Luxury Holidays In St Ives

Set along Cornwall’s west coast, St Ives is one of the county’s most beautiful seaside towns. With its clear turquoise waters, sweeping sandy beaches and thriving art scene, the town blends historic harbour charm with a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Here, you’ll find everything from elegant sea-view apartments overlooking the bay to quaint Cornish cottages tucked within the winding streets of the old town, as well as spacious coastal houses designed for memorable gatherings with family and friends.

Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a relaxed family holiday or a celebratory stay with friends, St Ives offers an unforgettable setting for a luxury coastal break in Cornwall.

Few places in Cornwall have quite the same atmosphere as St Ives.

Once a traditional fishing town, it has long attracted artists and travellers inspired by the town’s remarkable quality of light and dramatic coastal scenery.

Today, whitewashed cottages climb the hillside above the harbour, independent galleries line the narrow streets and fishing boats drift across the bay. It’s a place where days unfold slowly - shaped by the tide, the light and the rhythm of life by the sea.

St Ives is also one of the easiest coastal destinations in Cornwall to reach by rail. The scenic St Ives Bay branch line connects the town to St Erth on the mainline between London and Penzance, offering a spectacular journey along the shoreline into the town.

One of the biggest draws of St Ives is its collection of spectacular beaches.

Porthminster Beach: Overlooking the wide sweep of St Ives Bay, Porthminster is one of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. Its soft golden sand and calm waters create a serene setting for swimming and long afternoons by the sea.

Porthmeor Beach: Just beyond the harbour, Porthmeor faces the open Atlantic and is beloved by surfers, artists and sunset watchers alike. In the evening the light across the water can be extraordinary.

Porthgwidden Beach: Tucked beside the Island headland, Porthgwidden offers a smaller, sheltered cove with a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

Beyond the town, the sweeping sands of Gwithian Towans stretch for miles along the bay, offering scenic coastal walks and wildlife sightings including seals and dolphins

St Ives offers far more than beautiful beaches. From art and culture to coastal adventures and exceptional dining, the town combines seaside charm with a vibrant creative atmosphere.

Art and Galleries: St Ives has long been associated with artists drawn to its extraordinary coastal light. The renowned Tate St Ives celebrates this legacy, while independent galleries and studios throughout the town continue to showcase local artists and contemporary work.

Surfing and Watersports: The beaches around St Ives are ideal for time on the water. Porthmeor Beach is a favourite with surfers, while the calmer waters of the bay are perfect for paddleboarding, swimming and kayaking. Boat trips from the harbour offer another way to explore the coastline and its hidden coves.

Coastal Walks: The South West Coast Path runs through St Ives, offering some of the most spectacular walking routes in Cornwall. Follow the path towards Zennor for dramatic clifftop scenery, or enjoy gentler walks along the bay - many of which are ideal for dogs.

Harbourside Dining: From relaxed beach cafés to seafood restaurants overlooking the harbour, St Ives is known for its excellent food scene and Cornwall’s exceptional local produce.

Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, St Ives hosts a number of much-loved events, including the St Ives Food and Drink Festival in May and the St Ives September Festival, when music, art and performance bring the town to life.