The cobbled streets, harbour, spires, waterfront cottages and turquoise sea of St Ives make this town in southern Cornwall one of the most scenic on the English coast. Surrounded by beaches, art, history, and fantastic food, St Ives is the perfect place to take a last-minute holiday. Whether with the family, a partner or just on your own, St Ives is a town you'll fall in love with on a cottage holiday.
Reasons to visit St Ives
Art
Probably the biggest draw is St Ive's place as a centre of art and creativity. Attracting artists from all around the world with its mix of coastal scenery and quaint town, while art lovers are drawn to the Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, as well as countless local galleries.
With a selection of paintings, ceramics, photography and sculpture on sale, you'll struggle to leave St Ives without a piece of art for your own home and a souvenir of your visit.
Beaches
Stunning beaches quite literally surround St Ives. Porthmeor is a long golden beach with turquoise waters and great surf. For a more secluded cove, try Porthgwidden Beach. This cosy beach is much smaller, with less surf but stunning waters for swimming or relaxing in.
Carbis Bay Beach is a spectacular beach only a 45-minute walk along the South-West Coastal Path, and beyond that is Porthkidney Beach.Where to stay in St Ives
Staying towards the north of the town near the harbour means easy access to beaches, harbourside restaurants and galleries, including the Tate St Ives. Staying in the south of the town means easier access to explore other parts of Cornwall and the pleasure of walking through the cobbled streets of St Ives to the harbour.
Wherever you stay in St Ives on your last-minute holiday with us, you can be sure that at Last Minute Cottages we will always strive to show you the biggest range of properties, at our lowest available price.Places to visit near St Ives
The Minack Theatre is carved into the rock, right on the coast. It is a marvellous treat for the whole family.
Mousehole is one of Cornwall's most picturesque and charming fishing villages, great for foodies.
Penzance is a large historic town on the Cornish coast.
Carbis Bay is a small town next to an incredible beach, only a 45-minute walk from St Ives.