St Ives is a small coastal town located in Cornwall that is surrounded by seven breathtaking beaches all within walking distance – it’s also one of the happiest places in the UK
As the weather warms up, many are starting to dream of their summer getaway. But you don’t need to venture far from home to find a stunning destination – just look to St Ives in Cornwall.
This quaint coastal town is nestled among seven spectacular beaches, all within walking distance. It’s a picture-perfect haven, with colourful fishing boats dotting the sea and breathtaking views of the rugged Cornish coastline.
St Ives has long been a magnet for artists, drawn by its natural beauty. The town even boasts the Tate St Ives art gallery, ingeniously built into a cliffside overlooking the ocean.
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Rightmove crowned St Ives as Britain’s ‘happiest place to live’ in 2022, citing the town’s strong community spirit and sense of belonging. It’s also been voted the UK’s top seaside resort by The Independent and praised by The Telegraph for having the “most beautiful light in Britain”.
The newspaper wrote: “Jutting out from the coastline, the town, which is surrounded by beaches, is bathed in a soft, romantic glow that makes everything look like Instagram-perfection: no filter necessary.”
Each beach near St Ives offers a unique vibe, reports the Express. Take Porthminster Beach, for example, a vast expanse of golden sand nestled beneath lush green cliffs – the perfect spot to unwind.
Porthgwidden Beach is another gem, a quaint spot tucked between the headland and harbour. Known as the town’s most peaceful beach, it’s ideal for snorkelling, and its vibrant beach huts make for perfect photo opportunities.
The town’s rich artistic heritage means there’s always something to see or do, with numerous galleries, museums, and gardens to discover.
A must-visit is the Barbara Hepworth Museum, dedicated to the renowned sculptor. Here, you can wander through the museum’s gardens, home to some of Hepworth’s remarkable sculptures.
For wildlife enthusiasts, daily boat trips on the ‘Dolly P’ offer seal watching at Seal Island, or simply a chance to admire the stunning Cornish coastline.
If you’re a fan of the supernatural, Shanty Baba’s pirate, folklore, and ghost tours will take you to St Ives’s eeriest spots while regaling you with the town’s fascinating history.
St Ives is also known for its array of festivals throughout the year, including its Literature Festival, Food and Drink Festival, Jazz Festival, and May Day Celebration.
But the highlight of the cultural calendar is the September Festival, a celebration of the arts featuring concerts, exhibitions, and performances by both local and international artists.
St Ives also hosts the Feast Day, a centuries-old tradition that includes a town procession, dancing, and the hurling of The Silver Ball – a historic Cornish game where participants vie to snatch the ball from each other.
Regardless of when you visit St Ives, there’s always something exciting happening. Thanks to its stunning scenery and artistic vibe, the town is an ideal spot for a weekend escape or staycation.