The Wonders of St Ives

St. Ives is one of the most famous holiday towns in Cornwall - a jewel situated at the south-western tip of this island kingdom flanked by miles of magnificient coastal scenery, surrounded by tranquil sub-tropical gardens and country lanes that are hedged with wild honeysuckle, foxgloves, montbretia and fucias. Beside its wealth of history and tradition amongst its cobbled streetsand old fisherman cottages, it's also famous as an International Centre for the Arts with more than forty craft shops and galleries as well as the Tate Gallery.

Approximately 6 hours driving from London, St Ives is readily accessible by road, rail and air. Its warm summers and Britain's mildest climate make it's perfect for all seasons but reaching highest tourist attraction in the summer because of it’s sandy beaches and pretty harbour. It's one of the UK’s top summer destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Four sandy beaches , a pretty harbour and good weather, all you could want for a summer holiday.

The streets of St Ives have strange names, and it’s like being in Gulliver’s Travels. The top of the town is called Upalong and the bottom is Downalong. Fore Street is the most popular shopping street, packed with all kinds of quaint little boutiques. For more unusual items Sloop Craft Market is worth a visit. The Tate Gallery is also worth a visit.

The Tate overlooks Porthmeor Beach, and is one of St Ives best-known landmarks. The exhibitions here show the best of contemporary Cornish art in the area and atmosphere in which it was created. There are lots of artists living and working in the area, and during the annual Arts Festival open up their studios to visitors.

St Ives has some amazing scenery, and a good way to appreciate it is to get out along the picturesque coastal path. It links St Ives to another hotspot of artistic activity, Zennor. It will take at least five hours over rugged terrain, so you will need your walking boots. Zennor is also popular place to visit as it was home to DH Lawrence during the First World War. It was here he found inspiration to write Women in Love.

You can take various sea-going excursions from St Ives’ Harbour front. There is also a ship that has been built according to designs for the old Cornish fishing vessels, which were over 100 years old. A 30 minute journey takes you round the coast to Seal Island where you’re likely to spot Atlantic Grey Seals.

At night, there are a choice of small restaurants and bars. When the Festival is on, there are lots of live entertainment, including free performances in Norway Square.

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