After years of dreaming about a getaway to Cornwall, I finally made it to St. Ives and it exceeded every expectation. With its turquoise waters, charming boutiques, sandy beaches, and thriving art scene, this coastal town is the perfect place for an escape. I visited in summer, stayed at a beautiful hotel, soaked up the sun on Porthminster Beach, wandered the winding streets, and explored local art, food, and fashion.
Here’s a look at everything I experienced and loved on my trip to St. Ives.
Getting There: A Scenic Train Journey to St. Ives
My journey began in Newquay, where I had to take two trains to get to St. Ives. Train travel in Cornwall is possible, but it’s not as efficient as driving. However, when I boarded the train from St. Erth to St. Ives, it was an incredible experience. The stretch from St. Erth to St. Ives is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the UK, and it absolutely lived up to the hype (sit on the right hand side of the train). As the train hugs the coastline, you’re treated to sweeping sea views and beautiful beaches.
Once I arrived in St. Ives, the town’s charm hit me immediately – whitewashed cottages, vibrant flowers, and the smell of salty sea air. I couldn’t wait to explore.
Where I Stayed: Harbour Hotel St. Ives
For this trip, I checked into the Harbour Hotel St. Ives, perched on a hill overlooking Porthminster Beach. While my room was a basement room with no view, the property itself is beautiful and well located. The room was chic and modern, with thoughtful touches and a very comfy bed.
The hotel’s Harbour Spa looked amazing (sadly I didn’t have time for a treatment this trip), and I also enjoyed a cocktail at the hotel bar on my first evening. After a long travel day, it was the perfect way to relax.
Book the St. Ives Harbour Hotel here: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
Day One: First Impressions and Dinner with a View
After checking in, I wandered into town to get my bearings. The early evening grey and misty light added a special charm to the water and buildings as I strolled through the narrow, cobbled streets. For dinner, I initially struggled as every restaurant was fully booked. Just as I began to panic that I would not find anywhere to eat, I struck gold with a table at The Harbour Restaurant, which is perched adjacent to its namesake.
The restaurant offers harbour views and a menu rich in local seafood. I ordered the fish ‘n’ chips and a local gin and tonic, both of which were excellent. The vibe was casual and I’d absolutely go back.
Day Two: Sunshine, Shopping, and Art by the Sea
Waking up to a cloudless blue sky was the best gift I could’ve asked for. I started my morning with breakfast at the hotel – think eggs, toast, fruit, coffee, and unbeatable views of the ocean. Then, I grabbed my towel and walked down the hill to Porthminster Beach, just a few minutes from the hotel.
The water was crystal clear and the sand was soft. Porthminster is definitely one of the more relaxed beaches in the area, with a family-friendly feel and ample space to spread out.
Strolling Through Town: Boutiques, Fudge & Coastal Charm
After soaking up the sun, I ventured back into the center of St. Ives for some retail therapy and let’s just say, this town does not disappoint.
Here are a few of my favorite finds:
- Sand Boutique: Beautiful beachwear, breezy dresses, and stylish accessories
- Magpie & London: Carefully curated fashion and lifestyle items from indie brands. A must-visit.
- Sweetlime Boutique: An eclectic mix of jewelry, textiles, and global-inspired pieces.
- Cream Boutique: Gorgeous homeware and coastal-inspired décor.
For snacks and sweets, I stopped at:
- The Allotment Deli for a little takeaway nibble (their pastries looked amazing).
- Roly’s Fudge Pantry for a sample of their creamy, handmade fudge—it’s as good as everyone says.
- And I couldn’t resist a scoop of Moomaid of Zennor ice cream, which was absolutely divine.
Exploring The Island & Tate St. Ives
Later in the day, I walked to The Island, a scenic headland that juts out into the sea and offers panoramic views of St. Ives and beyond. It’s a peaceful, photo-worthy spot with benches to sit and reflect. From there, it was a short stroll to Tate St. Ives, the modern art museum set right along the coastline.
The Tate features both rotating exhibitions and permanent collections inspired by Cornwall’s rich artistic heritage. I loved seeing the work of local and international artists in such a stunning setting. Bonus tip: There’s a lovely cafe on the top floor with views of the beach below (see center image below).
Dinner with a View at Pedn Olva
To wrap up the day, I treated myself to dinner at Pedn Olva, a boutique hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the sea. I arrived just before sunset, which made for a magical dining experience. The menu featured fresh, local ingredients—I opted for seafood again (when in Cornwall!) and a glass of wine as the sky turned shades of pink and orange.
Book Pedn Olva here: Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Be Back
St. Ives truly has something for every kind of traveler. The town is walkable, welcoming, and packed with creative energy. From beach lounging and art museums to boutique shopping and seafront dining, it truly felt like an escape and a lovely little oasis to explore. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, there’s no shortage of things to see and do at your own pace.
I’m already planning my return.
Where I Stayed
Harbour Hotel St. Ives
🛏️ Book via:
Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
Getting Around
St. Ives is best explored on foot, especially the town center and beach areas. The train into St. Ives from St. Erth is scenic and efficient—no need to rent a car unless you’re planning to explore other areas of Cornwall.
Planning Your Own Trip?
Feel free to watch my YouTube travel vlogs from my trip for more inspiration!
For more of my travel adventures, visit: The Savvy Bostonian Travel Blog
Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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