The Pedros Guidebook to St Ives
Neighbourhoods
Regarded as the jewel in the crown of Penwith, the last borough of England, St Ives has established itself as a famous artists colony and well known holiday destination, boasting five sandy beaches, and it's own bay.
A tightly packed cluster of slate roofs, fishers' cottages and church towers spread out around turquoise bays – it's an unfailingly dazzling sight. Once a busy pilchard harbour, St Ives later became the centre of Cornwall's arts scene in the 1920s and '30s, when luminary figures such as Barbara Hepworth, Terry Frost, Ben Nicholson and Naum Gabo migrated here in search of artistic freedom. The town remains an artistic centre, with numerous galleries lining its cobbled streets, as well as the renowned Tate St Ives.
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Saint Ives
Regarded as the jewel in the crown of Penwith, the last borough of England, St Ives has established itself as a famous artists colony and well known holiday destination, boasting five sandy beaches, and it's own bay.
A tightly packed cluster of slate roofs, fishers' cottages and church towers spread out around turquoise bays – it's an unfailingly dazzling sight. Once a busy pilchard harbour, St Ives later became the centre of Cornwall's arts scene in the 1920s and '30s, when luminary figures such as Barbara Hepworth, Terry Frost, Ben Nicholson and Naum Gabo migrated here in search of artistic freedom. The town remains an artistic centre, with numerous galleries lining its cobbled streets, as well as the renowned Tate St Ives.
Cornwall’s southern coastline takes a sudden wild turn around the Lizard Peninsula, where fields and heaths plunge into a melee of black cliffs, churning surf and saw-tooth rocks. Cut off from the rest of Cornwall by the River Helford, and ringed by treacherous seas, the Lizard was once an ill-famed graveyard for ships, and the peninsula still has a raw, untamed edge. Wind-lashed in winter, in summer its clifftops blaze with wildflowers, and its beaches and coves are perfect for a bracing wild swim.
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Lizard
Cornwall’s southern coastline takes a sudden wild turn around the Lizard Peninsula, where fields and heaths plunge into a melee of black cliffs, churning surf and saw-tooth rocks. Cut off from the rest of Cornwall by the River Helford, and ringed by treacherous seas, the Lizard was once an ill-famed graveyard for ships, and the peninsula still has a raw, untamed edge. Wind-lashed in winter, in summer its clifftops blaze with wildflowers, and its beaches and coves are perfect for a bracing wild swim.
Sightseeing
After an 18-month, multimillion-pound refit, St Ives' most illustrious gallery reopened its doors, complete with a monumental exhibition space that's been added to the museum's original, spiral-shaped core. Focusing on the coterie of experimental artists who congregated at St Ives after the WWII and turned the little seaside town into a mecca of modern art, the museum showcases the work of luminaries such as Barbara Hepworth, Terry Frost, Peter Lanyon and Patrick Heron in luminous, white-walled surroundings.
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Tate St. Ives
After an 18-month, multimillion-pound refit, St Ives' most illustrious gallery reopened its doors, complete with a monumental exhibition space that's been added to the museum's original, spiral-shaped core. Focusing on the coterie of experimental artists who congregated at St Ives after the WWII and turned the little seaside town into a mecca of modern art, the museum showcases the work of luminaries such as Barbara Hepworth, Terry Frost, Peter Lanyon and Patrick Heron in luminous, white-walled surroundings.
While other St Ives artists broke new ground in sculpture and abstract art, potter Bernard Leach was hard at work reinventing British ceramics in his studio in Higher Stennack. Drawing inspiration from Japanese and oriental sculpture, and using a unique hand-built 'climbing' kiln based on ones he had seen in Japan, Leach's pottery created a unique fusion of Western and Eastern ideas.
His former studio displays examples of his work, and has been enhanced by a new museum and working pottery studio. The shop contains work by contemporary potters, as well as souvenirs from the Leach tableware range.
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Leach Pottery
While other St Ives artists broke new ground in sculpture and abstract art, potter Bernard Leach was hard at work reinventing British ceramics in his studio in Higher Stennack. Drawing inspiration from Japanese and oriental sculpture, and using a unique hand-built 'climbing' kiln based on ones he had seen in Japan, Leach's pottery created a unique fusion of Western and Eastern ideas.
His former studio displays examples of his work, and has been enhanced by a new museum and working pottery studio. The shop contains work by contemporary potters, as well as souvenirs from the Leach tableware range.
Barbara Hepworth (1903–75) was one of the leading abstract sculptors of the 20th century and a key figure in the St Ives art scene. Her studio on Barnoon Hill has remained almost untouched since her death and the adjoining garden contains several of her most notable sculptures, many of which were inspired by the elemental forces she discovered in her adopted Cornish home: rock, sea, sand, wind, sky. Free private tours are also available to provide extra context.
Hepworth's work is scattered throughout St Ives; look for works outside the Guildhall and inside the 15th-century St Ia parish church.
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Barbara Hepworth Museum og Sculpture Garden
Barnoon HillBarbara Hepworth (1903–75) was one of the leading abstract sculptors of the 20th century and a key figure in the St Ives art scene. Her studio on Barnoon Hill has remained almost untouched since her death and the adjoining garden contains several of her most notable sculptures, many of which were inspired by the elemental forces she discovered in her adopted Cornish home: rock, sea, sand, wind, sky. Free private tours are also available to provide extra context.
Hepworth's work is scattered throughout St Ives; look for works outside the Guildhall and inside the 15th-century St Ia parish church.
Stretched out beneath Tate St Ives is the sandy beach of Porthmeor, a good choice for swimmers and novice surfers thanks to its gentle swells. There's a beach cafe for post-swim sustenance.
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Porthmeor Beach
Porthmeor HillStretched out beneath Tate St Ives is the sandy beach of Porthmeor, a good choice for swimmers and novice surfers thanks to its gentle swells. There's a beach cafe for post-swim sustenance.
The most impressive of the town beaches, with an attractive arc of soft golden sand that's usually sheltered from the wind by the cliffs. It inevitably gets busy on warm days.
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Porthminster Beach Cafe
The most impressive of the town beaches, with an attractive arc of soft golden sand that's usually sheltered from the wind by the cliffs. It inevitably gets busy on warm days.
One of the town's oldest and most influential art collectives, founded in 1929, this gallery is housed inside a converted church on Norway Sq, with a separate ‘Mariners Gallery’ in the crypt. It displays work by the society's members, which ranges from figurative portraits to impressionist seascapes.
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St Ives Glass Studio
46 Fore StOne of the town's oldest and most influential art collectives, founded in 1929, this gallery is housed inside a converted church on Norway Sq, with a separate ‘Mariners Gallery’ in the crypt. It displays work by the society's members, which ranges from figurative portraits to impressionist seascapes.
Tucked under the grassy headland known as the Island is the little cove of Porthgwidden, a pleasant picnic spot and a handy paddling spot for the little 'uns. There are old-fashioned bathing huts to get changed in.
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Porthgwidden Beach
Tucked under the grassy headland known as the Island is the little cove of Porthgwidden, a pleasant picnic spot and a handy paddling spot for the little 'uns. There are old-fashioned bathing huts to get changed in.
On the grassy promontory known as the Island, between Porthmeor and Porthminster, is the tiny pre-14th-century Chapel of St Nicholas, patron saint of children and sailors. It's allegedly the oldest church in St Ives – and certainly the smallest.
Saint Nicholas Chapel
On the grassy promontory known as the Island, between Porthmeor and Porthminster, is the tiny pre-14th-century Chapel of St Nicholas, patron saint of children and sailors. It's allegedly the oldest church in St Ives – and certainly the smallest.
Looming up in the middle of Mount's Bay and connected to the mainland at Marazion via a cobbled causeway, this abbey-crowned island is an unforgettable sight, and one of Cornwall's most iconic images. Initially a Benedictine monastery, and later the seat of the St Aubyn family, it's a must-visit. You can catch the ferry (adult/child £2/1) from Marazion at high tide, but it's worth arriving at low tide so you can walk across the causeway, as pilgrims did centuries ago.
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Sankti Míkaelsfjall
Looming up in the middle of Mount's Bay and connected to the mainland at Marazion via a cobbled causeway, this abbey-crowned island is an unforgettable sight, and one of Cornwall's most iconic images. Initially a Benedictine monastery, and later the seat of the St Aubyn family, it's a must-visit. You can catch the ferry (adult/child £2/1) from Marazion at high tide, but it's worth arriving at low tide so you can walk across the causeway, as pilgrims did centuries ago.
These wonderful side-by-side beaches join up at low tide to form one epic stretch of golden, flat sand. At the eastern end is the small, National Trust–owned cove of Godrevy, with its island lighthouse (said to have inspired Virginia Woolf's To The Lighthouse). To the west lies Gwithian, a great sandy arc that extends to the Hayle River. The grassy cliffs (known in Cornish as towans) are an important wildlife habitat, and carpeted with wildflowers in summer.
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Gwithian
These wonderful side-by-side beaches join up at low tide to form one epic stretch of golden, flat sand. At the eastern end is the small, National Trust–owned cove of Godrevy, with its island lighthouse (said to have inspired Virginia Woolf's To The Lighthouse). To the west lies Gwithian, a great sandy arc that extends to the Hayle River. The grassy cliffs (known in Cornish as towans) are an important wildlife habitat, and carpeted with wildflowers in summer.
Food scene
An acclaimed beachside restaurant that serves up one of the most memorable dining experiences in Cornwall – if not the UK. Over the course of 25 years, the team has built an enviable reputation for combining Asian and Mediterranean influences in dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, garden-grown produce, and foraged coastal ingredients.
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Porthminster Beach Cafe
An acclaimed beachside restaurant that serves up one of the most memorable dining experiences in Cornwall – if not the UK. Over the course of 25 years, the team has built an enviable reputation for combining Asian and Mediterranean influences in dishes showcasing the freshest seafood, garden-grown produce, and foraged coastal ingredients.
Passionate about good food, and the environment, Blas has set a new precedent for burger bars. Cornish, free range, fresh and seasonal are just some of the criteria the ingredients adhere to, while the restaurant itself is bedecked in funky reclaimed furniture. And the large-sized, mouthwatering burgers that come off the griddle aren’t just for meat-eaters – vegetarians will find it hard to choose from the mushroom burger, the beetroot burger and a Huevos Rancheros Burger with corn salsa, guacamole, egg and chilli sauce.
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Blas Burgerworks
19 WarrenPassionate about good food, and the environment, Blas has set a new precedent for burger bars. Cornish, free range, fresh and seasonal are just some of the criteria the ingredients adhere to, while the restaurant itself is bedecked in funky reclaimed furniture. And the large-sized, mouthwatering burgers that come off the griddle aren’t just for meat-eaters – vegetarians will find it hard to choose from the mushroom burger, the beetroot burger and a Huevos Rancheros Burger with corn salsa, guacamole, egg and chilli sauce.
Porthminster Kitchen is the second restaurant from the team behind Porthminster Beach Café – an award-winning restaurant with an enviable reputation for serving the best Cornish seafood in an amazing setting right on one of St Ives’ most beautiful beaches. Porthminster Kitchen serves up a refreshing, playful take on Cornish cuisine, introducing a menu of smaller plates and lighter options which combine global flavours, fresh local ingredients and creative cooking.
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Porthminster Kitchen
Wharf RoadPorthminster Kitchen is the second restaurant from the team behind Porthminster Beach Café – an award-winning restaurant with an enviable reputation for serving the best Cornish seafood in an amazing setting right on one of St Ives’ most beautiful beaches. Porthminster Kitchen serves up a refreshing, playful take on Cornish cuisine, introducing a menu of smaller plates and lighter options which combine global flavours, fresh local ingredients and creative cooking.
An intimate restaurant situated just off the harbour front in the historic fishing town of St Ives, Cornwall. We offer a Tasting Menu that is dictated by the fish that are caught on the day, varying from the humble to the far-flung.
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One Fish Street
30a Fish StAn intimate restaurant situated just off the harbour front in the historic fishing town of St Ives, Cornwall. We offer a Tasting Menu that is dictated by the fish that are caught on the day, varying from the humble to the far-flung.
Whether you’re in for a late-night cocktail, an award-winning burger, or just your morning coffee, Hub St Ives is the perfect place to watch the world go by. You don’t have to book a table. Feel free to swing by & a member of staff will seat you.
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Hub St Ives
4 Wharf RdWhether you’re in for a late-night cocktail, an award-winning burger, or just your morning coffee, Hub St Ives is the perfect place to watch the world go by. You don’t have to book a table. Feel free to swing by & a member of staff will seat you.
The Seafood Café is located on Fore Street and is a very popular restaurant. Choose from a selection of fresh local fish & shellfish, prime Cornish meats, and free-range poultry.
Maximum table sitting of eight, including children and babies. Unfortunately Seafood Cafe is not dog friendly.
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The Seafood Cafe
45 Fore StThe Seafood Café is located on Fore Street and is a very popular restaurant. Choose from a selection of fresh local fish & shellfish, prime Cornish meats, and free-range poultry.
Maximum table sitting of eight, including children and babies. Unfortunately Seafood Cafe is not dog friendly.
An independently owned and rather unique little bakery with penchant for pasties and a whole host of other baked goods.
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St Ives Hafnarströnd
Wharf RoadAn independently owned and rather unique little bakery with penchant for pasties and a whole host of other baked goods.
“At Source Kitchen we're proud of what Britain's farmers, fishermen and artisan producers deliver, so we use as much of it as we can. We believe that eating & drinking produce that is in season and local is good for us, our economy, and the planet.”
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Porthminster Kitchen
Wharf Road“At Source Kitchen we're proud of what Britain's farmers, fishermen and artisan producers deliver, so we use as much of it as we can. We believe that eating & drinking produce that is in season and local is good for us, our economy, and the planet.”
Brought to you by the creators of St Ives Gin, The Searoom offers award winning food, craft drinks and imaginative cocktails, all perfectly positioned on St Ives harbour front, just meters from the beach. Try our new Click and Collect service or pop over to the website to book a table.
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SILCo. Searoom
The WharfBrought to you by the creators of St Ives Gin, The Searoom offers award winning food, craft drinks and imaginative cocktails, all perfectly positioned on St Ives harbour front, just meters from the beach. Try our new Click and Collect service or pop over to the website to book a table.
Situated in the artists quarter of the picturesque town of St Ives, the Loft's menu centers around the best local ingredients, cooked simply with passion.
With an undercover sun terrace which overlooks the bay and dogs allowed in this part of the restaurant, it's great location for dog-owners - especially as they have heaters and blankets to keep you warm!
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The Loft Restaurant & Terrace
Norway LaneSituated in the artists quarter of the picturesque town of St Ives, the Loft's menu centers around the best local ingredients, cooked simply with passion.
With an undercover sun terrace which overlooks the bay and dogs allowed in this part of the restaurant, it's great location for dog-owners - especially as they have heaters and blankets to keep you warm!
Stocks a wide range of Cornish produce including award winning salamis, cheeses, olives and Cornish pies. They offer plenty of vegan treats to choose from, plus a range of speciality gluten free foods.
For lunch time snacks, they have freshly made sandwiches, salads and yummy vegetable tarts, plus too many other goodies to mention!
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The Allotment Deli
30A Fore StStocks a wide range of Cornish produce including award winning salamis, cheeses, olives and Cornish pies. They offer plenty of vegan treats to choose from, plus a range of speciality gluten free foods.
For lunch time snacks, they have freshly made sandwiches, salads and yummy vegetable tarts, plus too many other goodies to mention!
Porthgwidden Beach Café overlooks the stunning Porthgwidden Beach. During the winter months, only our terrace will be open as a sheltered takeaway, so you can still enjoy a Hot Chocolate and the stunning views in the warmth.
The terraced area is also dog-friendly for customers who wish to be accompanied by their dog whilst they eat and drink.
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Porthgwidden Beach
Porthgwidden Beach Café overlooks the stunning Porthgwidden Beach. During the winter months, only our terrace will be open as a sheltered takeaway, so you can still enjoy a Hot Chocolate and the stunning views in the warmth.
The terraced area is also dog-friendly for customers who wish to be accompanied by their dog whilst they eat and drink.