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St Ives holidays: Discover the very best of Cornwall
St Ives may just be the prettiest town in all of Cornwall. With its picture-perfect beaches and charming, traditional buildings, it's certainly a great choice for a mini break in the UK. It's also got something to suit all kinds of travellers, from great waves for surfers to one of the country's best art galleries. Book a trip there for your next break, and see this delightful Cornish town for yourself.
When to visit St Ives
St Ives is one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers, so plan your trip carefully. To avoid the crowds, steer clear during July and August, when schools have broken up for summer. You may also find it's very busy during bank holiday weekends. Try to visit St Ives in September if you can. You'll usually be greeted by sunny weather, and the sea is swimmable. In fact, the water temperature is usually higher in September than in August.
Calendar of events in St Ives
On 5 March, locals celebrate St Piran's Day, honouring the patron saint of Cornwall.
The St Ives Food and Drink Festival takes place on Porthminster Beach each May.
The St Ives Literature Festival, with talks by writers and performances from poets, is held in May.
Visit in September for the St Ives September Festival, a two-week celebration of music and arts.
The Falmouth Oyster Festival, celebrating the native Fal oysters, is held in mid-October.
The best beaches in St Ives
St Ives is one of the few places in the UK where you can truly enjoy a great beach holiday. In fact, there are several beaches around the town, with their own distinct characters. Some are great for watersports, while others are ideal for family days out. Here are some unmissable beaches in and around St Ives:
Beaches for watersports in St Ives
Porthmeor Beach is top of the list. This excellent surfing beach boasts a Blue Flag for its beauty and excellent environmental standards. It's also a good place to learn how to surf, as it's where the St Ives Surf School operates. For more watersports, try Carbis Bay Beach. This isn't known for surfing, but it's popular for swimming and boating, thanks to its clean turquoise water.
Beaches for families in St Ives
St Ives is a popular choice for a family holiday. Many of the beaches in Cornwall are perfect for youngsters, thanks to their clean conditions and gentle waves. Try Porthgwidden Beach, which has charming beach huts, or Harbour Beach. This is a good one for beachcombing, and youngsters will love looking for sea glass and interesting shells in the sand. Another good option is Bamaluz Beach, known for its rock pools. This beach is dog-friendly all year round, so it's perfect if you're travelling with the pooch.
The best things to see and do in St Ives
St Ives is great for a mini break. It's small enough that you can see pretty much everything in just two or three days. If you can extend your stay, you'll find stunning coastal walks that will take you further around Cornwall. Be sure to try the local seafood during your trip. Cornwall is well known for its excellent shellfish, so dining out here is always a treat.
Top sights in and around St Ives
The Tate St Ives is full of works by great British painters like Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson and Alfred Wallis. Its seaside location makes it even more special.
St Michael's Mount is a 12-mile walk from St Ives along the historic pilgrimage path of St Michael's Way. This coastal route is truly spectacular, but if you'd rather not walk, buses are available too.
Take a boat trip from the harbour to enjoy great sea views. You may even be lucky enough to see seals and dolphins.
You'll fall in love with this enchanting Cornish town when you find great deals on St Ives hotels right here. Book a mini break now.
St Ives holiday FAQs
Q: What is the best time of year to visit St Ives?
A: The best time of year to go to St Ives is from June to mid-October, which is when the weather is pleasant and sunny. The town is at its busiest during the school holidays, but many travellers say September is a better time to visit. During this month, the sea is at its warmest for swimmers.
Q: Which part of St Ives is best?
A: As St Ives is quite a small town, you can still go anywhere and have a good holiday. That being said, most visitors look for accommodation near Porthmeor Beach and the town centre. This will put you within easy walking distance of most of St Ives' attractions.
Q: Is St Ives expensive?
A: Yes, St Ives can be expensive, so it's always a good idea to look for special offers on accommodation. Both St Ives and nearby Padstow are among the priciest places to stay in Cornwall. If you're travelling on a budget, consider staying in Penzance instead, as it is a cheaper destination.
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