The full guide
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
St Ives was a busy fishing port but fishing has declined over time. It is now a very popular tourist resort and has an excellent reputation as a centre for art.
There are a choice of beaches including Porthgwidden Beach, Porthminster Beach, the Harbour beach and Porthmeor Beach. All beaches are lovely sandy beaches and popular with families.
The RNLI have stationed a lifeboat at St Ives since 1840. The pier shown above is called Smeaton's Pier and helps to protect the harbour.
Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor Beach is on the west side of St Ives and is overlooked by the Tate Gallery.
It is a lovely sandy beach and is probably the best beach for surfing in St Ives.
Carbis Bay
Carbis Bay is adjacent to St Ives.
Carbis Bay has a lovely long sandy beach that is very popular with families.
Sea Fishing in St Ives
St Ives is a good area for bass and flatfish. On the high tide try spinning for mackerel.
St Ives RNLI
The Lifeboats
Nora Stachura - Shannon Class Lifeboat
Donald Dean - D Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
Lifeboat crews at St Ives have been saving lives at sea since 1839 and received 33 medals for gallantry. The station currently operates two boats - a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat.
Support St Ives Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
St Ives RNLI
The Lifeboats
Nora Stachura - Shannon Class Lifeboat
Donald Dean - D Class Lifeboat
The Lifeboat Station
Lifeboat crews at St Ives have been saving lives at sea since 1839 and received 33 medals for gallantry. The station currently operates two boats - a Shannon class all-weather lifeboat and a D class inshore lifeboat.
Support St Ives Lifeboat...
With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information
Useful for your next visit
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
Common questions
- Where is St Ives?
- St Ives sits on St Ives Bay on the north coast of West Cornwall, near Penzance and Hayle. It's reached by the scenic St Ives Bay branch line, with a park and ride at St Erth on the main London to Penzance route.
- What is St Ives known for?
- St Ives is known for its exceptional quality of light and its long association with artists, celebrated today at Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum. It's also famous for its sandy beaches, working harbour and historic fishing heritage.
- What are the best beaches in St Ives?
- St Ives has several town beaches, including Porthmeor, overlooked by the Tate and the best for surfing, plus Porthminster, Porthgwidden and the Harbour beach. Just along the bay, Carbis Bay has a long, sheltered stretch of sand popular with families.
- What is there to do in St Ives?
- Beyond the beaches, you can visit Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum, browse the galleries and craft shops, wander Smeaton's Pier and the harbour, and walk the coast path towards Carbis Bay or out to Clodgy Point.
- Is St Ives worth visiting?
- Yes. With its world-class art galleries, beautiful beaches and picturesque harbour, St Ives is one of Cornwall's most loved destinations and a highlight of any trip to the far west of the county.