Last week we returned to St Ives in Cornwall, where we spent just over a week in a spacious two bed house close to the Digey. We have a staycation there every year now, usually in the October half term (although we have been at other times of the year). St Ives is a place where you could park your car for a week and not need to use it again until you leave – if you really wanted. The town is small but has so much to offer. You can also venture further out and see what Cornwall has to offer. St Ives is on a train line, which takes you to Penzance, or there’s the Lands End Coaster bus that goes to many popular locations further afield.

My list of top things to do changes – depending on the time of year, what I feel like doing, and whether our favourite places to eat have changed hands or not (The Seafood Cafe is just one example). However, this is a current list of my top things to do in St Ives Cornwall.

Bodyboarding at Porthmeor Beach

I have it on good authority (from the locals) that it is pronounced ‘Porth-mear’ beach, and out of all the beaches in St Ives (there are technically seven in total), this one is best for surfing and bodyboarding. Porthmeor Beach is the biggest beach in St Ives and has spectacular sunsets. I have even witnessed a full rainbow over the beach.

Not only that, look closely and you may spot a seal bopping around, and when you’re out in the sea, they can sometimes get quite close.

Going in the sea at the end of October may not sound very appealing, but it’s surprisingly warm when you’ve got your wet suit on (although you get a few swimmers without). At this time of year, the lifeguards are still there which also makes me feel safer when Eva (my 9 year old daughter) is bodyboarding with me. There’s minimal skill to bodyboarding – simply catch a good wave at the right time and ride back to shore. You could spend hours out there! Check when the waves are good (use a surf forecast to track the best times to go in the sea).

If (like my husband) you fancy doing some surfing, then head over to the St Ives Surf School to book a lesson. The surfing instructors will teach at different levels of experience and they even take photos for you to buy. They teach kids as well as adults (Eva only did this once), and they also hire out surf boards (and paddleboards and kayaks) if you don’t want the lesson.

Sea Views at Porthmeor Beach Cafe

As well as the surf, it’s also all about the cafes and restaurants – and you’re definitely spoilt for good food and coffee in St Ives. And some of them have amazing views, including Porthmeor Beach Cafe.

Overlooking Porthmeor Beach and across from St Ives Tate, the cafe has an undercover heated ‘outdoor’ terrace, the main indoor cafe side with an open kitchen, and outdoor pods, which are cute private alcoves. They serve the most amazing breakfasts – and it’s my favourite place to go to in the morning. You can just sit and watch the surf. They also have a tapas menu for lunch and dinner which is definitely worth trying.

Walk to Carbis Bay

If you fancy heading a bit further afield, then why not walk over to Carbis Bay. Head towards Porthminster Beach and there is an easy route along the coastal path. It is just over a mile long, or a few minutes by train (which is handy if you don’t fancy walking back again!) The walk gives you amazing views over St Ives with it’s lush cliff sides and tropical tree ferns.

The bay itself is a lovely sheltered spot and a natural paradise for swimmers. It’s less crowded in the summer, and the water is clear – it was winner of a Blue Flag award and Seaside Award in 2024. It was also where the annual G7 Summit was held back in 2021.

Drinks in the Pedn Olva

The Pedn Olva is a hotel and restaurant that boasts breathtaking views over the harbour on one side and over Porthminster Beach on the other. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to go in and have a drink in the bar area (although can get busy in the summer). If you can bag a table by the window, you get a panoramic view of the sea. And look down, as the hotel is situated on granite rocks overlooking the bay. If you go early enough, they serve cakes and croissants – perfect with a coffee or hot chocolate.

The food is also delicious, so it’s well worth booking a table for dinner.

In the summer months, there is a roof terrace where you can sit with your drink and enjoy the scenery.

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Take a walk on The Island

The Island in St Ives overlooks both Porthmeor Beach and Porthgwidden beach, and gives you stunning views of the town, St Ives Bay, Godrevy’s lighthouse, Carbis Bay and beyond. The Island is actually attached to the mainland, and is easily accessed from Porthmeor Beach, Island Road or from Porthgwidden Beach. It is an easy walk and breathtaking at any time of the day or in any season. Go early at sunrise, and you’ll witness something very special. Equally, the sunsets over Porthmeor Beach are unforgettable.

At the top of The Island is a little ancient chapel called St Nicholas Chapel. It is unknown when the chapel was built, but it is believed Cornish ancestors worshipped in St Nicholas’ Chapel before the church of St Ives was built in 1434.

Nicholas was the patron saint of children and also of sailors, which could explain the name. The chapel has a lot of history – including being a vantage point to look out for smugglers, being used a storeroom for the nearby gun battery during the war with France in the nineteenth century and in the present day, wedding blessings can be held there.

Visit the Arcade

One for the kids really. If they need a break from browsing the fabulous gift shops and boutiques down Fore Street (although Eva’s favourite hang-out is the St Ives Book Seller and she could easily buy a book every day from there) then take them to the Harbour Amusements for a complete change of scenery.

It’s only small in there, but it still has everything the kids want – penny push machines, toy grabber machines, air hockey, Minecraft Dungeons and MarioKart. What more do they need?

I do end up spending a small fortune in there trying to win cuddly toys, but in small doses it’s classic seaside fun.

Cornish Pasties

I can’t visit Cornwall without having at least one cream tea and one Cornish Pasty (although I definitely had more than one of each of these!) If you don’t do meat, there are a couple of places that do vegan Cornish Pasties – one is Pengenna Pasties on High Street. However for me, St Ives Bakery on Fore Street is the place to go.

As well as offering a range of Cornish pasties, they sell other fabulous delights. Their cruffins (a cross between a doughnut and a muffin) are also worth a try. Then take a stroll or relax on the beach. Just don’t let the Cornish pasty thieves (AKA the seagulls) get a look in!

Our favourite spots to eat out in the evening (that have not been mentioned) include: The Loft, for cosy evening vibes and delicious seafood (and they offer a vegan orange cake for dessert if you don’t do dairy). Host, for delicious wood fire pizzas and cocktails. St Ives Hub for burgers, a relaxed feel and fabulous views over the harbour. I also enjoy a full English breakfast in Sky’s Diner.

I am wearing the Laurel mid-length coat with a recycled fill in navy and Causeway Breton striped top in navy. Eva is wearing the Cara kids parka in navy and the Bobbie Bobble hat in pink and navy, all from Lighthouseclothing.co.uk

Gifted