• Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay beaches each have a different character, so it’s worth knowing which one suits your day before you head down.
• Beyond the obvious highlights, boat trips, cycling and hands-on pottery experiences are all well worth building into your visit.
• Staying nearby at Cornish Meadows puts you within easy reach of everything on this list, with somewhere relaxed to come back to at the end of the day.

1. A rich canvas: delve into St Ives’ art scene

St Ives has been an artists’ town for well over a century, and that reputation is very much still earned today. Start at Tate St Ives, perched right above Porthmeor Beach, before taking in the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, where the sculptor’s former studio and garden remain much as she left them. From there, it’s worth simply wandering into the numerous independent galleries tucked into the town’s older streets – many run by working artists happy to talk about their process. 

WorldAtlas points to gallery-hopping and exploring Downalong (one of St Ives’ oldest neighbourhoods, known for its narrow lanes and traditional stone cottages) as one of the best ways to spend time in the town.

2. Bask on St Ives’ beautiful beaches

St Ives isn’t short on beaches, and each has its own personality. Porthmeor Beach is the town’s surf beach, backed by the Tate and popular with beginners and experienced surfers alike. Porthminster Beach, a short walk from the town centre, is the more family-friendly option, with softer sand and calmer water. Carbis Bay, just over a mile away, offers a quieter, more sheltered stretch of sand if you fancy a bit more space. Between the three, there’s a fit for every kind of beach day.

3. Wander the charming streets and harbour

Part of St Ives’ charm is simply getting lost in it. The narrow, winding streets of Downalong lead you past traditional stone cottages and out onto a harbour that’s still a genuinely working fishing base, not just a pretty backdrop. 

Along the way, pop into independent shops like The Paper Sailor and The Painted Bird for gifts, The Common Wanderer for outdoor wear and Cream Cornwall for homeware – all good reasons to slow your pace and browse rather than rush through.

4. Feast on Cornish delights

St Ives takes its food seriously, from fresh seafood restaurants right on the harbourfront to cosy cafés and traditional pasty shops. The Sloop Inn, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the town’s oldest pubs and a solid bet for a proper meal after a day of exploring. 

For contemporary and hedonistic fare, visitors are spoiled, too. A teetering stack of a chicken burger can be devoured at Beer and Bird, and closeby Firehouse Bar & Grill sizzles up a feast, alongside crisp and stylish cocktails.

If you time your visit right, the annual St Ives Food Festival in May brings together local producers and makers for a celebration of everything Cornwall does well on a plate.

5. Coastal walks with sweeping views

Some of the best views in St Ives come from simply putting your walking shoes on. Sections of the South West Coast Path run right along the edge of town, taking in dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and views back over the harbour that are hard to beat. Even a short stretch gives you a proper sense of Cornwall’s rugged coastline without needing to commit to a full day’s hike.

6. Family fun and unique experiences

St Ives has plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The St Ives Bay Line train journey is a lovely, scenic way to arrive or explore further along the coast, while the Leach Pottery offers a fascinating look at the birthplace of British studio pottery, founded by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada back in 1920. Watersports are easy to arrange too, whether that’s a surf lesson at Porthmeor or a gentler paddle at Carbis Bay.

7. On your bike

St Ives itself has some proper hills, but that doesn’t rule cycling out – it just means picking your route with a little care. Beyond the town, there are scenic coastal routes and dedicated trails to explore on two wheels. If you’re staying at Cornish Meadows, bikes are available to borrow, making it easy to explore St Ives and the surrounding coastline without needing to bring your own.

8. Take a boat trip

Few things capture St Ives quite like heading out onto the bay itself. Regular boat trips depart from the harbour heading towards Seal Island and Godrevy Lighthouse, with good odds of spotting seals, and dolphins if you’re lucky. For anglers, sea fishing excursions are also available, typically run as relaxed mackerel fishing trips suitable for complete beginners. 

For more detail on planning one, take a look at our guide to boat trips from St Ives.

9. Wildlife watching from ‘The Island’

Despite the name, The Island is actually a steep headland jutting out into the Atlantic, capped by the small medieval St Nicholas Chapel. It’s one of the best vantage points in town, with sweeping coastal views in nearly every direction, and it doubles as a genuine stopping point for migratory birds – so it’s worth bringing binoculars if birdwatching is your thing.

10. Get creative

If St Ives’ art scene has you feeling inspired, there’s no shortage of ways to get hands-on. Try pottery painting at a studio like Clay Canvas Studio or Cornwall Gold, take a proper pottery experience at St Ives Pottery, or book a workshop at the historic Leach Pottery itself, learning techniques rooted in over a century of studio pottery tradition. Jewellery making and other craft workshops are also easy to find around town if you fancy taking a bit of St Ives home with you.

Planning your St Ives escape

St Ives gets busy, especially in peak summer, so a little planning goes a long way. Parking in the town centre is limited and fills up fast but it is possible to park in the larger car parks on the outskirts of town, especially if you don’t mind a walk back up to your car. 

Alternatively, the Park & Ride from Lelant is a good option if you’re driving in from further afield. If you’d rather skip parking altogether, the St Ives Bay Line train is a scenic and stress-free way to arrive.

Good to know: For a quieter visit, aim for spring or early autumn, and book popular attractions and restaurants ahead of time during the summer months, since the best spots do fill up.

Stay a stone’s throw from all the best things to do in St Ives

Our Cornish Meadows Holiday Park, near Hayle, is a short drive from St Ives, making it a relaxed base for exploring everything above. Set across 16 acres of woodland, the park offers a heated outdoor pool, mini golf and dog-friendly accommodation with its own agility area and dog showers – handy if a four-legged member of the family is joining you. It’s the kind of place that makes it easy to head out for a full day in St Ives and come back to somewhere that feels out of the way, rather than another built-up town.

Book your stay at Cornish Meadows

FAQs: The best things to do in St Ives, Cornwall

How to spend a day in St Ives?

A good day typically mixes a beach visit with time in the town itself – a morning at Porthminster or Porthmeor, followed by lunch and a wander through Downalong’s galleries and shops, finishing with a walk along the coast path or a boat trip if the weather’s kind.

What to do in St Ives for adults?

Beyond the beaches, adults tend to enjoy the gallery scene (Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum in particular), a proper pub lunch at somewhere like The Sloop Inn, and a boat trip out to Seal Island for a change of pace and perspective.

What to do in St Ives for free?

Plenty! Walking the coast path, exploring the harbour and Downalong’s streets, visiting The Island for the view… and simply spending time on the beaches all cost nothing beyond getting there. Bring your own picnic and an appreciation for the history and character of St Ives.

What is the famous street in St Ives?

The Digey is one of the town’s most iconic streets, a narrow cobbled lane running through the historic Downalong district between Fore Street and Porthmeor Beach. Fore Street itself, the main shopping street, is also well worth a wander.

What to do in St Ives in the rain?

St Ives copes well with wet weather. Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth Museum, and the Leach Pottery all make for a great indoor few hours, and a pottery painting session at a studio like Clay Canvas is a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon regardless of what’s happening outside.

Further reading

• What to see in Cornwall
• Your 7 day itinerary for exploring North Cornwall
• Your 7 day itinerary for exploring South Cornwall
• A 7 day itinerary for exploring West Cornwall
• 9 best towns in England for a two-day recharge (WorldAtlas)