6 Reasons To Visit St Ives in 2026

There’s never a bad time to visit St Ives – but if you’ve been eyeing up a trip, 2026 could well be the perfect chance to experience everything people love about St Ives, with a little extra magic added in.

Whether you’re drawn by its world-class art galleries, Blue Flag beaches at Porthmeor, Porthminster and Carbis Bay, lively festivals, or simply the joy of being by the coast, there’s never been a better time to plan a St Ives escape.

At Orange Roofs we like to have our finger firmly on the pulse of everything happening in the town we call home. With 2026 bringing exciting additions to the usual lineup, we’ve rounded up our top six reasons to visit this year.

1. The Reopening of the Leach Pottery Museum

2026 is a landmark year for St Ives with the reopening of the Leach Pottery museum and galleries expected in November, following an ambitious restoration project. Visitors will be among the first to experience the newly reimagined exhibitions, while in spring 2026 the Learning & Production Centre opens, offering workshops, live making and a pop-up shop. It’s a rare chance to see one of the world’s most influential pottery sites begin a new chapter.

Credit: Leach Pottery St Ives

2. The St Ives Food & Drink Festival

Held on Porthminster Beach in May 2026, this much-loved festival is a celebration of Cornwall’s food scene, bringing together local producers, open-fire cooking, chef demonstrations, live music, and sunset sessions. Set right on the sand, it perfectly blends St Ives’ stunning coastal backdrop with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

Visitors can browse an artisan market, sample a wide range of street food, beer, and wine, and enjoy fire-pit demonstrations, alongside family-friendly activities and wellness workshops – making it a festival for all ages.

St Ives food festival

3. Quirky Traditions You’ll Only See Here

St Ives’ calendar is full of characterful events in 2026. St Ives Feast Day in February brings the throwing of coins from balconies and the iconic hurling of the silver ball, while the Raft Race in August fills the bay with homemade vessels and good-natured chaos. Most unusual of all perhaps is the John Knill (Knill’s Monument) Celebration due in July 2026 – a once-every-five-years ceremony involving dancing, fiddles and a centuries-old will being honoured on the hill above town.

Photo Credit: St Ives Town Council

4. The St Ives September Festival

Returning in September 2026, this two-week festival is one of Cornwall’s longest-running arts events. Expect an inspiring mix of live music, poetry, talks, exhibitions, walks and workshops, all spread across intimate venues throughout the town – a perfect reason to visit after the summer crowds have eased.

Early bird alert: first acts are usually announced from late January, so make sure you book your stay before it’s too late.

5. It’s Super Dog-Friendly

St Ives remains one of the most dog-friendly seaside towns in the UK. Dogs are welcomed in many cafés, pubs, shops and plenty of our stunning beachside holiday cottages, with coastal walks and seasonal dog-friendly beaches making it an ideal destination for visitors who want to bring their four-legged companions along. In 2026, a new trial road layout aims to reduce road traffic in the town, making it even easier and safer to explore the town with your dog.

6. It’s The Ultimate Christmas & New Year Destination

St Ives is truly magical in the festive season, and is often voted one of the best places in the UK to celebrate New Year. The town’s harbour lights, festive markets, and cosy cafés create a picture-perfect seasonal atmosphere. If you’ve been feeling a touch of FOMO from all the amazing footage of the fancy dress, fireworks and unforgettable New Year atmosphere, now’s the time to book – the best spots won’t stay available for long!

With fewer crowds than summer but all the charm and coastal views, St Ives offers a truly memorable winter escape.

Beyond the headline events, 2026 is about experiencing St Ives at its very best – from Tate St Ives exhibitions and bustling harbour life to coastal walks, to more traffic-free areas for cycling and strolling.

If you’re planning to visit during popular festival periods – especially May and September – early booking is essential, as accommodation fills quickly. With a handpicked collection of beautiful holiday homes in the heart of St Ives and beyond, Orange Roofs makes it easy to find the perfect base for your 2026 stay.

👉 Book your St Ives holiday with Orange Roofs now and secure your place in one of the town’s most exciting years yet.