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281 kmThings to do
2 days in St Ives
Day 1
- MorningVisit Tate St Ives above the beach, or the Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden in the town.
- AfternoonSwim or surf at Porthmeor beach, or relax on the sheltered Porthminster beach.
- EveningHave dinner on the harbour; watch out for gulls stealing your food.
Day 2
Visit the cliff-top Minack Theatre, or walk the coast path to Zennor.
What to eat
A Cornish pasty and a cream tea, with jam first, the Cornish way.
Local tips
Make the most of St Ives
Beat the crowds
Summer and school holidays are very busy. Spring and autumn are lovely.
Best photo spot
The harbour and beaches from the Island headland.
Getting there
A branch line train runs from St Erth along the coast, one of the prettiest short train rides in England.
Don't miss nearby
Tate St Ives, the Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden, and the coast path to Zennor.
Good to know
Parking is very limited; use the park-and-ride or the train. Watch out for seagulls stealing food.
Secret spots
1 secret spot near St Ives
Our most hidden places around St Ives: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of St Ives to take with you.
aevrlaae31 km awayPlan your visit
Getting to St Ives
Getting there
- Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY)45 km away
- Bristol Airport (BRS)235 km away
Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.
Weather this week
Best time to visit: Apr–Oct
At a glance
Questions
St Ives: good to know
Is St Ives worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like the coast and food. A Cornish harbour town with turquoise beaches and an artists' colony.
How many days do you need in St Ives?
Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.
When is the best time to visit St Ives?
The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer and school holidays are very busy. Spring and autumn are lovely.
How do you get to St Ives?
The nearest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay (NQY), about 45 km away. A branch line train runs from St Erth along the coast, one of the prettiest short train rides in England.
What is there to see near St Ives?
Nearby hidden places include Tenby (172 km), Pink Granite Coast (Ploumanac'h) (211 km) and Crozon Peninsula (230 km).