In The Morning
Porthmeor Beach Cafe, St Ives
The terrace boasts views of the bay, treating the senses to a beautiful view and exciting smells coming from the open kitchen. With a latte in hand, gaze out onto by passers on the sandy shores, building sandcastles and sporting the next annually bought swimming costume.
The Tate, St Ives
With towering letters covering the side of the building, the Tate sits at the side of the road, overlooking the blue waters from big panel windows. What was once the home of Barbara Hepburn, the building now acts as a haven for art enthusiasts alike, as the art is conversed, heads are tilted and sculptured gardens are meticulously explored.
Attached to the newly refurbished Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth’s art is exhibited within her own house and gardens, blending coastal elements of wood, clay, stone and plaster, to depict the cohesion between nature and the modern world. Becoming one of the leading figures of modern British art, Hepworth’s gallery, workshop, and Cornish home, became a must-see for St Ives, snug deep into the cliffs of this seaside town.
Scenic Walk of St Ives Head
Tucked away on Porthmeor Road, the southwest coastal path leads you to the Porthmeor viewpoint, gazing across the beach from the cliff. Look out into the deep waters, and discover the legends of St La, where stories tell of an Irish Princess and Missionary sailed across from Ireland on a leaf, and built the Oratory, now being the St Ives Parish Church.
This coastal path, known as ‘The Island’, will trace the rocks edge, as you pass the St Nicholas Chapel, the Island Blockhouse, and St Ives Head. In these moments, take a moment to admire the rigged coastline, being able to look out to neighbouring beaches such as Hayle and Godrevy. My advice - bring binoculars to get a closer look, see if you can spot Godrevy Lighthouse, and its possible Seal sightings.
Come The Afternoon
Brine, St Ives
Where the wharf meets the water, Brine is an excellent excuse to sit, eat and enjoy the view. The cafe offers an eclectic of flavours and fusing them with great wines and cocktail menus. A newly opened cafe with raving reviews should be at the top of any visitor’s itinerary.
Harbour Amusement Arcade, St Ives
A seaside trip is never complete without an arcade – Harbour Amusement Arcade brings the nostalgia back into any adult that is a child at heart. With games like race car driving to dance machine montages, and addictive behaviour on penny machines and claw games, the fun never stops. Top tip – ensure you have enough pennies for an ice cream from a local shop, to pick up your spirits following a claw machine defeat.
After, wander the cobble-stoned back streets, lined with independent shops that offer gifts to take home for all the family.
Into The Evening