ACTIVITIES
St Ives / Out and About / Things to Do and Some of the many local restaurants we have come to love over the years.
Notice for dog owners certain beaches have restricted use in summer, usually ban applies from 10 am to 6 pm. After parking your car in one of our two onsite parking spaces, you are in an ideal location to explore the surrounding area and its treasures.
Museum
The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives, Cornwall preserves the 20th century sculptor Barbara Hepworth’s studio and garden much as they were when she lived and worked there.
Beach
Cafe
Porthminster Beach Cafe, Porthminster Beach. An acclaimed beachside restaurant that serves up one of the most memorable dining experiences in Cornwall – if not the UK. Over the course of 25 years, the team has built an enviable reputation for combining Asian and Mediterranean influences in dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, garden-grown produce, and foraged coastal ingredients.
Beach
Cafe
Porthmeor Beach Cafe. With a buzzing atmosphere, alfresco dining and imaginative cocktails we serve breakfast, lunch and tapas through to evening dining. We boast the best sunset in the west, perfect for people watching, checking the surf, and even the occasional dolphin show.
Art
Gallery
Penwith Gallery, St Ives. The Penwith Gallery is the exhibition space of The Penwith Society of Arts, founded in 1949 and continues to this day. Set in the artistic heart of St Ives on Back Road West, the gallery is now getting a well earned make over. The gallery and society's aim is to create a vibrant community hub where artists and the public can feel connected to the history of St Ives whilst playing a part in shaping its future.
Kitchen
Porthminster Kitchen, Harbour.
serves up a refreshing, playful take on Cornish cuisine, introducing a menu of smaller plates and lighter options which combine global flavours, fresh local ingredients and creative cooking.
Porthminster Kitchen enjoys awe-inspiring panoramic views from its location in the heart of St Ives. From your vantage point above the harbour, escape the hustle and bustle and relax on our sun-drenched terrace, or gaze out from huge windows and take in the 180° view.
Beach
Cafe
Porthmeor Beach Cafe. With a buzzing atmosphere, alfresco dining and imaginative cocktails we serve breakfast, lunch and tapas through to evening dining. We boast the best sunset in the west, perfect for people watching, checking the surf, and even the occasional dolphin show.
Museum
St Ives Museum. Eight rooms on two floors contain collections of all facets of the town’s history, including art, blacksmith, boat building, Cornish kitchen and parlour, Crysede, farming, fire brigade, fishing, flags, geology, Hain Steamship Company, lifeboat, lighthouses, mining, models, photographs, police, railway, shipwreck, toys, victorian clothes, wartime memorabilia – and the original fish curing cellar can still be seen.
Beach
Cafe
Porthgwidden Beach Cafe. overlooks the stunning Porthgwidden Beach. During the winter months, only our terrace will be open as a sheltered takeaway, so you can still enjoy a Hot Chocolate and the stunning views in the warmth.
We are offering breakfast baps along with amazing Tuscan-style Pizzas and daily specials. Our Fully Licensed Bar offers local beers, wines, and champagne or simply just a cup of freshly ground coffee with a piece of cake.
Art
Classes
St Ives School of Painting – Art Classes Held in our historic studios overlooking the sea surrounding St Ives, Cornwall, our art courses attract visitors and locals alike.
All art materials are provided but you might like to bring a favourite set of brushes if you have them.
Remember to wear old clothes and think about comfortable shoes and warm outerwear if your course involves working outside.
Cafe &
Bar
Balcony, Harbour. Head to the harbour front, they are just by the Amusement Arcade and above the gallery arcade and Ice cream shop. They serve a varied menu, hot drinks, have a well stocked bar and amazing views over the harbour.
Seafood
Restaurant
Situated in the heart of ‘Down-a-Long’, the old fishing quarter of St Ives, The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant is one of the towns most popular and oldest family owned and run restaurants.
With an extensive menu, offering only the finest and freshest locally caught seafood, alongside a selection of locally farmed meat and poultry, and a carefully selected wine list, you will also find daily specials and, in the Summer months, locally caught Lobsters are a specialty.
Bar &
Seafood
Rum & Crab Shack, Harbour. The Rum & Crab Shack was dreamt up late one night in St Ives, Cornwall, in 2012 by four friends keen to celebrate two of their favourite things in life: rum and crab. Some years later, an impressive collection of over 100 rums gathered from around the world sits on the shelves of the harbour-front shack. 2020 sees the launch of the shack’s second house rum: the delicious Stargazy rum liqueur that joins a rapidly increasing list of UK rums.
National
Heritage
St Michaels Mount, Marazion. Open the doors to an ancient castle and a much loved family home. Together, the St Aubyn family and the National Trust care for the Mount's rich historic legacy and ensure it is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. Whether it’s a family trip, a holiday highlight or a group visit, plan your visit today and find the St Michael’s Mount experience to make your own.
Seafood
Restaurant
One of Cornwall's oldest and most famous Inns, favourite haunt of locals, fishermen, artists and tourists all year round.
Believed to date from around 1312 AD, the Sloop Inn is situated right on the harbour front at St Ives with only a cobbled forecourt and road separating it from the sea.
All the beaches, shops and art galleries, including the Tate Gallery, are within easy walking distance.
National
Rescue
Seal Sanctuary, Gweek is the UK national rescue centre for seals. Visit our seal hospital, meet our resident seals and hear their stories. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is set in the picturesque Helford Estuary, by the beautiful village of Gweek, just a few miles from Helston in Cornwall.
The Sanctuary is a busy rescue centre, and also has resident Grey Seals, Common Seals, Patagonian Sea Lions, Penguins, Beavers, Goats, Sheep and Ponies.
Pub
Grub
This is The Gurnard’s Head, a dining pub with rooms on Cornwall's Atlantic coast between St. Ives and St. Just, near the Minack Theatre, Zennor, Penzance and Newlyn.
We want The Gurnard’s Head to be an inn that returns you momentarily to the slower pace of life that so many of us yearn for.
Time spent in this part of the world will unwind you as you enjoy one of the country’s most dramatic coastlines, one that has inspired artists and walkers for centuries.
National
Heritage
Lands End. One of Britain’s best loved landmarks, famous for its unique location, natural beauty and stunning scenery.
There is plenty to offer those seeking a full day out – discover the cliff top trails, natural splendour, visit the fantastic value family attractions, and wander around the West Country Shopping Village.