Hotels in St Ives, United Kingdom

Tate St Ives: Overlooking Porthmeor Beach, Tate St Ives explores modern and contemporary art, with a strong focus on the St Ives School and artists drawn to West Cornwall’s light. Rotating exhibitions sit alongside works from the Tate collection, and under‑18s go free. The rooftop café frames sea views, and joint tickets are available for the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum. Book ahead in peak months to secure timed entry, then step straight onto the beach for a gallery‑and‑sea day in one place.

Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden: Housed in Trewyn Studio, where Barbara Hepworth lived and worked from 1949 to 1975, this intimate museum weaves together studio spaces, archives and a subtropical sculpture garden. Many bronzes remain where Hepworth positioned them, giving a rare sense of place and process. Combined tickets with Tate St Ives make planning simple, and the central location means you can pair a visit with a harbour walk or beach time. Capacity is limited, so pre‑booking is recommended in school holidays.

Ride the St Ives Bay Line: The ten‑minute branch line from St Erth to St Ives is one of Britain’s most scenic short rail journeys. Trains sweep past the Hayle estuary and three miles of golden sands to reach Porthminster Beach beside the town. Services run at least hourly (often twice an hour in season), with easy main‑line connections at St Erth from London Paddington, Bristol and beyond. Sit on the right‑hand side from St Erth for the best sea views and use St Erth’s park‑and‑ride when driving in peak periods.

Seal Island Boat Trips: From the harbour, family‑friendly sea safaris run west to ‘Seal Island’ (the Western Carracks) or across the bay to Godrevy. Trips typically last around an hour, often spotting Atlantic grey seals hauled out on rocks and, in calm seas, pods of common or bottlenose dolphins. Operators run daily from spring to autumn, with dog‑friendly options and longer wildlife cruises available. Book the first or last sailings for gentler crowds and bring layers—the Atlantic breeze can feel cool even on sunny days.

Lemon Street Market, Truro: This indoor market features boutique shops, cafes, and an art gallery. It’s ideal for gifts, homeware, and local crafts in a relaxed setting.

Wharfside Shopping Centre, Penzance: Located near the harbour, this centre offers independent arts, crafts, and dining options. It’s easily accessible and provides views of Mount’s Bay.

Fore Street, St Ives: A bustling shopping street with surf shops, fashion boutiques, and galleries. It reflects the town’s artistic heritage and coastal charm.

Bodmin Jail: Dating back to 1779, Bodmin Jail offers immersive exhibits on crime and punishment. Visitors explore restored cells, the execution pit, and the award-winning Dark Walk experience.

Geevor Tin Mine: Located near Land’s End, this heritage site showcases Cornwall’s mining history. Guests tour underground tunnels and learn about the region’s industrial past.

King Doniert’s Stone: Near Bodmin Moor, this 9th-century monument commemorates a Cornish king. It’s a quiet site with historical significance and scenic surroundings.

The Golden Lion, Port Isaac: A traditional pub with sea views, serving locally sourced dishes like fresh fish and Cornish cheeses. Cosy interiors and a terrace make it a year round favourite. A wide selection of ales and spirits complements the menu.

The Verdant Seafood Bar, Falmouth: An intimate venue combining craft beer and seafood. Expect small plates made with sustainable local ingredients and fresh Verdant Brewing Co. beers. Relaxed and perfect for casual dining.

Tolcarne Inn, Newlyn: A historic pub by the harbour, focusing on daily catch seafood. Chef Ben Tunnicliffe delivers high-quality, unpretentious meals in a welcoming setting.

Hidden Hut, Portscatho: A beachside cafefamous for seasonal dishes and outdoor feast nights. Guests enjoy soups, grilled fish, and hearty stews on benches overlooking the cove.