Hotels in St Ives

St Ives Hotels

The beautiful soft cream sands of St Ives have won it the title of best British seaside town on a number of occasions, and as your feet sink into the cool, clear waters of the Celtic Sea, you'll start to understand why. A fishing village by tradition, this picturesque gem of the Cornish coastline has since transformed into a peaceful but popular tourist location. The winding streets also play host to a number of art galleries and local craft shops.

Things to see

The delicate pale sands and inviting turquoise waters, something unique for Britain, have inspired many generations of artists both local and international, particularly the sculptor Barbara Hepworth. If you're taking a lazy stroll around the cosy, twisting paths and streets, then a visit to the Tate St Ives, which houses Hepworth's untouched workshop, and the elegant geometric curves of her work found in the sculpture garden, is a must. Of course, the main attractions in St Ives are the pristine beaches. If you're visiting with the family, then the crystalline waters, and luxurious white sands of Porthminster Beach make for the perfect day out while the watchful dome of Godrevy Lighthouse sits on the horizon. Surfers on the other hand, will want to head to the bustle of Porthmeor Beach nestled in the luminescent blue waters of the bay to catch the salty waves as, and when, they appear.

Hotels in St Ives

Staying true to the local sights, hotels in St Ives are a warm, homely and boutique affair. Perfect for a family break or romantic getaway, you can enjoy hearty complimentary breakfasts to stave off that sea air induced hunger, and show off your photos of the stunning landscape to your friends with the free WiFi provided by most St Ives hotels in their public areas. If you're looking for a more secluded form of accommodation, there is also a selection of friendly and peaceful bed and breakfasts in the area – perfect for an indulgent romantic getaway for you and your loved one.

Where to stay

In a reflection of its peaceful, rural roots, most hotels and guesthouses in St Ives are located fairly close to each other. The beauty is that you can comfortably stroll to any of the beaches and attractions no matter where you stay. That said, if you're planning on spending most of your time basking in the pillow soft sands of the beaches then accommodation along the Terrace or Trelyon Avenue will be the most convenient. Art lovers and couples could also consider the Barnoon Cemetery area, which lies close to the Tate St Ives. Regardless, the beach is never far away.

How to get to St Ives

The easiest way to reach St Ives is either by car or by train. While it can be handy to have a car, driving around the tiny streets can be more trouble than it's worth, especially during the summer. That said, there are a number of car parks, especially those a short walk from the harbour, that are usually free. Trains run from London Paddington to St Erth, where you will need to change and catch the local train line to St Ives, a mere one stop away. Generally, it's easiest, and most pleasant, to experience St Ives on foot.