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St Ives

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About St Ives

A great love for St Ives infects folk from all echelons of society. Some save their pennies diligently for access to this seaside charmer, and with it some of the best beaches in the UK (Porthmeor, Porthwidden, Porthminster and Harbour Beach), while some spare no expense and visit many times a year. So there’s a down-to-earth mix of people sharing the soft, golden sandy beaches along this stretch of north Cornwall. Because of its broad popularity, the best places to stay in St Ives include an extremely broad range of accommodation options, from campsites out of town, to guesthouses, B&Bs, inns, pubs-with-rooms, hotels, and villa hotels - and whatever is even grander than that.

St Ives used to be a fishing village, and its charming, historic part, the bit between the beautifully bobbing harbour, and the near-perfect arc of Porthmeor Beach, is a wonderful warren of old stone cottages, with lichen-pocked slate roofs and whitewashed facades. You’ll find some of the best places to stay in St Ives here, along with numerous holiday lets and artists’ studios, galleries and minimalist delis. Just behind Porthmeor Beach is the wonderful white façade of the Tate St Ives, and behind, and above, the Tate are more B&Bs and Barnoon Hill and the Barbara Hepworth Gallery. St Ives has a long, long history of being loved by artists – it’s still a wonderful place for artists and art lovers today.

If you’re hoping for a lively time, the best places to stay in St Ives are probably those found close to the harbour, which is also were you’ll find cobbled lanes of boutique shops, galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet to accompany your appreciation of the near-magical shades of watery blue off this section of coastline, then you’re more likely to find your idea of the best places to stay in St Ives overlooking Carbis Bay, just around the headland from the harbour. Carbis Bay is about a half an hour walk from central St Ives, along a very pretty coastal path. Whoever you are, and why ever you love St Ives, or are interested in seeing if you love St Ives, it’s worth visiting the Tate – even if it’s just to visit the café and incredible sun deck. St Ives also has a maritime museum, a sculpture garden, and an old fashioned amusement park.

The Best Places to stay in St Ives

For a Beach Break

  • Despite the very Cornish name, Pedn Olva is a clifftop hotel with a distinctly Mediterranean feel to its 30 rooms and relaxed terrace restaurant. Built into the headland, just along from St Ives Bay, this hotel is a modern build with large windows in each of the rooms. There are a number of good family options, from suites to rooms with bunk beds, and the restaurant is friendly, with a family-friendly menu. The pool is right up against the cliffs overlooking the water. Our Gurus recommend the balcony rooms, and the ones with roll-top baths right in front of water-view windows.

For Water Views

  • The Primrose Valley Hotel is nine room hotel, converted from a compact, Edwardian-built house on the hill that rises up from Porthminster Beach. The redesign of this charming house has squared off the some of the edges and opened out spaces, so that the whole places feels light and airy. It’s decorated in neutral colours and contemporary country style. No restaurant, but you’re right in the heart of lively St Ives.
  • The Boskerris is a sophisticated seaside hotel, with 15 rooms and suites - the best with views out over Carbis Bay, and a wonderful sun terrace. The light, refreshing, contemporary décor has an air of the Mediterranean. Take your sundowners on the terrace – from which you can see Virginia Woolfe’s lighthouse, and your breakfasts, afternoon teas and suppers in the dining room, from a small, regularly changing menu.

For a Beach Resort Vibe

  • The St Ives Harbour Hotel is a luxurious choice positioned just above Porthminster Beach, with sea views from some of the rooms, and from the terraces, bar, restaurant, pool and garden. The hotel has 52 rooms and suites, smartly decorated in whites with bold coloured accents. If you appreciate a spa and gym on holiday, then the St Ives Harbour Hotel is a good option for you, it’s got other resort-vibe facilities, like a sauna and fine dining restaurant too. Ideal for a relaxing treat.
  • The Carbis Bay Hotel is a luxurious resort hotel overlooking the many shades of blue of Carbis Bay. Its 47 rooms and suites vary a great deal in size, from generously proportioned rooms, to vast suites, and apartment-sized family suites. All are decorated with individual charm, and high quality contemporary furniture. Most of the rooms have incredible views, and some of them are absolutely spectacular, with floor to ceiling windows directly overlooking the beach and bay. Some of the rooms have private hot tubs, some roll-top baths set in front of huge sea-view windows. There are resort-standard facilities onsite, including a watersports club, a spa and gym, and a choice of six dining options.

For Romantics

  • West by Five is a stylishly nautical guesthouse, converted from an Edwardian terraced townhouse in a central spot close to the harbour and the Barbara Hepworth Gallery. There are just four guestrooms, all with large bathrooms and fantastic sea views. The breakfast room is light and airy – and indulgent breakfasts are served here, and there are plenty of places to sit and relax, inside and out.
  • Headland House is a boutique-style B&B with fabulous sea views over Carbis Bay, and a friendly welcome. This seven room option is just around the scoop of the bay from central St Ives, in a quieter spot, but a very pleasant stroll from the busiest part of town, where you can find the majority of cafes, bars and restaurants. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, and some have fancy roll-top baths. Breakfast is generous, and there’s a well-stocked honesty bar for your evening tipple, which you may want to enjoy in the pretty courtyard.

For Families

  • Una St Ives is a collection of eco-villas, cottages and lodges in a patch of flat, green countryside just outside of St Ives. There are 29 little ‘homes’, with a choice of one, two, three or four bedrooms, arranged so that the larger properties have plenty of privacy. With natural wood-cladding on the outside, and Scandi-esque interiors – that incorporate fully-equipped kitchens, dining and living spaces, these are stylishly modern places to stay. Because this is a little holiday complex there are holiday facilities onsite, like pools and a spa, a gym, and a casual restaurant.
  • The Gannet Inn is a small, chic inn in Carbis Bay. Its 20 rooms have been individually decorated, with contemporary, minimal style, neutral colours and a preference for fabrics with animals printed on them. Rooms range in size and features from ‘Cosy’ to ‘Quirky’, but all are comfortable. The bar and restaurant are stylish and comfortable too, and serve hearty, British cuisine.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

  • The seaside might not seem like the perfect match for pub-with-rooms accommodation? Sand and fireplaces don’t spring together in one’s mind easily? but The Queens Hotel is a surprisingly good match, even in the sunniest weather – and it’s perfectly cosy when the weather starts to squall. The pub and restaurant downstairs are light and airy, decorated with a mix of old and new, with a menu packed with locally sourced goodies. Upstairs there are ten rooms, also light and airy, with white walls, exposed beams and works by local artists. Chic and friendly, with places to store your bike, and your surfboard.
  • The Lifeboat Inn is right up against the harbour wall of St Ives, overlooking the pretty bobbing of boats, and the water with its changing hues. This is a small pub, but a nice one, with a friendly atmosphere and an easily pleasing-you-menu with lots of seafood dishes. And upstairs there are seven rooms and suites including family rooms with bunk beds and family apartments with self-catering facilities, and beds for four. Expect sea views and contemporary country style.

Best B&Bs

  • Trevose Harbour House is a nautical-inspired B&B with wonderful views of the Cornish coastline. It has just six rooms, all of them stylishly decorated by someone with a good eye for mid-century furniture, and using colours reminiscent of the sky and water of St Ives. The breakfasts are all organic and locally sourced, and there’s an honesty bar in the charming snug. It would be difficult to stay closer to the harbour without risking getting your feet wet.
  • 3 Porthminster is a charming, four room B&B in St Ives, close to the large car park on the hill overlooking the bay and harbour. 3 Porthminster is just a short downhill stroll to the beach, and to all of St Ives’ café, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Our Gurus appreciated the summery colour scheme in the four rooms: predominantly white, with pops of summer yellows and ocean blues. Breakfast is an indulgent affair, served in a light and airy breakfast room. No children, so the atmosphere can be quite romantic.
  • Storm in a Teacup is six room B&B on the hill above the Tate St Ives, with stylish, contemporary décor and an arty edge. Some of the rooms are laid out for families, with bunk beds as well as a large double, and it’s just the right distance from the centre of town for it to be peaceful, but also within an easy walk. And guests are just 550yards from Porthmeor Beach.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The closest airport to St Ives is Cornwall Airport Newquay, which is about 50minutes away by car or taxi, or three and a half to four hours by public transport. Exeter and Bristol Airport are some the other local alternatives, Exeter is about two hours away by road, or about four hours by public transport, and Bristol Airport is about three hours away by car or taxi, or six hours by public transport. If you’re travelling via London trains leave from Paddington, and the quickest journeys change in Hayle, and take about five and a half hours. Making London’s airports comparatively convenient too.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • St Ives is busiest in the summer, when many families beat a school-holiday path to a gorgeous, golden sandy beach within driving distance. But, while many of the best beach-side properties in St Ives are holiday lets, this town has plenty of life to it out of season. The Tate St Ives, and the Barbara Hepworth Museum are big draws, but the boutique-y shops, friendly cafes, and numerous cafes and restaurants, make this a wonderful year-round destination. And the balance of sunshine and rain errs on the side of sunshine every month, so there’s a great chance you’ll be visiting on a sunny day even if you visit in the dead of winter. Our Gurus do remind you never to travel anywhere in the UK without wet weather gear, though.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in St Ives

  • 3 Porthminster St Ives (Cornwall) 4 rooms from €104

    Local exploring  -  Perfectly placed within walking distance of the harbour, The Tate, and some of St Ives' most famed restaurants
    Romantic Break  -  A quiet atmosphere, lovely sea views and long walks on the beach — ideal for a romantic getaway
    Great walks  -  Wander along the coast revelling in its natural beauty. The South West Coastal path runs through St Ives
    Minimum Stay  -  Three nights in the high season and two nights throughout the rest of the year
    ViewsParkingNo pets

    A charming B&B situated in the town of St Ives, just a short distance from the beach. Four light and airy rooms are decorated in sunny whites, blues and yellows and have wonderful sea views. Breakfasts are an indulgent affair and St Ives' beaches, restaurants, and sights are all nearby. A cosy stay. See More

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  • Una St Ives St Ives (CARBIS BAY) 29 rooms from €150

    Groups  -  With one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom self-catering lodges, this is ideal for groups of friends or families
    Great walks  -  Take the scenic four mile coastal path down to St Ives from where you can continue if you want a longer hike
    Restaurant  -  Informal and simply cooked Mediterranean-inspired wood-fired food is served at Una Kitchen
    Swimming Pool  -  A large indoor pool and a kids' pool with a hot tub next door
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    A collection of eco-lodges just outside St Ives. Villas and lodges range in size but throughout interiors are chic and modern with pale wood floors, clean lines, wood-burning stoves, and well-equipped kitchens. Complete with a casual restaurant, spa, & pools. Well suited to families or couples. See More

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  • The Queens Hotel St Ives 10 rooms from €168

    Foodies  -  For those in search of traditional pub food done well and made with carefully sourced local produce, this inn fits the bill
    Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring the charming former artist colony of St. Ives as it's minutes from both the harbour and beaches
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Penlee House in Penzance, home to stunning works by the Newlyn School of Artists
    Surfing  -  The coastline near St. Ives is full of great surf spots
    RestaurantNo pets

    A traditional pub with rooms well-positioned in the heart of St. Ives. Beautifully renovated rooms perfectly mix the old and the new with exposed beams set against whitewashed walls. The gastropub serves well-crafted hearty pub fare with attention paid to sourcing produce. A laidback stay. See More

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  • Primrose Valley Hotel St Ives 9 rooms from €173

    Boutique  -  A compact 11 room Edwardianm home turned into a chic boutique with minimilist style and a hint of nature in each room
    Local exploring  -  Ideal for exploring popular St. Ives and the surrounding Cornish countryside and beaches
    Surfing  -  The Cornish coast is a haven for surfers. From novice to pro, you'll find a wave for you
    Sights nearby  -  Land's End is just over ten miles away
    ViewsParkingNo pets

    Just off the beach, Primrose Valley Hotel epitomises Cornwall's superb hospitality culture. With views that flow out across the beautiful surroundings and stylishly designed rooms, it's a hotel that makes the best of its surroundings. A coastal gem. See More

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  • Storm in a Teacup St Ives (Ayr) 6 rooms from €184

    Families  -  Family rooms with a large double and bunk beds plus the multitude of activties nearby make this perfect family-friendly material
    Local exploring  -  Well positioned in St Ives, you have access to beaches, Tate St Ives, the coastal path, and excellent restaurants
    Great walks  -  The South West Coastal path runs through St Ives so you have great options in all directions
    Sights nearby  -  St Michael's Mount and Land's End are must visits!
    GardenParkingNo pets

    Just a short walk from the beach, Storm in a Teacup is a charming boutique B&B in St. Ives. The rooms are stylishly decorated with modern furniture and pop art that gives the place a chic feel. A laidback launchpad to explore the surrounding Cornish coast. See More

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  • West by Five St Ives 4 rooms from €196

    Local exploring  -  St Ives offers the quintessential Cornish experience with beaches, coastal paths, art galleries, and world-class restaurants
    Active Holiday  -  Whether you are surf, sail, hike, or cycle - there is plenty to do in the area
    Sights nearby  -  The Tate St Ives is walking distance from the property and a real must-visit
    Minimum Stay  -  Two nights in the mid and low season and three nights in the high season

    A chic guesthouse set in a converted Edwardian townhouse in the heart of St Ives. Stylish nautically-themed rooms have large bathrooms and stunning sea views. Fabulous hearty breakfasts are served in a light breakfast room. Intimate and relaxed, this is an easy base to explore the area from. See More

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  • Headland House St Ives (Cornwall) 7 rooms from €202

    Local exploring  -  St Ives is a trendy little town filled with art galleries and cafes. Then there's all the beautiful Cornish countryside
    Boutique  -  All the rooms are individually (and tastefully) designed, many with roll top tubs and stunning sea views
    Great walks  -  Head out from the property and take scenic walks along Carbis Bay
    Restrictions on children  -  Children over 14 years old are welcome
    GardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A boutique B&B offering fabulous sea views, cosy accommodation and a friendly welcome. Rooms are individually styled with the right balance of traditional and contemporary design. Fabulous breakfasts are served and there's a well-stocked honesty bar for evening tipples. A grown-up stay. See More

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  • Pedn Olva St Ives 30 rooms from €207

    Families  -  With spacious family suites, casual dining, and plenty of activities nearby this is a an easy choice for a family getaway
    Active Holiday  -  The area offers a host of outdoor activities from watersports to rugged hikes
    Surfing  -  Head for Porthmeor beach for excellent surf conditions
    Restaurant  -  Seafood and pub classics are served in the restaurant
    RestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking

    A chic cliff top hotel overlooking the pristine white sands of Porthminster beach. White on white throughout, the hotel has a distinctly un-British feel, you could be forgiven for thinking you're somewhere in the Mediterranean. The restaurant is a hotspot for foodies and the town for art lovers. See More

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  • St Ives Harbour Hotel St Ives (Cornwall) 52 rooms from €225

    Total relaxation  -  A beautiful coastal property complete with fabulous spa. Ideal for relaxing weekends away.
    Great walks  -  Enjoy scenic walks along the beautiful coastal path.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor pool
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A luxury Cornish property boasting fabulous sea views in the chic town of St Ives. Smart rooms feature high ceilings, dark hues, contemporary furniture and indulgent bathrooms. A spoiling spa, indoor pool, fine dining restaurant and abundance of activities in the area make this a spoiling break. See More

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  • The Lifeboat Inn, St Ives St Ives 7 rooms from €242

    Families  -  As well as a family room with double bed and bunks, there are two apartments which can sleep up to 4
    Beach Life  -  A charming Cornish inn offering cosy accommodation right on the picturesque St Ives coast
    Sights nearby  -  The Tate St Ives gallery is a must visit on any trip
    Surfing  -  Book a lesson in the surf school on Porthmeor Beach
    RestaurantNo pets

    A boutique inn overlooking the harbour in the quaint town of St Ives. A handful of smart bedrooms (most with coastal views) feature sink-into beds, simple contemporary fabrics, and indulgent bathrooms. The atmospheric pub is the beating heart of this inn and serves superb seafood. See More

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  • The Gannet Inn St Ives (Cornwall) 20 rooms from €254

    Families  -  With spacious family suites, a laidback vibe, and close proximity to the beach this is a good choice for a family getaway
    Local exploring  -  An ideal base to explore the chic town of St Ives, access the beach and discover Cornwall's countryside.
    Spa  -  Guests can enjoy using the C Bay Spa at sister property Carbis Bay Hotel
    Great walks  -  Discover Cornwall on foot taking long walks along the coastal path.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParkingNo pets

    A boutique inn located in a picturesque village just outside St Ives. Individually styled rooms are named to reflect their character. From 'Cosy' to 'Quirky' each is stylishly designed and comfortable. The staff are exceptionally friendly and the food both hearty and skilfully crafted. See More

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  • Boskerris Hotel St Ives (Carbis Bay) 15 rooms from €259

    Local exploring  -  From St Ives' art galleries and the Tate St Ives to rugged countryside for treks and surfing - there's plenty to explore
    Restaurant  -  Breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinners are served with regularly changing menus use the best of local produce
    Sights nearby  -  Tate St Ives is within walking distance and is a real must visit
    Great walks  -  Hop on the nearby South West Coast Path
    RestaurantGardenViewsNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays

    A sophisticated seaside hotel with fabulous views of Carbis Bay. Decor is light, airy, and contemporary with a Mediterranean feel. A large terrace is perfect for a sundowner while breakfasts, high teas, and dinners are a choice of small regularly changing menus. A stylish base for a coastal stay. See More

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  • Trevose Harbour House St Ives (Cornwall) 6 rooms from €282

    Eco break  -  Food is locally sourced and predominantly organic, waste is recycled and cleaning products are enviroment friendly
    Beach Life  -  Decorated in a nautical style, enjoying views of and walking distance from some of Cornwall's finest beaches
    Sights nearby  -  For art lovers the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden are worth a visit
    Sailing  -  Take a boat trip to Seal Island where you can spot seals, dolphins and much more
    ViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    As refreshing as the Cornish coastline you can see from your window this nautical inspired B&B is simply stunning. Six individually designed bedrooms ooze style with colour palettes to match the sky and surf of St Ives. The downstairs snug offers an honesty bar & breakfast is totally organic. See More

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  • Carbis Bay Hotel St Ives 47 rooms from €576

    Families  -  With excellent facilities and a whole host of family orientated activities, it's a great spot for a trip with the kids
    Active Holiday  -  With a host of watersports facilities on site, a nearby beach and walking trails, it's perfect for an active holiday
    Restaurant  -  A choice of six dining options ranging from casual fare to fine dining
    Spa  -  C Bay Spa offers a wide range of spa and beauty treatments
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A luxury hotel overlooking one of Cornwall's most beautiful bays. Rooms are light and airy with retro furniture and magnificent views. With a wide choice of dining options, a full service spa, and the beach on the doorstep - this is suited to both couples and families. See More

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