Our Guide to Whitsun Weekend & May Half Term in St Ives
At Orange Roofs, we know St Ives inside out, so we’ve rounded up the most useful local advice, including a few insider tips many visitors miss.
Which beaches in St Ives have dog restrictions?
If you are travelling with your dog, it is important to know which beaches have seasonal restrictions in place during the summer months. Restrictions have recently come into force on the following blue flag beaches:
Porthmeor Beach
Dog ban in place from 15th May to 30th September, between 10am and 6pm.
Porthminster Beach
Dog ban in place from 15th May to 30th September, between 10am and 6pm.
Carbis Bay Beach
Dog ban in place from 15th May to 30th September, between 10am and 6pm.
Meanwhile Porthgwidden Beach and the Harbour Beach will have a dog ban come into force from 1st July to 31st August, between 10am and 6pm.
Is there a dog friendly beach in St Ives all year round?
Yes. Bamaluz Beach is one of St Ives’ hidden gems and remains dog friendly throughout the year.
Tucked beneath the museum and reached by a steep set of steps, it is smaller and quieter than the town’s main beaches. Families who want to escape the busiest areas often love it here, and it is particularly popular with dog owners looking for somewhere peaceful during the summer restrictions.
St Ives Town Council asks dog owners to:
- Clear up after their dogs
- Keep dogs on leads
- Walk dogs on wet sand at low tide where possible
Porthgwidden Beach
Do you need to book restaurants in St Ives during half term?
Absolutely. Whitsun weekend and May half term are some of the busiest times of the year in St Ives, and popular restaurants fill up quickly.
To make getting a table much easier, you may wish to:
- Book in advance (even before your arrive!)
- Eat earlier around 5pm or later after 8.30pm
- Try going out for lunch instead of dinner
If everywhere feels busy, a classic takeaway on the beach is always a good backup plan. The Balancing Eel and Harbour Fish & Chips are reliable choices for fish and chips with a sea view. Just keep an eye on the seagulls!
Are there any dog sitters in St Ives?
While many cafés and pubs in St Ives welcome dogs, we understand there are times when visitors want to enjoy a longer meal or attraction without bringing pets along.
Services such as Cornwall Canine Care in St Erth and private dog sitters are widely available locally and can be a great option during your stay.
Where can you park in St Ives?
Parking in St Ives during school holidays can be challenging, but planning ahead saves a huge amount of stress. We find the following strategies can be helpful:
Use the Park and Ride
The easiest option is usually parking at Lelant Saltings Park and Ride or St Erth Park and Ride. Trains run regularly into St Ives and the journey takes around 10 minutes.
Try the larger car parks
Trenwith Car Park (the “top car park”), is the town’s biggest parking area. Arrive early as it fills quickly in peak season.
Cornwall Council also offers:
Season tickets for regular parking
Rover tickets allowing parking in many long-stay council car parks across Cornwall for one weekly payment
Consider St Ives Rugby Club parking
St Ives Rugby Club offers some of the best value all-day parking locally, with shuttle buses running into town during summer. Spaces can be pre-booked online.
Avoid driving through the harbour area
Despite the new one-way system in place, the narrow streets around the harbour become extremely congested during half term, with very limited parking available.
At Orange Roofs, we’re renowned for offering some of the finest luxury holiday cottages with parking in St Ives, and some properties like Lahaina even offer space for multiple vehicles, something that is surprisingly rare in St Ives.
Lahaina in St Ives – with Parking for up to 4 cars and EV charging
Where can I charge an electric vehicle in St Ives?
If you are visiting Cornwall in an EV, Shell Recharge Hayle is one of the closest fast-charging locations, conveniently positioned just off the A30.
We also offer a growing collection of St Ives holiday cottages with EV charging, making it even easier to explore Cornwall sustainably.
What is happening in St Ives during May half term?
Hayle Outdoor Swimming Pool
There is plenty happening for families during Whit weekend and May half term.
The Little Mermaid at St Ives Theatre
Kidz R Us returns with a stage production of The Little Mermaid at St Ives Theatre from 25th to 28th May. Expect your favourite Disney songs, colourful costumes and family entertainment.
Family Pottery Workshops
Leach Pottery and Tate St Ives are hosting creative workshops for children and families, including pottery making and beachside art.
Surf Lessons & Coasteering at Porthmeor
St Ives Surf School offers lessons for beginners and experienced surfers alike on Porthmeor Beach. For something more adventurous, coasteering around the coastline combines climbing, swimming, cave exploration and cliff jumping into one unforgettable activity.
Visit the Hayle Lido
Nearby Hayle Outdoor Swimming Pool has reopened following major refurbishment works, just in time for half term. With slides, family activities and a café, it makes a brilliant day out for all ages. Stay at Hillcrest and it’s right on your doorstep!
Hillcrest in Hayle
Whether you are planning beach days, surf lessons, coastal walks or long lunches overlooking the sea, St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most magical places to spend Whitsun and May half term.
Browse our 5 star St Ives properties at Orange Roofs and start planning your next St Ives escape today.