Things to do in St Ives

Activities, attractions and tours

St Ives which includes boating, a bay or harbour and a sandy beach
St Ives featuring rocky coastline, a coastal town and boating
Porthmeor Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Porthminster Beach featuring a sandy beach and swimming
St Ives showing a coastal town, general coastal views and boating

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What to do in St Ives

Popular places to visit

St Ives Harbour

St Ives Harbour

Explore the waterfront in St Ives with a trip to St Ives Harbour. Stroll along the seaside in this culturally rich area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

St Ives Harbour
Porthmeor Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people

Porthmeor Beach

Enjoy views of rugged cliffs and take lessons with a local surf school at this picturesque cove that has long inspired artists.

Porthmeor Beach
Porthminster Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach

Porthminster Beach

Rent a hut and play mini-golf with your family with a picturesque backdrop of headland cliffs, the sea and the Godrevy Lighthouse.

Porthminster Beach
Tate St. Ives showing heritage architecture and signage

Tate St. Ives

At the seaside outpost of this renowned British gallery, exhibitions celebrate the work of artists who have lived and worked in St. Ives.

Tate St. Ives
St Ives featuring château or palace

Barbara Hepworth Museum

Witness the work of a celebrated sculptor in her St. Ives home, where she experimented with new materials and made works that were inspired by the Cornish landscape.

Barbara Hepworth Museum
Chapel of St Nicholas

Chapel of St Nicholas

Find out about the history of St Ives when you take a trip to Chapel of St Nicholas. Stroll along the beautiful beaches in this culturally rich area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Chapel of St Nicholas
St. Ives Theatre

St. Ives Theatre

You can get tickets for a performance at St. Ives Theatre during your trip to St Ives. Amble around this culturally rich area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

St. Ives Theatre
Harbour Sand

Harbour Sand

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Harbour Sand during your trip to St Ives? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Harbour Sand
Wayside Museum showing interior views

Wayside Museum

You can study the exhibits at Wayside Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Zennor. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Wayside Museum
Minack Theatre which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and a coastal town

Penzance

Photo "Towednack" by jonathanpolkest (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by jonathanpolkest (CC BY-SA)

Towednack

Photo "Lelant" by Jane White (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Jane White (CC BY-SA)

Lelant

Frequently asked questions

Is St Ives worth visiting?
With a blend of watersports and walking trails, there's no shortage of things to do in St Ives. While you're here, visit St. Michael's Mount, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in St Ives?
When you've checked off popular attractions like St. Michael's Mount and Carbis Bay Beach, spend some time exploring St Ives's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in St Ives?
Don't go home without visiting St. Michael's Mount, ranked the top tourist attraction in St Ives.
Is three days enough to stay in St Ives?
Three days in St Ives is plenty of time to enjoy the city's major attractions. Many guests book for three days on average. Carbis Bay Beach, Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster Beach are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as North Cornish Coast.
Is St Ives a walkable city?
It depends on what you'd like to see and do in St Ives. Several top sights, like Carbis Bay Beach and Porthmeor Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of St Ives's best neighbourhoods, Lelant is 5 kilometres away from downtown, while Towednack is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in St Ives with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, take a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in St Ives with kids.

What to do in St Ives for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there's no shortage of things to do in St Ives for adults including Union Hotel and Leach Pottery Museum.
Are there free things to do in St Ives?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in St Ives. If you're stuck for ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Carbis Bay Beach is a must for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.