Sun, Sea and Surf: It's All in a Day Out in St. Ives, Cornwall

St. Ives is one of the most popular tourist towns in Cornwall. With its mix of old fashioned charm and trendy beach-side cafes, it provides something for everyone. You could spend the day surfing, shopping or browsing the art galleries, and that's just a small sample of things to do! Whatever your tastes, you will easily find a way to entertain yourself in St. Ives.

Things to see

Seal Island
For something a little different, why not go on a boat trip to Seal Island? Grey Atlantic seals live just 3 miles from St. Ives and are almost always visible if you are willing to take a short boat ride to their home. Not only will you see the beautiful seals, if you are very lucky, you may also spot basking sharks, dolphins and whales too!

Seal Island boat trips
St. Ives Harbour
Opening hours vary
Phone: 0777 300 8000
Seal Island Boat Trips website

Blue Harbour Gallery
Situated right on the harbour front, the Blue Harbour Gallery is a good place to look around when you need to step out of the sunshine for a while. It is home to several local artists, whose work hangs inside. The best part of the gallery is that you can step inside and watch the artists as they work. They are always happy to stop and chat, so don't be afraid to ask questions about anything you see!

Blue Harbour Gallery
The Wharf
Opening hours vary, call for details
Phone: 01736 794665

Porthmeor Beach
St. Ives has become a very popular location for surfers. Porthmeor beach is one of the best surf beaches and is always packed with people riding the waves in the summer months. If you're not much of a surfer, you could just relax on the soft sand and soak up some rays.

Places to shop

Ocean Pearl
As you turn the corner from the seafront onto the cobbled main street, Ocean Pearl is one of the first shops you will see. It is best described as a novelty gift shop, but they also sell some beautiful, affordable jewelry too. Every time I have visited St. Ives, I have had a look inside Ocean Pearl and I have never left empty handed!

Ocean Pearl
Chy An Chy, Fore Street
Opening hours vary by season, call for details
Phone: 01736 794628.

I Should Coco
St. Ives is famous for its art galleries, but most of that art work is on canvas. I Should Coco takes art to brand new levels by selling some of the most creative chocolate I have ever seen! All of the chocolate bars are made inside the store in view of the customers so you can easily see how much time and effort goes into every product. Instead of ordinary chocolate bars, they sell chocolate with fruit, and even Jelly Babies inside! It's hard to explain just how amazing I Should Coco is. It has to be seen to be believed!

I Should Coco
39 Fore Street
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm
Phone: 07811 647 738
I Should Coco Website

Jo Downs
For stunning glass gifts, Jo Downs is the place to go. They mainly sell elegant home furnishings such as glass edged mirrors, bowls and coasters but they also have other items too. One of the coolest things they sell are called Wish Sticks. They are long, colored pieces of glass which you hang in your home to attract good things to you! It might seem illogical to buy glass gifts, especially if you have to travel a long way with them, but everything is so well wrapped that it is unlikely to break.

Jo Downs
Market Place
Opening hours vary by season, call for details
Phone: 01736 797722
Jo Downs website

Places to eat

Ocean Grill
For fans of seafood, the Ocean Grill is the best dining place in St. Ives. Enjoy fabulous food while looking out over the sea. I highly recommend the Ocean Grill breakfast, but anything from the menu is absolutely delicious!

Ocean Grill
The Wharf
Opening hours: 9am 'til late
Phone: 01736 799874
Ocean Grill website

Sloop Inn
The Sloop Inn is both a Bed and Breakfast, and a pub. Serving plenty of home grown food, you can enjoy a great atmosphere as you dine. The menu is quite diverse, and isn't quite as focused on seafood as many of the other restaurants in the town. Food from the Sloop Inn tastes good and is excellent value for money.

Sloop Inn
Back Lane
Opening hours: 9am - 12am
Phone: 01736 796584
Sloop Inn website

There are plenty of restaurants in St. Ives but one of the best choices you can make is to get a takeaway Cornish pasty from one of the many bakeries by the harbour and along the main street. Be warned though, eat lunch away from the seafront or your tasty treat may get stolen by hungry seagulls!

Between May and September, the town quickly gets crowded so if you plan to drive there, you need to be there before 9am to have a better chance of getting a parking space. The best option is to get the train to St. Ives during the busy times so you can relax without having to navigate the winding streets.

St. Ives is full of amazing shops, cafes and art galleries, you just have to be willing to put in a little time to explore!