Town/Village information --- St. Ives --- Cornwall

A lot has been written about St.Ives and this is not surprising for it is a very beautiful and interesting little town, popular with tourists and art lovers alike. Since the building of the St.Ives Tate gallery in the early 90’s, the town has benefited hugely in attracting many more visitors, but there have been artists here for many, many years, dating back to the 19th century. Even before this though, it was a fishing port and very busy in the days when herring and pilchard were plentiful. Then came tin mining and you can still see some of the old stacks in the surrounding countryside.
For those visiting Cornwall for the first time, this place should definitely be on your agenda.

Porthmeor beach is the biggest, which is also popular with surfers. Porthgwidden, is a smaller family beach with bathing huts. The Harbour beach, tidal. Porthminster, a larger family beach with good swimming. All beaches have accessible toilets and refreshments.

St. Ives habour at low tide.

The best way, by far, to enjoy the town is to walk and there are lots of places to explore, including the harbour and alleyways of the old town, and the beaches.

One walk, walk which takes you out and along the coastline, is that from Lelant, past Carbis Bay and into St. Ives. A good way to do this is to take the train from the station above Porthminster beach, out to Lelant and then walk back along the coastal path. At Lelant, you can walk up the lane to the church and across to the dunes where you pick up the coastal path.

Another walk takes you along the length of the dunes behind Porth Kidney beach (walk along the beach, if you prefer) and up along the cliffs parallel with the railway. At Carbis Bay, follow the lane down to the car park next to the beach, where you pick up the coastal path again and on up the cliffs and so to St. Ives, where you will come back to Porthminster beach and a plunge in the sea.

Another good, but much shorter walk can be taken on the other side of town. At the end of Porthmeor beach near the bowling green you can take a path out along the coast a little way, to Clodgy Point and back, and if you are feeling more energetic include a walk along the beach and around the island. From here there is a fabulous view across St. Ives Bay to Hayle, Gwithian and Godrevy.

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