Cornwall's beaches are renowned as unrivalled in Britain for their excellent surfing, beauty, variety and family-friendly. Towns such as St Ives, Perranporth, Polzeath and Newquay are to name only a few. Some of the most beautiful are tiny coves that dot the coastline like Coverack and Porthcurno (home of the famous outdoor Minack Theatre).
Otherwise known as the Cornish Riviera, visit the beautiful St Austell Bay, where you will find beautiful sandy beaches between the charming fishing village of Mevagissey and the upmarket riverside town of Fowey (known for its literary connections including Daphne du Maurier). The north coast has one of the tourist's favourite, St Ives Bay, a fantastic stretch of five golden sand beaches reaching to Hayle, with it's estuary (a great place for bird-watching) and beyond. Popular with surfers, families and with all-year round pet-friendly beaches, this is prime beach holiday territory.
Enchanting fishing villages and harbours; Looe, Port Isaac (home of Doc Martin and The Fisherman's Friends), Portreath and Mousehole (see the extraordinary Christmas light display every December) to name a few. It's not just the villages that have something to offer those sightseeing. Cornwall's towns and cities are rich in history and attractions, Experience the charm of traditional sea shanties and tales of years gone by. Visit Padstow with its picturesque harbour and Rick Stien restaurants, Falmouth - a working port and charming shopping town, don't miss the fabulous tall ships display. Spend a day shopping in Truro or the old market town of Penzance (known also for St Michael's Mount and the gateway to the Isles of Scilly with the stunning subtropical islands of st Mary's and Tresco to name a few being just being a ferry ride away).
For something a little different, book a visit to The Lost Gardens of Heligan, The Eden Project, Trelissick and Trebah to name a few.
St Ives: A Must-Visit Destination for Art and Beach Lovers
St Ives, a picturesque seaside town located in Cornwall, UK, has been attracting visitors for decades, thanks to its stunning beaches, subtropical climate, and breathtaking natural beauty. The town has received numerous accolades, including being named the best family holiday destination by Coast magazine and one of the 10 best European beach destinations by TripAdvisor.
Art enthusiasts are particularly drawn to St Ives, which has been a magnet for some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors, and ceramists for over a century. It all started with J M W Turner and Henry Moore, who first came to St Ives in the mid-1800s. Today, the town is home to numerous galleries and exhibitions, and famous artists can be found here year-round.
St Ives boasts four fabulous beaches, including Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Harbour Beach, and Porthminster. These beaches have the UK’s mildest climate and offer fantastic surfing opportunities, particularly at Porthminster Beach. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of pavement cafes, ancient pubs, and top-notch eateries serving mouth-watering menus.
In addition to its beaches and art scene, St Ives has a working harbour and is one of Cornwall’s top destinations. The town hosts a September Festival of music and poetry, amongst other events, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities, such as:
Taking the twenty-minute train ride from St Erth to St Ives, which offers breathtaking views of colourful fishing boats coming into the harbour.
Strolling along the white sand at Porthminster Beach, where visitors can enjoy the dreamy view of Godrevy Lighthouse, which inspired Virginia Woolf’s famous novel “To the Lighthouse.”
Visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives, which features sensual sculptures by one of the country’s leading 20th-century artists exhibited in tranquil gardens.
Exploring the heart of old St Ives, known to locals as “Downlong,” behind the 14th-century Sloop Inn on the Wharf and the Harbour Beach, where visitors can delve into the town’s long and varied history at the local museum.
Checking out Tate St Ives, one of only four Tate galleries in the world, which holds hundreds of works produced by the St. Ives School from the late 1800s to the 21st century.
Taking a boat trip from the harbour out to sea to watch the local colony of seals frolicking in the water and sunbathing on the rocks at Seal Island, located 3½ miles (6km) to the West of St Ives.
Spending a family day at the beach building sandcastles, playing in rock pools, or taking a surfing lesson from the local surf school.
In conclusion, St Ives is a must-visit destination for art and beach lovers. Whether you are looking to soak up some sun, explore the town’s rich history, or immerse yourself in the art scene, St Ives has something for everyone.
A few local firm favourites are:
Land's End - One of Britain’s best loved landmarks, famous for its unique location, natural beauty and stunning scenery.
Botallack Mine - On the wild Tin Coast, the famed Crowns engine houses cling to the foot of the cliffs. Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and Poldark filming location.
Charlestown - A popular location for TV and film makers, including Poldark and The Three Muskateers (to name a few!)
Zennor - Known for it's 12th Century church and the Legend of the Mermaid, as well as hosting writers such as DH Lawrence (Sons and Lovers, The Rainbow, Women in Love and Lady Chatterley's Lover)
There's plenty to offer those seeking a full day out – discover the cliff top trails, natural splendour, visit the fantastic value family attractions, and wander around the West Country Shopping Village.
Another unique draw of Cornwall is its ancient past, with megalithic monuments such as standing stones, barrows and stone circles. .
So why do people visit Cornwall time and again?
The "sub-tropical" climate is the mildest in the UK. The combination of spectacular natural assets, a rich history and the rise of cool Cornwall with all its contemporary chic cannot be beaten.
