St Ives - Cornwall 2026

 

Porthminster Beach

It is a clearing picture as we arrive on the train in St Ives. There are hints that the sun might break through. We have opted for the 'Park and Ride' from St Erth, although I seem to have paid for the train travel on top of the car parking.It is only a short journey, but very picturesque. On the right hand side there are stunning sea views and sandy beaches. I have been once before but memories are all a bit hazy. We have all day to explore so hoping to make the most of the visit this time. 

St Ives Harbour

St Ives is one of Cornwall's most attractive towns. Intricate,busy streets bordered by beautiful beaches. Incredibly busy during the peak Summer season. Famous for Artists and galleries, not to mention the overly attentive Seagulls. Hang on to your Chips and Pasties very carefully. We make our way from the Railway Station down Tregenna Hill towards the harbour. Once dependent on the Fishing industry, it was one of the most important fishing ports on the north Cornish coast. Now though very much in decline and reliant on tourism. The harbour though is still very much in use. The town has four beaches: Porthmeor a surfing beach, Porthgwidden a small sandy cove, Harbour by the working port and Porthminster which has almost half a mile of sand.

Hungry Seagull

 

Smeatons Pier Memorial

Turnstones on the Harbour edge

We are making our way albeit slowly towards Porthmeor Beach. There are several Turnstones along the waterfront, very tame and easier work eating crumbs than sifting through rocks and shells on the shore. Porthmeor is a fantastic Atlantic facing beach on the doorstep of Tate St Ives. 

Porthmeor Beach

It is a stunning beach, plenty of Surfers out today. A perfect spot to stop and enjoy the view. I wanted to have a look inside the Tate St Ives, however the entry price was a bit off putting given our limited time. We opt to visit the Cafe and Gift Shop inside instead. If I happened to wander into the gallery that would be unfortunate.... The Tate St Ives was built between 1988 and 1993 on the site of an old gasworks overlooking the beach. he gallery opened in June 1993, the second of the Tate's regional galleries after Tate Liverpool. A very nice but expensive cup of Green tea was enjoyed. I did enquire having a 'top up' but the request was declined. I did purchase a bookmark from thee gift shop though as a souvenir. I did walk into the gallery leaving the Gift Shop but was quickly intercepted by an elderly lady with a ticket machine. I made my excuses about looking for the wife and made a swift exit.. Time to get some more walking in , the buildings on top of 'the island'  look worth exploring.

View from The Island over Porthmeor

St Nicholas Chapel

Standing at the top of St Ives Head, or The Island next to the National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is quite inspiring. I am reminded of the famous 'St Ives Light'. I have already been reprimanded in one gallery after saying the light was poor today. They are usual in reference to bright, light blue sea and golden sands.However the good people of St Ives and the staff of the Tate have created their own colour chart (pictured left). All the colours are named after things synonymous with Cornwall and the St Ives are. There are names such as, 'Teetotal Street', 'Hurling the Silver Ball' and 'Ale at the Sloop'.(Cornwall's oldest harbour Inn).   St Nicholas Chapel sits on top of The Island in St Ives overlooking the bay, beaches and out to the rolling Atlantic. The tiny Chapel can hold around 10 people. Sadly it wasn't open for viewing, but it does open for short periods. St Nicholas is the patrol saint of sailors,and the Chapel probably dates back to 1434, when the church of St Eia (the parish church) was built in town. St Eia is also known as 'La of Cornwall'. A 5th or 6th Century missionary Princess and indeed Martyr, who is the Patron Saint of St Ives. Hopefully that clears all that up! 

We wind our way back past the Tate St Ives towards the town. My goodness there are some steep streets to negotiate. All of which is very thirsty work. We call into a local micro brewery shop, the owner is a bit snooty about me asking to eat my sandwich. Didn't like the cut of his jib much so only had a half. A couple told us of a much better place to drink 'The Pilchard Press' if we could find it, and it was open. There is a music festival today and we take time to watch a couple of local performs who made a nice sound. It took several attempts to find 'The Pilchard Press'. Hidden away up a side street off the harbour and literally behind a load of bins. Our timing was perfect though as it had just opened at 4 PM.It's a quaint little place serving traditional local Ales straight from the barrel. Obviously a popular place as within minutes it had filled up! On the rear wall is a mural depicting life and characters in the town, and there is a ‘window’ with a webcam showing the harbour outside.Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

 

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