A walk on Porthmeor Beach, St Ives

As I sit at my desk writing this blog, the skies are blue, the sun is blazing and the outside temperature is 4 degrees…brrrr! But, there is no better place to be than walking on an almost deserted beach in January. St Ives has 5 beaches to choose from. They all offer breathtaking views and the sort of medicine to the soul that Victorian doctors prescribed for winter ailments. Porthmeor Beach is a soft sandy beach that is around 1 km long when the tide is out. It is nestled between two headlands so can offer shelter from cold easterly winds. There is a beach cafe serving hot drinks as well as tasty treats. If you fancy lunch and a glass of wine, head to Porthmeor Beach Cafe sat above the beach with outdoor heated pods or a fully glazed restaurant to take in those exquisite views.

Other beaches of St Ives

Porthgwidden Beach can also offer shelter from bitter easterly winds and is a smaller beach cove. The sea is turquoise blue and you are likely to see a pod of dolphins too! There is a cafe on this beach offering hot drinks and meals with incredible views to die for. Beat the winter blues with some medicinal St Ives sun and sea vistas galore.

Porthminster Beach is a slice of paradise on the other side of town and can offer shelter from westerly winds. When the tide is out and you are wearing wellies, make your beach stroll longer by walking onto the Harbour Beach which is a huge expanse of sand. With the tide out, you can walk amongst the beached colourful fishing boats and take in the view of St Ives from a different perspective.

The best thing about walking on St Ives’ beaches in the winter? They are practically deserted and dog-friendly all day long!

Come on, come breathe in pure sea air and feel the powers of the sun, sand and sea for yourselves.

Learn to surf in St Ives

We admit, the thought of getting in the sea when it is at its coldest seems ridiculous! But, that is what 5mm wetsuits are for as well neoprene gloves, boots and hats. Get covered top to toe in the right gear and make the plunge. The sheer exhilaration of learning something does enormous good to our brains combatting those winter blues.

Fact:
When you learn something new, the neurons involved in the learning episode grow new projections and form new connections. Your brain may even produce new neurons!

Experience the highs of being out in the fresh sea air and allow the sea to strip away your winter blues. Surfing is a great way to burn off those extra Christmas calories and get back to nature in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.

Porthmeor Beach is the home to St Ives Surf School who are available all year round and can’t wait to pass the bug of surfing onto new enthusiasts. Go on, book yourself on a group course!

Coastal hikes in St Ives

The South West Coastal Path runs through St Ives and offers ample opportunity to explore coves, cliffs and historical places of interest. St Ives in Cornwall is rich in fishing and mining heritage with incredible places to visit such as Botallack Mine, a famous Poldark filming location near St. Just.

The St Ives to Zennor walk is a must-do and is packed full of extraordinary views. There is something so restorative about the sound of the sea hitting the cliffs beneath the coast path. The walk takes about two and half hours and has a wonderful pub called The Tinners Arms at the end to replenish spent energy. If you can’t face the walk back, don’t worry you can jump on the bus which offers a very scenic journey back to St Ives.

Beating the winter blues with a good long coastal walk is just what the doctor ordered. Wrap up warm, get great footwear and empty your minds by putting one foot in front of the other soaking up the best views ever.

Book a holiday cottage in St Ives

January can seem to go on and on and on! Many people take a short break mid-month and enjoy a change of scene (and air) in St Ives. Winter short breaks in St Ives are much cheaper and are the lowest rate available for the year. For the same beautiful holiday cottage in St Ives, you can save hundreds of pounds by staying mid-winter. You can choose a cosy holiday cottage in St Ives with a log burner or a luxury holiday apartment with sea views or maybe plan a family get together with the dog and stay at a luxury holiday home in St Ives with a hot tub! 

There are a handful of cafes, restaurants and shops that close in January in St Ives. However, there is still a good selection of pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries that stay open. St Ives in January is a great place to stay as it is far less crowded. You will also find parking galore and the beaches are empty and all dog-friendly.

The light in St Ives is unique and for anyone who loves to instagram, be prepared to fill your friends with envy!

Beat those winter blues and take a holiday to St Ives, Cornwall

We may be biased as we live in Cornwall, but we can’t think of a better place to be. When daylight hours are cut short and the weather is cold, St Ives in Cornwall promises you a reprieve from winter blues. How?

• Sea air fills your lungs
• The sea bathes you in its healing qualities
• St Ives light is unique and bright
• Spring arrives early in Cornwall with daffodils budding from late December!
• Miles and miles of deserted beaches