A Spotlight on St Ives

15 April 2025

A favourite on our guided tours is definitely the Cornish town of St Ives. A stunning headland that provides 6 beaches that wrap around this seaside town. It’s been a haven for artists for at least 100 years and these days it’s a holiday hub with the very best in family fun, 5 star food and unique shopping. 

The name St Ives comes from a legend that an Irish princess St Ia was carried to the Cornish shores on a single leaf. The church still stands in the town and it is over 1,500 years old. The streets feel warm with that old world charm; narrow, cobbled and packed with history. On the harbour front you’ll find one of the country’s oldest pubs, the Sloop Inn which dates back to 1312. 

It’s a lovely place to walk, and of course with our guided tours no need to worry about parking, we can drop you right in the thick of things. It’s lovely to see the fishing and pleasure boats tethered along the harbour beach and there are stunning views everywhere you look. 

For those who love culture then a wander around the Tate St Ives is a must, the striking Art Deco style pristine white building is hard to miss in the town’s skyline. Also the Barbara Hepworth’s sculpture garden and studio are one of our favourite ways to view a window into the artistic muse that keeps drawing creatives to this corner of Cornwall. The light is something that’s hard to explain, but you do feel St Ives is different some way, dazzling in its brilliance, especially when the sun chooses to shine. 

Our tours take in the delights around the town, we can organise a boat trip to see seals at Godrevy Lighthouse, made famous by Virginia Wolf, help scout out the best accommodation and recommend the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

St Ives is part of our Far West Tour where we explore Lands End, Sennen Cove and the charming fishing village of Mousehole. Chocolate box Cornwall, still authentic and filled with smuggler’s tales and legends. A place we just love coming back to.