The summer months may be long gone here in the Northern Hemisphere, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t still dream of warm sand and sparkling beaches. We often associate beaches with tropical destinations like Southeast Asia or Central America, but England actually has its fair share of excellent beaches. One of the best beaches in England can be found in St. Ives Bay in the county of Cornwall, England.
Leafcanoer, declanbradley, recently posted a leaf titled “Things to do in St. Ives” about his visit to St. Ives. It’s packed with suggestions for activities to do and sights to visit in the town. For those planning a visit, here are seven ways to spend a holiday in St. Ives.
Soak in some art
St. Ives has long been a popular stomping ground for artists. Many of them are drawn to the town’s stunning landscape, and it is often reflected in the art that is produced, be it painting, sculpture, or photography. There are a number of art galleries worth visiting, including the New Millenium Gallery, one of the largest independent art galleries in Cornwall, and St. Ives Ceramics, which contains a collection of pottery from local and international potters. The Tate Gallery is also located in St. Ives.
Lounge on the beach
St. Ives is best known for its beaches. Stretching over 50 miles along the coastline, the Bay of St. Ives has a number of beaches where you can enjoy a swim or a surf. The most popular beach is Porthmeor beach, which boasts amazing surfing and a great atmosphere for families.
Learn to surf
Because of the geography of St. Ives, the beaches in the area provide excellent waves for surfers. The St. Ives Surf School, popular among surfers, offers surfing lessons for surfers of all levels, as well kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
Stroll through a garden
No trip to England would be complete without a visit to an English garden, and St. Ives has no shortage of those. In town, there are five gardens that you can visit: Trewyn Gardens, Memorial Gardens, The Malakoff, Tregenna Castle Hotel Garden, and Chy-an-Gweal Gardens. Any of these gardens are worth checking out, and can provide a nice relaxing respite from a busy day.
Enjoy drinks at a pub
After a long day of playing on the beach, it’s nice to get a cold drink at the pub. The harbor has several bars and pubs to choose from, including St. Ives’ oldest pub, The Sloop. Nearby Fore Street also has a good selection of pubs.
Sip afternoon tea
If alcohol is not your thing, perhaps you might enjoy a hot cup of tea instead. The Tearoom, located on the Wharf, is a favorite among visitors to St. Ives, as well as The Courtyard, located on Fore Street. Hotels like the St. Ives Harbour Hotel offers their afternoon tea on the hotel terrace, where guests can enjoy beautiful views of the water while sipping their tea.
Take a boat tour
St. Ives Bay is a beautiful location, and worth exploring by boat. Many boat companies offer trips around the bay, including trips to Hell’s Mouth, Godrevy Lighthouse, and Seal Island. Excursions can be done via high-speed boats, or you can hire your own boat to explore the bay. For a more slow-paced option, many boat companies also offer kayak hire.
St. Ives is a place worth visiting, with its wonderful beaches and abundance of activities and sights to see. Whether you’re there for a short weekend trip, or for an extended stay, you’re sure to enjoy all that St. Ives has to offer.
Ready for your own holiday in St. Ives? Check out declanbradley’s leaf by downloading the LeafCanoe app. Or explore the other leaves posted on Leaf Canoe for more vacation ideas.
