You'll be surprised at how many high quality activities there are to fill your day:
art galleries, beaches with opportunities for surfing, sailing, fishing and diving, breathtaking coastal walks, world class restaurants, cosy cafes and friendly locals with tall stories to tell. Not to mention theatre, cinema, open air music and dance, sunbathing, shopping, sketching or people watching...
...so what would you like to do? If it's not in St Ives or Carbis Bay then it's surely not far away in Cornwall. Within easy distance of St Ives is the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, the Eden Project, Flambards theme park, Geevor, Levant and Poldark mines, aquariums, zoos and animal parks, Tate St Ives, Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange, the Penlee House Gallery and the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro, our county town which has a magnificent cathedral and a thoroughly cosmopolitan mix of shops.
The warm Gulf Stream brings warm air to caress the tropical gardens at Trebah, Glendurgan, Trelissick, Trewidden, and many more whilst every corner has a scented bloom, unusual subtropical plant or a simple still life straight from Gaugin's palette. Here is a warm, wonderful paradise and a plantsman's dream.
See below for a taste of what St Ives and the surrounding area has to offer.
Recreation & Leisure
Bagas Porthia - St Ives Town Band
If you're looking for a live (and lively) band which will play the sort of traditional local music that you just don’t hear much at the moment then perhaps we have the solution. Bagas Porthia – “St Ives Band” – is a group of musicians who love a good tune, and there certainly are plenty of good tunes in Cornwall. This assorted troupe of minstrels emerged from a variety of musical backgrounds through a shared love of Celtic music . Bagas Porthia plays a selection of great Celtic tunes and songs in their own unique style with mandolin, mandocello, guitar, melodeon, accordion, fiddle, pipes and a groovy percussion accompaniment . We can also include traditional, easy to follow Cornish dances - just like a ceilidh without the complications! It’s great fun and is suitable entertainment for all ages.
Address: Dee Brotherton email : bagasporthia@aol.com
Tel: 01736 799305
Website: http://www.bagasporthia.co.uk/
Sail Lofts Ocean Spa
The Sail Lofts Ocean Spa in Cornwall has teamed up with Cornish skincare company Spiezia Organics to offer you the best in organic massage and skincare products. Relax, unwind, and leave invigorated with a new lease of life.
Whether you want to treat yourself to a hand and foot spa, or take a little time with a luxurious deep therapeutic massage, the Spa team are ready to provide for your every need, easing tensions, dispelling toxins and conditioning the body.
Address: Fish Street, St Ives
Tel: 01736 799175
Website: http://www.stivesspa.co.uk/
Kernow Coasteering
Kernow Coasteering is Cornwall's (and the UK's) most westerly
coasteering centre. Come and take a coasteering tour with us for a taste
of life on the edge and a chance to experience the stunning Cornish
coastline up close and personal. We are based In Penzance and have
numerous awesome coasteering locations right on our doorstep. The
awesome granite cliffs around Lands' End form some of the best
coastline in the country, and an adventure with Kernow Coasteering will
give you the ultimate way to experience it.
What Is Coasteering?
Coasteering is the UK's fastest growing adventure activity, and once
you try it you will see why. Come and have the most fun imaginable as
you combine swimming, scrambling, climbing and cliff-jumping to explore
the coastline. Discover cliffs, caves and hidden coves even the locals
don't know about! Witness coastal wildlife and incredible geology, get
close to nature and push your own limits as you traverse an amazing
stretch of coastline. If you're staying in Penzance, St. Ives or the
surrounding area, or just heading West Cornwall for a day trip, be sure
to give us a call!
Email: info@kernow-coasteering.co.uk
Tel: 07734 343954
Website: http://www.kernow-coasteering.co.uk/
St Ives Walks
Led by local historian Tony Farrell BA
Tuesdays WALK of THE TOWN - This walk includes places of historical and cultural significance in St.Ives. Discover St.Ives’ unique history through buildings and artifacts located in obscure places. £5 per person - 90 minutes
Thursdays ENVIRONS of THE TOWN - Take the Environs Walk and explore the countryside on the outskirts of St.Ives, take the Pilgrim's Trail, learn about tin mining and take in breath-taking views.£8 per person - 2.5 to 3 hours
CUSTOMISED WALKS - Specialised walks and group bookings can be arranged to discover ancient archeological sites, stone circles, megalithic chamber-tombs and other sites off the beaten track. The costs of such bookings depend on group size and requirements.
These walks must be arranged in advance. To discuss your customised tour call or e-mail Tony: tony.farrell@stiveswalks.com
Tel: 0044 (0) 7881674878
Website: http://www.stiveswalks.co.uk/
Royal Cinema
3 Screen cinema showing all the latest films.
Address: Royal Square, St. Ives TR26 2ND
Tel: 01736 796843
Website: http://www.britinfo.net/T/1003848.htm
St Ives Boats - Trips aboard Dolly Pentreath and Dolly P
The Most Beautiful Bays Club is a prestigious, international association which has recognised and listed St Ives Bay as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
The attributes demanded by this association, include having outstanding natural beauty, having interesting wildlife and flora and to be known and appreciated at local and national levels. St Ives Bay, was found to have all these attributes, One of only 32 bays listed in the world and one of only 2 in the UK, the other being Mounts Bay, also in Cornwall.
St Ives Bay encompasses Godrevy Head in the East to St Ives in the West and incorporates Rocky Headlands, vast sandy beaches backed by sand dunes, an estuary managed by the RSPB famous for rare migrant birds, St Ives Harbour and the gorgeous sandy holiday beaches of St Ives.
Of course those that are lucky enough to live in St Ives have long known that St Ives Bay has a unique and special quality and feel privileged that it is also enjoyed and appreciated by the annual influx of visitors.
What better way to enjoy all this beauty than on a boat, skippered by local men with local knowledge, keen to show off the best that Cornwall has to offer.
St Ives Boats, offer boat trips from the harbour at St Ives, whether it be seal watching at Seal Island, trips across the bay to the famous Godrevy Lighthouse and Hell’s Mouth, a couple of hours mackerel fishing, four hours wreck fishing, bird watching or private charters to do as you wish,
Enjoying the unique perspective of all this beautiful scenery from a boat is the best way to enjoy St Ives Bay and St Ives Boats are here to help you make the most of your visit to St Ives.
Explore our website (link below), find out about the best that West Cornwall and St Ives has to offer and enjoy St Ives.
Phone 07821 774178 for information about, or booking, our boat trips in St Ives.
Address: St Ives Boats, Outside the Lifeboat Station Wharf Road St Ives TR26 1LF
Tel: 07821 774178
Website: http://www.stivesboats.co.uk/trips/
St Ives Boat Trips
St Ives Boat Trips to Seal Island - Grey Atlantic seals in their natural habitat, Basking sharks and dolphins often sighted
* Trips last 80 minutes
* Adults £9
* Children £7
Charter the James Stevens No.10 for you and your family or friends - we will take you on a trip along the coast to a sunny sheltered cove where we will drop anchor, serve you drinks to relax with and enjoy the scenery.
* Fully Licensed
* £120 for a 1.5 hour trip (up to 12 persons)
* Cornish ales and ciders
* Cornish sparkling wines
* Cornish lemondade, ginger beer and apple juice
* Cornish red and white wine
Tel: 0753 109 28 79
Website: http://www.stives-boat-trips.co.uk/
West Cornwall Tours by Western Discoveries
Every day of the week we run guided tours around West Cornwall. They are four hours long, feature the most interesting and beautiful spots of the region and are a great way to learn a little bit more about this fascinating peninsula. Our tours tend to focus on West Cornwall’s stone monuments and sacred sites but we also explore abandoned mines, beauty spots and the hidden corners away from the crowds. Tours cost £30 per person, leave between 9 and 9.30 am and we have a maximum of 8 seats available in the minibus. Call us on 01736 362763 for more details.
Address: Western Discoveries, Chynoey, Newmill Penzance Cornwall TR20 8XW
Tel: 01736 362763
Website: http://www.westcornwalltours.co.uk
The Boathouse Theatre
Just a stone's throw from the harbour front this old boat store has been transformed into a charming little theatre which will host plays and puppet shows throughout the year.
The Theatre will be open to the public from sunday July 8th with shows at 2pm , 3.30 and 5.15 every weekend in July and with extra performances in August
Address: BoatHouse Theatre, Carn Glaze Place, St Ives TR26 1PB
Tel: (07985) 261181
Website: http://www.boathousetheatre.com/
Attic Cellar Beauty & Treatment Centre
A full range of Beauty Treatments available including facials, waxing, tinting, eyelash extensions, manicure and pedicure, acrylic and gel nails, and Fake Bake spray tanning. Dermalogica and Fake Bake product stockists.
Massages and Complimentary Therapies including Therapeutic Massages, Aromatherapy, Reflexology,
Reiki and Healing, Energy Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Chakra Balancing and Hopi Ear Candling.
Address: 25 Street an Garrow, St Ives TR26 1SG
Tel: 01736 799396
Website: http://www.theatticcellar.com/
St Ives School of Painting
We offer short art courses suitable for all levels in the historic Porthmeor studios at the centre of the St Ives artists quarter. Established in 1938, Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson came to drawing classes at this art school!
Whether you want to learn to paint or improve your technique, experienced tutors will help you find the right approach. From landscape to life, oils to watercolour these inspiring surroundings with quality tuition from practising artists will help your creativity flourish.
email: info@stivesartschool.co.uk
Address: Porthmeor Studios, Back Road West, St Ives TR26 1NG
Tel: 01736 797180
Website: http://www.stivesartschool.co.uk/
St Ives Surf School
Lessons and equipment hire from Easter to the end of October. Contact info@stivessurfschool.co.uk or 07527 477 492
See website (link below)
Address: Porthmeor Beach
Tel: 01736 793938
Website: http://www.stivessurfschool.co.uk/
The Leach Pottery
Established in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, the Leach Pottery is widely regarded as the home of studio pottery.
One of the great figures of 20th century art, Leach played a crucial pioneering role in creating an identity for artist potters in Britain and around the world.
In March 2008, a £1.7 million capital project was completed, giving new life to the Leach Pottery and enabling it to set up in production.
After its extensive refurbishment the Leach Pottery is once again open to visitors.
The acknowledged birthplace of the modern studio pottery movement, as well as the modern workshops the pottery site includes a museum and gallery space for exhibitions, as well as a well-stocked shop.
The site includes the old workshop now kept as a museum, a changing exhibition of historical pottery, as well as a gallery of contemporary pots for sale. The new range of Leach Pottery tableware designed by Jack Doherty and made in the new workshops by ‘start-up’ potters is now on sale.
March 1st- Oct.31st .Open every day. Mon-Sat 10-5. Last entry to museum 30 mins before closing.
Sunday 11-4. Last entry to museum 30 mins before closing.
Nov 1st.-last week of Feb. Mon-Sat 10-5. Last entry to museum 30 mins before closing.
Open bank holidays. Admission: Adults £5.50 Concessions £4.50 accompanied children under 18 Free.
Find us on the Land’s End road at the top of 'The Stennack' about 10 minutes walk from St.Ives town centre.
Address: Higher Stennack, St Ives TR26 2HE
Tel: 01736 799703
Website: http://www.leachpottery.com/
Guided Tours of St Ives
Make the most of your visit to St Ives with a guided walking tour of the town. We will take a leisurely walk around the town, taking in all the notable landmarks and providing insights into the fascinating history of the town. From its days as a remote fishing and mining village,to its position in the mid-twentieth century as a world-renowned centre of modernist art,and now as a well-loved holiday destination.
Drop-on tours run three times a week between March and end October, as follows:
Welcome to St Ives Walking Tour Monday 11am
The Story of St Ives Walking Tour Wednesday 11am
Art in St Ives Walking Tour Thursday 11am
No need to book – just turn up. Tours depart from outside the Guildhall in Street-an-Pol (follow the signs to the Visitor Information Centre) and last around 75 minutes. Tours cost £5 per person, payable to the guide.
Private tours are also available throughout the year.
Call Dawn on 07816 180639 or visit our website for further details.
Tel: 07816 180639
Website: http://www.guidedtoursofstives.co.uk/
St Ives Arts Club (Founded 1890)
St.Ives Arts Club has been in operation since its founding year in 1890.
Membership, originally restricted to professional artists, musicians and authors has been widened over the years to include, for example, drama, photography, comedy and even those with simply a keen interest in the arts.
The objectives of the society are to promote, develop and maintain public education and an appreciation of the arts in all their aspects by the presentation of public performance, concerts, recitals and exhibitions etc.
The club holds two members' exhibitions each year, hosts music, poetry, theatre and numerous other arts events.
The club is a registered charity (No 1001193) and owns its own premises, fronting directly onto the sea at Westcott's Quay.
Address: Westcott's Quay, St Ives TR26 2EA
Website: http://www.stivesartsclub.org/
The St Ives Museum (Founded 1824)
A historian's dream and a fascinating insight into the past. Situated 75 yards from Smeaton's Pier, simply follow the signposts along the harbour front.The museum contains many varied displays and collections relating to the St Ives locality, plus the world's smallest dog (5 inches nose to tail)! Administered entirely by volunteers, this is a genuinely great museum, with plenty for all ages to discover and learn.
Entrance fee is £1.50 for adults, 50p for children. It is open Monday-Saturday from 10.00 am. Open from the Monday before Easter to the end of October (Autumn Half Term)
Address: Wheal Dream St Ives TR26 1PR
Tel: 01736 796005
Website: http://www.museumsincornwall.org.uk/museums/st-ives-museum
