This popular seaside town is considered one of Britain’s most picturesque spots – and for good reason as it’s brimming with beauty
When planning your summer holiday, it’s easy to overlook all of the gorgeous getaways the UK has to offer. With Britain’s fantastical peninsulas, centuries-old fishing ports and quirky marine life, there are plenty of adventures to be had along the island’s coasts. Plus, where better satisfy that craving for a polystyrene carton of hot, vinegary chips?
The only difficult part is choosing where to stay. Britain’s coasts vary in climate and cost, plus each has their own unique and interesting history . But there is one seaside village that consistently draws praise as one of the UK’s favourite holiday spots. The British travel blogger and influencer Emily Luxton has named St Ives as one of the best places to holiday on England’s south coast. Not exactly a hidden gem, the quaint centre is one of Cornwall’s most-visited towns, attracting more than half a million day-trippers and over 220,000 staying visitors each year.
But don’t let the crowds put you off – they visit for a great reason. Not only is it one of England’s most beautiful towns, navigable via cobbled streets and surrounded by a quartet of beaches, the old fisherman’s wharf bears an intricate history. Legend says it was founded by the Irish princess and martyr, St Ia, all the way back in the 5th century. Since then it has been the foreground for rebellions, captured Armada and Victorian-era tourism.
Not to mention, the region gets the best of the British weather. Cornwall boasts a subtropical climate, thanks to the Gulf stream carrying warm water and air to its shores, making it an ideal place to take a relaxed dip or lay out in the sun.
Plus, foodies can also get their fix. The town is filled with highly rated sea-view restaurants, including the famous Michelin star Ugly Butterfly Restaurant and Bar (though, be warned, you will be paying £100+ a head). It also offers more pocket-friendly eats, such as St Ives Street Food Kitchen, which serves a smorgasbord of middle eastern, Asian and American cuisine and costs between £10 to £20.
St Ives Bay receives 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, with the majority of reviewers rating it as “Excellent”. One recent reviewer wrote: “I visited St Ives for a few hours as part of a cruise ship excursion from Falmouth and had a wonderful time. Although very busy it didn’t distract from the natural beauty of the area, with a variety of beaches to enjoy, from surfing beaches to sandy havens it was really pretty, especially in the warm sunshine.”
Accommodation can get expensive with plenty of hotels charging over £100 per night, however for more budget-conscious travellers, if you stay just outside of the main town you can find rooms for as little as £41.