Making the most of your stay
Food Scene
A selection of some of our personal favourites.
Along with the 22 acres of exotic and sub-tropical gardens and art from artists such as James Turrell and David Nash, there’s a kitchen that serves up some great food in a wonderful setting.
215 locals recommend
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Along with the 22 acres of exotic and sub-tropical gardens and art from artists such as James Turrell and David Nash, there’s a kitchen that serves up some great food in a wonderful setting.
If you like fish then you'll love Mackerel Sky - tapas style fishy bites - all fresh and all very lovely - mussels, crab nachos and monkish tails. Lovely wine too. All at very reasonable prices.
154 locals recommend
Mackerel Sky Seafood Bar
New RoadIf you like fish then you'll love Mackerel Sky - tapas style fishy bites - all fresh and all very lovely - mussels, crab nachos and monkish tails. Lovely wine too. All at very reasonable prices.
Said to date back to 1271 and one of the Cornwall's most significant and historic Grade II coastal free houses, the Tinners Arms is a great find. On a sunny day sit in the garden and you'll feel a world away, surrounded by timeless beauty. Equally good huddled inside with the fire lit and the rain beating at the windows. Good value pub food too and a plentiful selection of local ales. Poldark would feel at home here!
67 locals recommend
The Tinner's Arms
Said to date back to 1271 and one of the Cornwall's most significant and historic Grade II coastal free houses, the Tinners Arms is a great find. On a sunny day sit in the garden and you'll feel a world away, surrounded by timeless beauty. Equally good huddled inside with the fire lit and the rain beating at the windows. Good value pub food too and a plentiful selection of local ales. Poldark would feel at home here!
Family friendly beach side hotel and restaurant with an extensive menu and lots of seating choice (in/out, up/down). The food is good but the view is just brilliant overlooking St Michael’s Mount – even on a wet and windy day!
107 locals recommend
Godolphin Arms
West EndFamily friendly beach side hotel and restaurant with an extensive menu and lots of seating choice (in/out, up/down). The food is good but the view is just brilliant overlooking St Michael’s Mount – even on a wet and windy day!
As the name suggest, fresh local fish and shellfish plus meat and free range poultry. Choose from the fish on display, choose how you’d like the fish cooked and add your choice of side dishes.
62 locals recommend
The Seafood Cafe
45 Fore StAs the name suggest, fresh local fish and shellfish plus meat and free range poultry. Choose from the fish on display, choose how you’d like the fish cooked and add your choice of side dishes.
Offering a menu of smaller plates and lighter options which combine global flavours, fresh local ingredients and creative cooking overlooking the harbour in the heart of St Ives.
101 locals recommend
Porthminster Kitchen
Wharf RoadOffering a menu of smaller plates and lighter options which combine global flavours, fresh local ingredients and creative cooking overlooking the harbour in the heart of St Ives.
Intimate fish restaurant, serving small plates using the finest quality produce cooked simply. Relaxed and informal. Tasting menus available.
9 locals recommend
One Fish Street
30a Fish StIntimate fish restaurant, serving small plates using the finest quality produce cooked simply. Relaxed and informal. Tasting menus available.
Nestled beneath the steep grassy slopes of St Ives “Island”, right on the beach with unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Now open all year round for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
121 locals recommend
Porthgwidden Beach
Nestled beneath the steep grassy slopes of St Ives “Island”, right on the beach with unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Now open all year round for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
Hidden Thai restaurant with seating upstairs overlooking the wharf. Tapa style street food menu with great view.
58 locals recommend
Talay Thai Kitchen
Wharf RoadHidden Thai restaurant with seating upstairs overlooking the wharf. Tapa style street food menu with great view.
Restaurant and terrace (weather permitting!) using local ingredients. Great value Early Eater menu.
25 locals recommend
The Loft Restaurant & Terrace
Norway LaneRestaurant and terrace (weather permitting!) using local ingredients. Great value Early Eater menu.
Listed by the Wall Street Journal as one Europe’s best burgers, this small chain serves up meat, vegetarian and vegan burgers using locally sourced ingredients.
48 locals recommend
Blas Burgerworks
19 WarrenListed by the Wall Street Journal as one Europe’s best burgers, this small chain serves up meat, vegetarian and vegan burgers using locally sourced ingredients.
Pizza and pasta, risotto and lasagne on the water’s edge in the centre of St Ives.
30 locals recommend
Caffe Pasta
The WharfPizza and pasta, risotto and lasagne on the water’s edge in the centre of St Ives.
Lakeside Cabin Cafe
Serving light bites and amazing cakes next to a fishing lake.
Combining Scarlet’s wine shop and a casual restaurant located in Lelant. Serving lovely inventive light meals and stone baked pizzas.
43 locals recommend
The Old Forge Lelant
Combining Scarlet’s wine shop and a casual restaurant located in Lelant. Serving lovely inventive light meals and stone baked pizzas.
Highly rated restaurant serving a small seafood menu crafted using the best ingredients available on a daily basis.
46 locals recommend
The Shore Restaurant
13-14 Alverton StHighly rated restaurant serving a small seafood menu crafted using the best ingredients available on a daily basis.
The Gurnards Head
Lovely atmosphere and great food for a special occasion meal
Mermaid Alley
45 New StGood quality well priced food in a relaxing atmosphere.
Rustic restaurant, bar and smokehouse in Penzance serving seasonal tasting plates and Cornish meat and fish straight from the BBQ smokehouse. Craft beers and local independent vineyards. Located in the old quarter of Penzance.
69 locals recommend
Artist Residence Clubhouse
20 Chapel StRustic restaurant, bar and smokehouse in Penzance serving seasonal tasting plates and Cornish meat and fish straight from the BBQ smokehouse. Craft beers and local independent vineyards. Located in the old quarter of Penzance.
The Mex
3 Gabriel StSmall - but great Mexican inspired dishes
Porthminster Kitchen
Wharf RoadRecently featured on ‘Rick Stein’s Cornwall’ TV programme.
Cellar Bistro
29-31 Fore StReasonably priced locally sourced fresh food.
Generous portions for hearty appetites consisting of locally sourced food.
34 locals recommend
Trevaskis Farm Restaurant
Gwinear RoadGenerous portions for hearty appetites consisting of locally sourced food.
The Bean Inn
Saint Ives RoadAll dishes are vegan and are approved by the Vegetarian Society.
Una Kitchen
Laity LaneMediterranean inspired dishes using wood fire techniques along with pizzas
The Balancing Eel
Back LaneGreat fish and scrumptous chips in the heart of St Ives.
Nestled just a breath away from Newlyn harbour is Lewis’s fish and chips takeaway offering the ‘catch of the day’ such as hake, monk fish tails and john dory. Closed on Sunday.
14 locals recommend
Lewis
2 StrandNestled just a breath away from Newlyn harbour is Lewis’s fish and chips takeaway offering the ‘catch of the day’ such as hake, monk fish tails and john dory. Closed on Sunday.
No bookings required. Recently extended to provide more tables with views over the estuary.
53 locals recommend
Birdies Bistro
No bookings required. Recently extended to provide more tables with views over the estuary.
27 The Terrace
27 The TerraceIntimate fine dining (18 covers) with amazing views.
Opened since 2003 on the harbour front serving a large and varied selection of burgers and a separate vegan menu. Relaxed and popular choice for informal dining.
94 locals recommend
Hub St Ives
4 Wharf RdOpened since 2003 on the harbour front serving a large and varied selection of burgers and a separate vegan menu. Relaxed and popular choice for informal dining.
Location of the G7. Various dining options from beach side restaurant to fine dining (Ugly Butterfly)
16 locals recommend
Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate
Location of the G7. Various dining options from beach side restaurant to fine dining (Ugly Butterfly)
Sister to the Carbis Bay hotel, featuring classic British recipes with a modern twist. The hearty menu has been created by the Rosette winning chef at the Carbis Bay Estate. Each dish developed to fit with our home-cooking style menu, which is packed full of locally sourced ingredients from the finest Cornish producers.
16 locals recommend
The Gannet Inn
Saint Ives RoadSister to the Carbis Bay hotel, featuring classic British recipes with a modern twist. The hearty menu has been created by the Rosette winning chef at the Carbis Bay Estate. Each dish developed to fit with our home-cooking style menu, which is packed full of locally sourced ingredients from the finest Cornish producers.
Superb fish and sharing plates. Inventive and creative on the harbour at Newlyn by the fish market. Tables in and out.
26 locals recommend
Argoe
Superb fish and sharing plates. Inventive and creative on the harbour at Newlyn by the fish market. Tables in and out.
The Mexico Inn
4 RiversideUncomplicated, ingredient-driven food and an inviting environment.
Fresh locally and sustainably caught lobster and crab served cold with salad. Wooden benches on the quay. No bookings taken. Queue, order and enjoy!
Dan Dan the lobster man
Mount Pleasant RoadFresh locally and sustainably caught lobster and crab served cold with salad. Wooden benches on the quay. No bookings taken. Queue, order and enjoy!
Fabulous harbourside location. Very relaxed (wooden tables) and limited menu focussing on mussels. No bookings taken.
43 locals recommend
The Mussel Shoal
Fabulous harbourside location. Very relaxed (wooden tables) and limited menu focussing on mussels. No bookings taken.
Serves cod and hake that melts in the mouth. Limited opening hours so there’s always a queue!
Heamoor Chip Shop
1A Rock TerraceServes cod and hake that melts in the mouth. Limited opening hours so there’s always a queue!
Pub and restaurant located in an 18th century watermill. Situated in extensive natural gardens. Good Sunday roast.
9 locals recommend
The Watermill
Pub and restaurant located in an 18th century watermill. Situated in extensive natural gardens. Good Sunday roast.
The Cornish Arms
Hearty home-made food in a traditional setting.
The Mexico Inn
4 RiversideUncomplicated, ingredient-driven food and an inviting environment.
Award-winning seafood restaurant offering Mediterranean and Asian seafood. Aside from being right on the beach, it has unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse.
236 locals recommend
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Award-winning seafood restaurant offering Mediterranean and Asian seafood. Aside from being right on the beach, it has unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse.
The Fish Shed St Ives
Cocktails and fresh fish served right on Porthmear beach
Using local ingredients that are free range and ethically sourced from suppliers they know and trust – fresh-caught fish from the sea outside the window, meats from nearby farms, seasonal veg that grows here in the UK.
Silco Bar & Kitchen
Using local ingredients that are free range and ethically sourced from suppliers they know and trust – fresh-caught fish from the sea outside the window, meats from nearby farms, seasonal veg that grows here in the UK.
Local pub serving good local food. Recently reopened. Lots of parking behind.
26 locals recommend
Halsetown Inn
Local pub serving good local food. Recently reopened. Lots of parking behind.
A menu full of favourite classics with a gastro twist that are sure to indulge any craving. Serves Sunday Lunch too. Picturesque setting next to the church in small village.
9 locals recommend
The White Hart
Church HillA menu full of favourite classics with a gastro twist that are sure to indulge any craving. Serves Sunday Lunch too. Picturesque setting next to the church in small village.
Arts & Culture
Gorgeous unspoilt thought provoking (and good food to boot!) place. Sort of off the beaten track but once you discover it you'll come back again. Local climate plants for sale plus the most lovely cafe serving lunches, afternoon teas and some evening meals. Sculptures are truly amazing. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. PS Spectacular view of St Michael's Mount and the ocean beyond from here.
215 locals recommend
Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Gorgeous unspoilt thought provoking (and good food to boot!) place. Sort of off the beaten track but once you discover it you'll come back again. Local climate plants for sale plus the most lovely cafe serving lunches, afternoon teas and some evening meals. Sculptures are truly amazing. Pack a picnic and make a day of it. PS Spectacular view of St Michael's Mount and the ocean beyond from here.
Recently refurbished, extended and reopened in October 2017 - it's situated right on Porthmear beach. As well as great art, the Tate has a good cafe and gift shop.
453 locals recommend
Tate St. Ives
Recently refurbished, extended and reopened in October 2017 - it's situated right on Porthmear beach. As well as great art, the Tate has a good cafe and gift shop.
Offering an insight into the work of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists. Sculptures in bronze, stone and wood are on display in the museum and garden, along with paintings, drawings and archive material
209 locals recommend
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
Barnoon HillOffering an insight into the work of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists. Sculptures in bronze, stone and wood are on display in the museum and garden, along with paintings, drawings and archive material
Shopping
St Ives provides the usual selection of everyday essential shops but its real charm is that it's got loads of lovely independent shops - from boutiques to greengrocers, bakeries, cafes and delicatessens not to mention the wealth of art and crafts - all to be found in the myriad of narrow side streets. If shopping is not your thing then you can plonk yourself down at the Porthmear beach Cafe and Bar and just watch the surfers ride in!
33 locals recommend
St Ives (Cornwall)
St Ives provides the usual selection of everyday essential shops but its real charm is that it's got loads of lovely independent shops - from boutiques to greengrocers, bakeries, cafes and delicatessens not to mention the wealth of art and crafts - all to be found in the myriad of narrow side streets. If shopping is not your thing then you can plonk yourself down at the Porthmear beach Cafe and Bar and just watch the surfers ride in!
Head to Penzance for large supermarkets. Sainsbury's cafe tops the lot with the best view in the country - overlooking St Micheal's Mount. Move further along the coast to Newylyn to Mackerel Sky - see restaurants above.
161 locals recommend
Penzance
Head to Penzance for large supermarkets. Sainsbury's cafe tops the lot with the best view in the country - overlooking St Micheal's Mount. Move further along the coast to Newylyn to Mackerel Sky - see restaurants above.
Sightseeing
The Minack has to be seen to be believed! Set on a cliff top overlooking the most stunning coastline and beach. Visit even if you're not lucky enough to have tickets to see a play - it's so inspiring. Plus you might see seals or basking sharks coming into the shallow crystal clear waters of Porthcurno. One of our favourite spots...
545 locals recommend
The Minack Theatre
The Minack has to be seen to be believed! Set on a cliff top overlooking the most stunning coastline and beach. Visit even if you're not lucky enough to have tickets to see a play - it's so inspiring. Plus you might see seals or basking sharks coming into the shallow crystal clear waters of Porthcurno. One of our favourite spots...
Is there anything more magical than seeing St Michael's Mount rising from the sea (even on a misty day it still looks surreal!). Owned by the National Trust you can walk over via the causeway at low tide for free.
690 locals recommend
Saint Michael's Mount
Is there anything more magical than seeing St Michael's Mount rising from the sea (even on a misty day it still looks surreal!). Owned by the National Trust you can walk over via the causeway at low tide for free.
Truly amazing examples of engine houses in a most dramatic setting. Site of the BBC TV series ‘Poldark’ filming location.
34 locals recommend
National Trust - Levant Mine and Beam Engine
Truly amazing examples of engine houses in a most dramatic setting. Site of the BBC TV series ‘Poldark’ filming location.
Take a drive along the coastal road and see the rocky cliffs of the coast and the rugged, boulder-strewn, granite hills and moors. Stop off at Zennor for a coffee either at the ancient and quaint pub (see Places to eat) or visit the Chapel Guesthouse Café. Zennor is a good place to stop to access the South West Coast path. Alternatively, continue along the coast road through the traditional Cornish villages to the town of St Just and Cape Cornwall, part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site
76 locals recommend
Cape Cornwall
Take a drive along the coastal road and see the rocky cliffs of the coast and the rugged, boulder-strewn, granite hills and moors. Stop off at Zennor for a coffee either at the ancient and quaint pub (see Places to eat) or visit the Chapel Guesthouse Café. Zennor is a good place to stop to access the South West Coast path. Alternatively, continue along the coast road through the traditional Cornish villages to the town of St Just and Cape Cornwall, part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site
Truly amazing examples of engine houses in a most dramatic setting. Site of the BBC TV series ‘Poldark’ filming location.
23 locals recommend
Crowns Engine Houses, Botallack Mine
Truly amazing examples of engine houses in a most dramatic setting. Site of the BBC TV series ‘Poldark’ filming location.
Land’s End was formed around 270 million years ago, when a mass of boiling granite forced its way through the overlying softer rocks to the surface. The result was the Land’s End Peninsula, one of four roughly circular granite domes forming the backbone of Cornwall.
249 locals recommend
Land's End Landmark Attraction
Land's EndLand’s End was formed around 270 million years ago, when a mass of boiling granite forced its way through the overlying softer rocks to the surface. The result was the Land’s End Peninsula, one of four roughly circular granite domes forming the backbone of Cornwall.
The site dates from the late Neolithic-early Bronze Age (approx. 2500-1500 BC) and consists of a circle of 19 stones, standing slightly below a ridge of the sloping field.
21 locals recommend
The Merry Maidens Stone Circle
B3315The site dates from the late Neolithic-early Bronze Age (approx. 2500-1500 BC) and consists of a circle of 19 stones, standing slightly below a ridge of the sloping field.
Parks & Nature
Godrevy lighthouse was made famous by Virginia Woolfe in her novel 'To the Lighthouse'. In addition to the lighthouse that stands on a rocky outcrop, see the seals basking on the beach at low tide, just below the cliffs. If you’re feeling energetic, walk along the cliff tops to the spectacular Hell’s Mouth (2 hours of moderate walking), or carry along the coast by car. There’s a café over the road at Hell’s Mouth
90 locals recommend
Godrevy Lighthouse
Godrevy lighthouse was made famous by Virginia Woolfe in her novel 'To the Lighthouse'. In addition to the lighthouse that stands on a rocky outcrop, see the seals basking on the beach at low tide, just below the cliffs. If you’re feeling energetic, walk along the cliff tops to the spectacular Hell’s Mouth (2 hours of moderate walking), or carry along the coast by car. There’s a café over the road at Hell’s Mouth
Sennen beach is situated just around the corner from Land's End, the most westerly point in mainland Britain. Whilst the village sits in the lee of the mighty Pedn-men-du headland the large crescent of sandy beach faces the full force of the Atlantic Ocean making it a popular spot for surfers.
Take a walk from Sennen to Lands End.
246 locals recommend
Sennen Cove
Sennen beach is situated just around the corner from Land's End, the most westerly point in mainland Britain. Whilst the village sits in the lee of the mighty Pedn-men-du headland the large crescent of sandy beach faces the full force of the Atlantic Ocean making it a popular spot for surfers.
Take a walk from Sennen to Lands End.
Probably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall, the contrast between the cove’s white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock produces a breath-taking sight so worth the drive. Park in the National Trust car park and from here you can take a steep 10-15-minute walk down to the cove where you’ll find a café.
223 locals recommend
Kynance Cove
Probably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall, the contrast between the cove’s white sand beach and the dark red and green serpentine rock produces a breath-taking sight so worth the drive. Park in the National Trust car park and from here you can take a steep 10-15-minute walk down to the cove where you’ll find a café.
One of Cornwall's seven award-winning Blue Flag beaches, with safe bathing beach surrounded by subtropical splendour.
Facing northeast and just one mile east of St Ives, the beach rarely has any surf so makes for an ideal spot for families with toddlers as the sea here is perfect for swimming. Served by the picturesque St Ives branch line (see Park & Ride at St. Erth)
71 locals recommend
Carbis Bay
One of Cornwall's seven award-winning Blue Flag beaches, with safe bathing beach surrounded by subtropical splendour.
Facing northeast and just one mile east of St Ives, the beach rarely has any surf so makes for an ideal spot for families with toddlers as the sea here is perfect for swimming. Served by the picturesque St Ives branch line (see Park & Ride at St. Erth)
The Lizard peninsula is the most southerly point of the British mainland at SW 701115. Take a walk from the Lizard to Kynance Cove. You won’t be disappointed!
71 locals recommend
Lizard
The Lizard peninsula is the most southerly point of the British mainland at SW 701115. Take a walk from the Lizard to Kynance Cove. You won’t be disappointed!
Award-winning sandy beach popular with surfers and families, plus a beach cafe and surf school.
252 locals recommend
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor HillAward-winning sandy beach popular with surfers and families, plus a beach cafe and surf school.
Zennor
Visit Commando Ridge and watch the climbers climb the craggy sheer rocks
Amazing and unique hidden wood full of wonderful surprises and lovely lakes.
8 locals recommend
Tanglewood Wild Garden
Sancreed LaneAmazing and unique hidden wood full of wonderful surprises and lovely lakes.
Tehidy Woods
A peaceful and relaxing park with river and woodland.
Access some of the 630 miles of coast path for breathtaking sea views.
72 locals recommend
South West Coast Path
South West Coast PathAccess some of the 630 miles of coast path for breathtaking sea views.
Gently shelving, calm waters and on the beach food cafe make this a great place for a swim and bite to eat.
Porthminster Beach, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 2EB, UK
Gently shelving, calm waters and on the beach food cafe make this a great place for a swim and bite to eat.
Lovely smaller beach with beach side cafe and restaurant
Porthgwidden Beach, St Ives, Saint Ives TR26 1PL, UK
Lovely smaller beach with beach side cafe and restaurant
Essentials
Large supermarket in Penzance with home and clothing sections. Fish and meat counter. Good cafe with view over St Michael's Mount. Petrol station
121 locals recommend
Sainsbury's
Eastern GreenLarge supermarket in Penzance with home and clothing sections. Fish and meat counter. Good cafe with view over St Michael's Mount. Petrol station
Nearest supermarket to us but no petrol. On outskirts of St Ives.
69 locals recommend
Tesco Superstore
Saint Ives RoadNearest supermarket to us but no petrol. On outskirts of St Ives.
Entertainment & Activities
Situated in the heart of St Ives on Porthmear beach. Surf school catering for guided kayaking, coasteering and lessons in SUP.
62 locals recommend
St Ives Surf School
Situated in the heart of St Ives on Porthmear beach. Surf school catering for guided kayaking, coasteering and lessons in SUP.
Visit a real mine and learn what life was like for a Cornish miner giving you a great insight into our rich mining history.
133 locals recommend
Geevor Tin Mine
Visit a real mine and learn what life was like for a Cornish miner giving you a great insight into our rich mining history.
Iconic Land’s End is the legendary Cornish destination that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as Belerion – the shining land.
249 locals recommend
Land's End Landmark Attraction
Land's EndIconic Land’s End is the legendary Cornish destination that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as Belerion – the shining land.
See seals, otters and penguins up close with feeding sessions and underwater viewing areas
187 locals recommend
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
See seals, otters and penguins up close with feeding sessions and underwater viewing areas
Book a tour of the gin distillery and enjoy some tasting too!
6 locals recommend
Tarquin's Gin School & Shop
2-4 Lanadwell StBook a tour of the gin distillery and enjoy some tasting too!
Take an exhilarating rib ride with others and zip around the bay or hire a boat for yourself.
20 locals recommend
St Ives Self Drive Boats & Kayak Rental
The WharfTake an exhilarating rib ride with others and zip around the bay or hire a boat for yourself.
AK Wildlife Cruises
Book a wine tour (and tasting) to see how they make their award winning wines
80 locals recommend
Camel Valley
Book a wine tour (and tasting) to see how they make their award winning wines
In essence, ‘via ferrata’, which means ‘iron path’ in Italian and refers to the metal rungs and wire bridges that give climbers a safe crossing across otherwise tricky and steep rocky terrain, is ‘rock climbing and then some’. High wire bridge, zip lines too.
15 locals recommend
Via Ferrata Cornwall
HalvassoIn essence, ‘via ferrata’, which means ‘iron path’ in Italian and refers to the metal rungs and wire bridges that give climbers a safe crossing across otherwise tricky and steep rocky terrain, is ‘rock climbing and then some’. High wire bridge, zip lines too.
St Ives Surf School
Learn to surf, hire a SUP or go coasteering in a group.
St Ives eBikes
Hire an electric bike and cycle out from St Ives