St Ives September Festival: Best Open Studios to Discover

September in St Ives is a feast for the senses – where cobbled streets echo with live music and gallery doors are thrown open to showcase the town’s creative energy.

The St Ives September Festival brings the community alive with workshops, poetry, and a packed programme of creative events. For those seeking an arty escape in St Ives, one of the highlights is the Open Studios trail, offering a chance to step inside the workspaces of local artists and witness creativity in action. With studios open daily from 13th to 27th September, it’s a brilliant way to explore the town’s vibrant character and meet the makers behind the masterpieces.

If you’re staying with Orange Roofs this September, you’re perfectly placed to explore these hidden gems. Here’s our pick of the best Open Studios to visit – whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious to see what makes St Ives tick beneath the surface.

Whites Old Workshops

Just a stone’s throw from Porthmeor Beach, this historic building houses a cluster of artists whose work reflects the soul of St Ives. From seascapes to ceramics, this spot showcases one of the widest ranges of artists in town. Alongside Dorrie King, Julie Harper, Sally McCabe, Hani Mroz, and guest artist Juliet Middleton-Batts, you’ll also discover:

Ann Kelley: A “lapsed novelist” turned collage artist, Ann’s work blends vintage photography with recycled paper and expressive drawing. Her studio is a treasure trove of nostalgia and texture.
Heather McAlpine: Inspired by wild swimming and the sea’s shifting moods, Heather’s vibrant paintings capture the colours of Cornwall in motion.
Mary Scott: With a background in geology, Mary’s textured abstracts evoke the ancient landscapes of West Penwith – perfect for those drawn to earthy tones and layered storytelling.

Location: Porthmeor Road, TR26 1NP. Open daily during the festival, times vary by artist.

Gaolyard Studios

Tucked away on Dove Street, Gaolyard Studios is a must-visit for lovers of pottery and sculpture, where you will discover:

Anne McCrossan: Known for her slip-cast ceramics in earthenware and stoneware.
Kat Wheeler: Working with dark clay, Kat’s pieces are bold, tactile, and rooted in Cornish tradition.
Laura Crosland: Detailed designs and rich glazes make Laura’s wheel-thrown pottery a standout.
Helen Lee: Producing beautiful handmade pottery using traditional slipware techniques, decorated with carved patterns and painted details.

Location: Dove Street, TR26 2LZ. Open September 17–24 (10am–5pm), with a Cup Sale & Drinks Event on Sept 17 (5–7pm).

The Manor House

Opposite Ventnor Terrace, The Manor House will be home to two artists whose work celebrates texture and place:

Celia Orchard: Specialising in scrap patchwork, Celia’s quilts, throws, and bags are bursting with colour and charm.
Colin Orchard: His square-format oil paintings depict scenes from St Ives to Venice, with a focus on interiors and atmosphere.

Location: Ayr, TR26 1DU. Open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays (11am–4pm)

Penwith Studios

If you’re into bold shapes and expressive colour, Penwith Studios are well worth a visit:

David Moore & Jenny Woodhouse: Sharing a studio, these two artists explore memory, structure, and the feeling of place through oil and textural painting.
Rachael Kantaris: Her colourful prints and paintings play with shape and perspective.
Lynette Pierce: Drawing inspiration from nature, creating mixed media pieces that blend realistic and abstract styles.

Location: Porthmeor Road & Back Road West. Select dates throughout the festival including 17th, 20th, 21st and 24th September.

Norway Square

Just a short walk from the harbour front, you’ll find further inspiration tucked away in this charming corner of town:

Julie Doyle: Her paintings span oil, watercolour, and pastel, and she’s also the author of sea-themed children’s books available to purchase and sign at The Old Salthouse.
Susan Thomas: Capturing Porthmeor Beach and Downalong in oil and charcoal, Susan’s work at The Studio is a love letter to St Ives architecture and coastline.

Location: Norway Square, just off Fore Street. Open most days (11am–4pm or later)

Stay Inspired with Orange Roofs

St Ives is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, having long inspired painters, sculptors, and creatives drawn to its luminous light, dramatic coastline, and thriving gallery scene.
Whether you’re wandering from studio to studio or simply soaking up the creative energy, the Open Studios offer a unique way to connect with St Ives. With Orange Roofs’ handpicked holiday homes just moments from the action, you’ll have the perfect base to explore, reflect, and maybe even take home a piece of Cornwall’s artistic soul.

Looking for the perfect place to stay during the St Ives September Festival? At Orange Roofs, we offer 5 star cottages and apartments just a short stroll from the town’s top galleries, studios, and live entertainment. Whether you’re after a dog-friendly escape, a romantic retreat with a hot tub, or a family-friendly base with parking and EV charging, our team goes above and beyond with one simple goal in mind: making sure you’re happy on holiday.

Book now and let your post-summer blues melt away in the magic of St Ives.