Things to do in St Ives

Activities, attractions and tours

St Ives showing a beach, a coastal town and boating
St Ives showing a beach, a coastal town and boating
St Ives featuring rugged coastline, a coastal town and boating
Porthmeor Beach showing a coastal town and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Porthminster Beach showing a sandy beach and swimming
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What to do in St Ives

Popular places to visit

Popular St Ives Atlantic ocean coast, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

Carbis Bay Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carbis Bay Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carbis Bay. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Carbis Bay Beach
Porthminster Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach

Porthminster Beach

Rent a hut and play mini-golf with your family with a picturesque backdrop of headland cliffs, the sea and the Godrevy Lighthouse.

Porthminster Beach
Porthmeor Beach which includes a beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people

Porthmeor Beach

Enjoy views of rugged cliffs and take lessons with a local surf school at this picturesque cove that has long inspired artists.

Porthmeor Beach
Tate St. Ives which includes heritage architecture and signage

Tate St. Ives

At the seaside outpost of this renowned British gallery, exhibitions celebrate the work of artists who have lived and worked in St. Ives.

Tate St. Ives
Lovely spot for a drink or meal. We had 2 x full English and 1 vegetarian breakfast. Was very good and reasonably priced. Friendly staff.

Porthgwidden Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Porthgwidden Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to St Ives. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Porthgwidden Beach
St Ives showing chateau or palace

Barbara Hepworth Museum

Witness the work of a celebrated sculptor in her St. Ives home, where she experimented with new materials and made works that were inspired by the Cornish landscape.

Barbara Hepworth Museum
Cornwall, UK

Harbour Sand

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Harbour Sand during your trip to St Ives? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Harbour Sand

St Ives Harbour

Explore the waterfront in St Ives with a trip to St Ives Harbour. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this culturally rich area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

St Ives Harbour

West Cornwall Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Lelant at West Cornwall Golf Club. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

West Cornwall Golf Club

Frequently asked questions

Is St Ives worth visiting?
With a blend of watersports and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in St Ives. While you're here, visit St. Michael's Mount, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in St Ives?
When you've checked off popular attractions like St. Michael's Mount and Carbis Bay Beach, spend some time exploring St Ives's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in St Ives?
Don't go home without visiting St. Michael's Mount, ranked the top tourist attraction in St Ives.
Is three days enough to stay in St Ives?
Three days in St Ives is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Carbis Bay Beach, Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster Beach are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as North Cornish Coast.
Is St Ives a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to see and do in St Ives. Several top sights, like Carbis Bay Beach and Porthmeor Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of St Ives's best neighbourhoods, Lelant is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Towednack is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in St Ives with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in St Ives with kids.

What to do in St Ives for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in St Ives for adults including Union Hotel and Leach Pottery Museum.
Are there free things to do in St Ives?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in St Ives. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Carbis Bay Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.

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