St Ives | Self Catering Holiday Cottages in St Ives
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 harbor and is one of Cornwall’s top destinations. The town hosts a September Festival of music and poetry, among 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 colorful fishing boats coming into the harbor.
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 harbor 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.
