St Ives Things to See and Do

St Ives Beaches

St Ives boasts four main beaches within walking distance of the town, each with its own unique character. Porthmeor Beach is perhaps the best known, facing into the Atlantic and backing onto the Tate Gallery. If you’re looking for a more convenient option, Porthminster Beach is the second biggest and is located right next to the train and bus stations. The Harbour Beach, in the centre of town, is a safe and family-friendly spot, while Porthgwidden Beach offers a more secluded escape, complete with charming beach huts available for hire.

For those eager to take to the waves, St.Ives Surf School provides expert coaching on a blue flag beach in the heart of town. Open seven days a week, the school caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. Prefer to stay dry? Sit back with a coffee at a cosy café by the harbour and enjoy a spot of people-watching!

St Ives harbour is the focal point of the town and has a pier at both ends which you can stroll along. It’s a wonderful place to soak up the town’s centuries-old history.

St Ives Walks

With a unique and vibrant history, there are so many amazing things to see in St Ives, and a Guided Tour of St Ives is an ideal way to delve into the town’s rich heritage. For a spookier option, immerse yourself in the darker side of St Ives with a lantern ghost story walk with Shanty Baba!

A walk to The Island (the headland jutting out into St Ives Bay between Porthmeor Beach and Porthgwidden Beach) is a great place to get some incredible 360º views.

There are also two gentle walks along the South West Coast Path that you can join at St Ives. The first heads in a westerly direction from Porthmeor Beach towards Man’s Head (a rocky outcrop that looks like a man’s head!) and takes in fabulous views of St Ives town. The other takes you from St Ives Station to Carbis Bay and rewards you with spectacular views over St Ives Bay as well as some interesting historic relics en route.

If cycling is more your thing, hire an electric bike from St Ives Bikes – ideal for getting up those steep hills in and out of the town!

St Ives by Train

For a relaxing way to take in the sights of this stunning part of Cornwall, take a train ride on the St Ives Bay Line. The journey between St Erth and St Ives lasts about 20 minutes and is considered one of the most scenic rail routes in Britain.

As the train winds along the coastline, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rolling sand dunes, dramatic clifftops, and the vast ocean beyond—all while spotting thousands of seabirds along the way.

Wildlife in St Ives

There’s an abundance of wildlife in St Ives, Cornwall. From dolphins, porpoises, basking sharks and otters to guillemots, shags, curlews and kestrels.

For a truly memorable experience, take a trip to Seal Island – located about 3.5 miles from St Ives. As the name suggests, this rocky outcrop is home to a colony of Atlantic Grey Seals. Daily boat trips run from the harbour and will take you along the stunning coastline before reaching the island, where you will be able to observe the seals from a respectful distance in their natural habitat. For an alternative perspective, join the Nemo Sea Safari, a glass-bottomed boat that takes you around the bay and beyond – perfect for spotting sea life below the waves!

Activities for Kids in St Ives

For an afternoon of entertainment, check out Kidz R Us, a St Ives-based Youth Theatre company and registered charity. Founded in 1994, it performs a full programme of shows throughout the year, from pantomimes to musicals – offering something for everybody.

A great thing to do in St Ives when it rains is to visit St Ives Leisure Centre, a fully equipped modern leisure centre with spectacular views of St Ives and the bay from the pool and gym.

For something a little different, why not try a unique afternoon of chocolate making? Workshops for all ages are available at I Should Coco, St Ives’ very own artisanal chocolate shop. Spend a delicious afternoon creating, moulding and decorating chocolate treats – and eat the result!

Festivals and Events in St Ives

There are some great St Ives festivals which take place throughout the year.

Foodies won’t want to miss the St Ives Food & Drink Festival, a three-day culinary extravaganza held on Porthminster Beach, where you can enjoy local cuisine, top chef demonstrations and live music.

The St Ives September Festival is a long-running celebration of art, music, and culture, featuring performances from both local and international acts.

Other events in St Ives include numerous art exhibitions around the town, and those looking for an authentic Cornish experience should attend a Sea Shanty evening – a lively and traditional event filled with folk music and storytelling!

Find out what’s on in St Ives when you visit by checking out the local tourism website.