Luxury Holiday Cottages in St Ives

St Ives is famous for its collection of beaches – there are seven stretches of golden-white sand in the area. Five beaches lie in the town itself, each with a charm of its own: Harbour Beach, Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Porthminster, and Bamaluz.

There are plenty of ways to get active in or on the water. Bluefin Charters, St Ives Boat Rides, and St Ives Boats all set sail from the harbour and offer a variety of fishing and wildlife trips. Porthmeor is renowned for its waves, and you can learn to carve your own at St Ives Surf School. The town is also famous for its art scene. Get inspired at St Ives School of Painting, which hosts short courses for people of all levels to develop their skills.

If you’re looking for something with a slower pace, take a look at our guide to relaxing things to do in St Ives. 

While the main beaches in St Ives operate seasonal dog bans, you don’t need to travel far to find a spectacular stretch of golden sand fit for your pooch. Bamaluz Beach, the town’s smallest and often overlooked, is a beautiful and usually quieter spot for soaking up views of the bay while enjoying a paddle. If you prefer larger beaches, both Porthkidney Sands and Mexico Towans are a short drive away and dog-friendly throughout the seasons; the latter is a remarkable three-mile sweep of shoreline that extends from Hayle to Godrevy, promising plenty of space for playful pups to let off steam.

When it comes to dog walks, St Ives is a perfect base for some of Cornwall’s very best. Navigate the coast path that winds above clifftops to Zennor, uncovering some of the county’s most impressive views along the way.

You don’t have to look far to find beautiful food with views to match. Among the finest restaurants in St Ives is The Loft; situated in the artist’s quarter, the contemporary menu here is best enjoyed with a seat in the sun terrace, where dogs are also allowed. In the heart of the town, on Fore Street, you’ll find the Seafood Café, where fresh local seafood is prepared to perfection. Sample delicacies from the sea, such as mussels and Porthilly oysters, or one of their delicious roasted vegetable plates.

For a welcoming and intimate dining experience, head to the Cellar Bistro, also on Fore Street. A candlelit atmosphere awaits, with a hearty and flavoursome menu serving a variety of dishes, highlights of which include seared sea bass fillets, roasted chicken supreme and prime sirloin steak. You can find fine dining in Carbis Bay; the Ugly Butterfly is fronted by award-winning chef Adam Handling, who curates incredible British cuisine inspired by the Cornish coast.

For a full list of recommendations, take a look at our guide to the best restaurants in St Ives. 

You can easily spend several hours exploring the quaint streets of St Ives and checking off its five golden beaches along the way. There’s plenty to see and do on foot, including a walk up to the top of ‘The Island’, which is not an island but rather a beautiful headland above Porthmeor and Porthgwidden with a chapel on top. Once you’ve soaked up the far-reaching views from the chapel, walk across Porthmeor and enjoy the vista from the opposing headland, known as Mans Head. The coastal path from here extends six miles to Zennor, which is among Cornwall’s most cherished hikes.