The picturesque seaside town of St Ives boasts an enviable location with far-reaching views across the Atlantic Ocean. As well as the undeniable natural beauty that surrounds St Ives, the idyllic town flaunts two golden beaches, picturesque fishing harbour and a warren of cobbled streets that are ripe for exploration.

There is no wonder that the town attracts an array of visitors come rain or shine to enjoy the cultural and historic activities on offer. Residents at our Camaret Gardens development will never be short of things to explore!

To offer you a taster of life in St Ives, we have compiled ten of our favourite things to do and places to visit in scenic West Cornwall. Why not share your own favourite attractions with us at sales@bluecedarhomes.co.uk and on Facebook @BlueCedarHomes.

Boat Trip to Seal Island

Find it: Located on the harbour, St Ives Boat Services, West Pier, Cornwall TR26 1LF

Set sail to Seal Island with a stunning coastal trip from St Ives Harbour. A fantastic out of the ordinary experience where you are given the opportunity to admire the breath-taking granite headlands and learn all about the wrecks, The Alba (1938) and The Bessemer City (1936), before arriving at your destination at Western Carracks reef to set your eyes on the Grey Atlantic Seals in their natural habitat. The interesting narrated cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.

Contact St Ives Boat Tours: https://www.stivesboatservices.com/seal-island-trips/

The Chapel of St. Nicholas

Find it: On the Island, reached from Porthmeor Road or on foot from the town centre. The nearest post code is TR26 1SZ

A staple landmark in St Ives, The Chapel of St Nicholas stands at the top of the island, surrounded on three sides by the vibrant blue Atlantic. The small and simple one-roomed granite building has been used for many purposes over the years such as a lookout for revenue officers and a bird watching hide. The Chapel is walking distance from the harbour and makes for a revitalising walk through the fresh sea air. As you reach the top of the island you will be rewarded with spectacular views in every direction.

Contact: https://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/st-nicholas-chapel/

National Maritime Museum

Find it: 29.5 miles from St Ives, near Falmouth, TR11 3QY

The National Maritime Museum is an independent museum and charity home to a hub of extraordinary exhibitions that aspire to bring new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues. Visitors are welcomed to explore the overwhelming influences of the sea on history and culture through the variety exhibitions and galleries.

Contact National Maritime Museum: https://nmmc.co.uk/

St Ives Bay Line

Find it: St Erth station, Station Approach, St Erth, Cornwall, TR27 6JW

Appreciate West Cornwall’s wonderful coastline from the train window on one of the most scenic short train journeys in Britain. The train travels along the edge of the tidal waters of the Hayle Estuary and golden sands of Carbis Bay before arriving into St Ives with its stunning sandy beaches, sea and harbour.

Contact Great Scenic Railways: https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/lines/st-ives-bay-line/

St Ives Harbour Spa

Find it: St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, The Terrace, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2BN

Indulge in a luxurious break at the Harbour Spa coastal retreat. Treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering with a chosen treatment or spa day at the St Ives Harbour Hotel. Inside, the tranquil spa features four treatment rooms, indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and a crystal steam room for you to unwind in.

Contact St Ives Harbour Spa: https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/hotels/st-ives/spa/

Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden

Find it: Situated in St Ives, Barnoon Hill, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1AD

A remarkable opportunity to explore the work of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists. Barbara Hepworth’s Museum and Sculpture Garden showcases a variety of unique sculptures in bronze, stone and wood, along with paintings, drawings and archive material. Opened in 1976 by Hepworth’s family, following the wishes expressed in her will, the museum contains the largest collection of Hepworth’s works for the public to admire.

Contact Barbara Hepworth Museum: https://barbarahepworth.org.uk/st-ives/

Boat Trip to Seal Island

Find it: Located on the harbour, St Ives Boat Services, West Pier, Cornwall TR26 1LF

Set sail to Seal Island with a stunning coastal trip from St Ives Harbour. A fantastic out of the ordinary experience where you are given the opportunity to admire the breath-taking granite headlands and learn all about the wrecks, The Alba (1938) and The Bessemer City (1936), before arriving at your destination at Western Carracks reef to set your eyes on the Grey Atlantic Seals in their natural habitat. The interesting narrated cruise lasts 1 hour 15 minutes.

Contact St Ives Boat Tours: https://www.stivesboatservices.com/seal-island-trips/

Tate St Ives

Find it: Within walking distance of St Ives town centre, Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1TG

Situated in the heart of St Ives, Tate gallery boasts extensive views across Porthmeor beach and the vast Atlantic Ocean. The award-winning gallery illustrates a display of British and International contemporary art and is host to a variety of visionary events. Refurbished in 2017, Tate St Ives has now doubled in size to create space for studios and more galleries to showcase its unique chronological overview of 20^th century art from the perspective of St Ives including artists such as Ben Nicholson, Peter Lanyon and Naum Gabo.

Contact Tate St Ives: https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives

The Chapel of St. Nicholas

Find it: On the Island, reached from Porthmeor Road or on foot from the town centre. The nearest post code is TR26 1SZ

A staple landmark in St Ives, The Chapel of St Nicholas stands at the top of the island, surrounded on three sides by the vibrant blue Atlantic. The small and simple one-roomed granite building has been used for many purposes over the years such as a lookout for revenue officers and a bird watching hide. The Chapel is walking distance from the harbour and makes for a revitalising walk through the fresh sea air. As you reach the top of the island you will be rewarded with spectacular views in every direction.

Contact: https://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/st-nicholas-chapel/

Minack Theatre

Find it: 17.4 miles from St Ives, The Minack Theatre Trust CIO Porthcurno, Penzance
Cornwall, TR19 6JU

Cornwall’s world-famous open-air theatre is created from the cliffside at Porthcurno. Minack Theatre put on an abundance of plays, opera and musicals from Easter to the end of September with shows such as The Secret Garden and Romeo & Juliet. Visitors are also welcomed to visit the theatre by day to enjoy the incredible panoramic views and soak up the magic of the Minack from the café.

Contact the Minack Theatre: https://www.minack.com/a-living-theatre/visiting/

National Maritime Museum

Find it: 29.5 miles from St Ives, near Falmouth, TR11 3QY

The National Maritime Museum is an independent museum and charity home to a hub of extraordinary exhibitions that aspire to bring new and diverse perspectives to maritime issues. Visitors are welcomed to explore the overwhelming influences of the sea on history and culture through the variety exhibitions and galleries.

Contact National Maritime Museum: https://nmmc.co.uk/

Leach Pottery

Find it: 1 minute from town centre, Higher Stennack, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2HE

Considered to be the birthplace of British studio pottery, Leach Pottery was founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada. Since then, Leach Pottery has been restored to showcase excellence in ceramic arts with: exhibitions, pottery courses and classes, gallery, gift shop and museum to celebrate the legacy of Bernard Leach. The Leach Studio was built in 2008 and now boasts a highly skilled team of production potters who are passionate about promoting the tradition that has inspired many artists around the world.

Contact Leach Pottery: https://www.leachpottery.com/

St Ives Bay Line

Find it: St Erth station, Station Approach, St Erth, Cornwall, TR27 6JW

Appreciate West Cornwall’s wonderful coastline from the train window on one of the most scenic short train journeys in Britain. The train travels along the edge of the tidal waters of the Hayle Estuary and golden sands of Carbis Bay before arriving into St Ives with its stunning sandy beaches, sea and harbour.

Contact Great Scenic Railways: https://greatscenicrailways.co.uk/lines/st-ives-bay-line/

St Ives Storywalk

Find it: Westcott’s Quay, TR26 2DY, St Ives

Get to know the ins and outs of the classic Kernow seaside town of St Ives with an alluring guided tour. Storyteller Shanty guides you through the historical background and captivates you with enthralling stories that bring the town to life over the years. The guided walk lasts approximately 75 minutes and departs from Westcott’s Quay, just 200m behind the famous RNLI Lifeboat House, towards the train stations. Booking is not required.

Contact Shanty Baba Storyteller St Ives: http://www.shantybaba.com/st-ives-storywalk.html

St Ives Harbour Spa

Find it: St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa, The Terrace, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 2BN

Indulge in a luxurious break at the Harbour Spa coastal retreat. Treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering with a chosen treatment or spa day at the St Ives Harbour Hotel. Inside, the tranquil spa features four treatment rooms, indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and a crystal steam room for you to unwind in.

Contact St Ives Harbour Spa: https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/hotels/st-ives/spa/

If the huge variety of historic attractions and artistic and cultural activities on offer in and around St Ives sparks your interest, find out more about bespoke new properties available from Blue Cedar Homes at Camaret Gardens.