A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for a Holiday in St Ives
At Orange Roofs, we look after a carefully chosen collection of luxury holiday homes in St Ives, many within walking distance of the town’s beaches, restaurants and attractions. To help you make the most of your stay, we have put together the perfect three day itinerary.
Day One: Explore the Harbour and Beaches
The best way to start your St Ives holiday is by getting your bearings with a gentle wander through the heart of the old fishing town. Begin at the lifeboat station and follow the loop along Fore Street, one of the town’s most iconic cobbled streets.
As you stroll through the bustling centre, you will pass independent shops, galleries, bakeries and hidden gems tucked into the narrow lanes. Browse the shelves at St Ives Bookseller, stop for a taster at Tarquin’s Gin School, and explore the many art galleries and gift shops that make St Ives such a creative and colourful destination.
One of the town’s most photographed hidden spots can be found just off Fore Street on Virgin Street. Behind St Ives Bakery, with its tempting window full of pastries and fresh bread, you will discover the famous green door. Set into a traditional stone building on one of the prettiest winding lanes in town, it has become something of a quiet landmark for visitors.
Continue wandering until the lane loops back towards the harbourfront. Here, the views open up across the water and fishing boats bob gently in the harbour. Grab a coffee and pastry from Yallah Coffee hatch and find a bench overlooking the sea. It is the perfect place to pause and take in the atmosphere.
From Wharf Road, you can spend time relaxing on Harbour Beach or continue along the coastal path beside the lifeboat house into Lambeth Walk. This scenic route takes you past the Pedn Olva and towards the golden sands of Porthminster Beach.
If hunger strikes along the way, Blas Burgerworks is well worth a stop for one of their much loved takeaway burgers. Once you reach Porthminster Beach, spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing or simply enjoying the views across St Ives Bay.
On your walk back into town, we recommend treating yourself to an ice cream from Moomaid of Zennor on Street-an-Pol or from the hatch round the side of Market Place Tea Room at the end of Fore Street.
Day Two: Coastal Walks and Art Galleries
After a relaxing first day, it is time to experience some of St Ives’ spectacular coastal scenery. Start your morning with breakfast at Porthmeor Beach Café, famous for its build your own breakfast, fresh juices and heated outdoor booths overlooking the Atlantic.
From there, head out on the Man’s Head and Clodgy Point circular walk. At around 5 kilometres, it is the ideal route for taking in some of the area’s most beautiful coastal views.
One of the highlights along the route is Tate St Ives, perched above Porthmeor Beach. The gallery celebrates the rich artistic history of St Ives and showcases works from artists including Patrick Heron, Marlow Moss and Naum Gabo.
The building itself is part of the experience, with stunning windows framing the famous St Ives light that has inspired artists for generations.
The café at Tate St Ives is also worth a visit, offering incredible views where you can spot the distinctive orange rooftops that inspired our name!
No art inspired day in St Ives would be complete without visiting the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden on Barnoon Hill. Tucked away among the winding cobbled streets, Hepworth’s former Trewyn Studio feels like a hidden oasis.
The peaceful sculpture garden remains much as the artist left it, with many of the bronze sculptures still positioned exactly where Hepworth placed them herself. It is a beautifully calm and inspiring space that offers a fascinating insight into one of Britain’s most celebrated sculptors.
Both Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum are open daily, although a separate ticket is required for the museum.
Day Three: Boat Trips and Seafood Dining
For your final day in St Ives, head out onto the water for a memorable Cornish boat trip.
Seal Island boat trips leave directly from St Ives Harbour and offer the chance to explore the coastline from a completely different perspective. Cruises typically head towards Seal Island and Godrevy Lighthouse, with opportunities to spot seals, seabirds, dolphins and even sunfish if you are lucky.
After a day on the water, finish your St Ives getaway with a memorable seafood dinner.
The Rum and Crab Shack, tucked just above the harbourfront, is a favourite for hearty seafood dishes packed with flavour. Their menu includes chowder, whole crab, lobster, prawn jambalaya and crab loaded tacos. They also host their hugely popular Sunday Boil Club featuring Louisiana style seafood boils and bottomless Bloody Marys.
Another long standing St Ives favourite is The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant, located in the heart of Down-a-Long, the town’s historic fishing quarter. Their signature Pot of Seafood, filled with mussels, scallops, squid, hake and prawns in garlic and white wine, is particularly popular.
At Orange Roofs, we pride ourselves on offering a boutique collection of luxury holiday homes with a personal touch. Many of our luxury St Ives cottages with parking are perfectly located in the heart of town, allowing you to enjoy easy access to St Ives beaches, restaurants, galleries and the harbour without needing to use your car.
Whether you are planning beach days, coastal walks, art gallery visits or seafood dinners overlooking the harbour, St Ives offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
To start planning your Cornish escape, browse our luxury holiday accommodation in St Ives or give the Orange Roofs team a call on 01736 806100.