Ways to Keep Cool During a Heatwave in St Ives

St Ives has enjoyed an exceptional run of warm, bright weather this summer, and while long sunny days are part of its appeal, there are plenty of ways to stay cool when temperatures rise. From sea swims and shaded walks to ice cream stops and indoor escapes, the town offers a mix of refreshing options for visitors and locals alike.

Sea Swimming Around St Ives

Cooling off in the sea is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to beat the heat. St Ives has several beaches that suit different swimming styles. Porthminster is known for calm, gentle water that suits most swimmers, while Porthgwidden’s sheltered cove offers a quieter spot away from the bustle. Carbis Bay is another favourite, with clear turquoise water and a relaxed feel.

Conditions can change quickly, so it is always worth checking the tides and keeping between the red and yellow flags. Porthmeor is popular with confident swimmers, but its Atlantic-facing swell can be lively on certain days.

For something a little different, the Kiln Sauna Pavilion overlooking Porthmeor Beach now offers cold plunge pools and ice baths with views across the sand. With panoramic saunas and cold baths at different temperatures, it is a refreshing way to reset after a hot morning on the beach.

 

Cool Indoor Spaces

If you prefer to escape the heat entirely, Tate St Ives is one of the best indoor options in town. The gallery is cool, bright and air conditioned, making it a welcome break from the midday sun. Its mix of modern art, coastal-inspired work and seasonal exhibitions offers plenty to explore, and the calm atmosphere makes it easy to spend an hour or two wandering at your own pace. It pairs perfectly with a morning at Porthmeor and lunch in a shaded outdoor seating pod at the beach cafe.

 

Ice Cream, Milkshakes and Frozen Treats

Summer in St Ives would not be complete without an ice cream stop. Moomaid of Zennor’s parlour in town is always popular, with flavours such as Shipwreck, a sea-salt caramel and honeycomb combination. They also serve iced drinks, including raspberry matcha lattes, and their countryside spot Moodmaid by the Lake near Lelant Downs is a peaceful place to cool off away from the crowds.

Palais Provisions is another favourite for anyone who enjoys inventive flavours. Their small-batch gelato and sorbets are made fresh each day, with options such as fig leaf, buckwheat shortbread, and Italian lemon meringue. Their Tonka bean waffle cones, baked dark with a nutty with a caramelised flavour, are a particular highlight for ice cream lovers.

For ice cold milkshakes Trink Dairy near Trencrom is a great choice. Their on-farm vending machine is open around the clock and often features specials such as candyfloss, tiramisu and Biscoff. Visitors can even watch the cows being milked, which makes it a fun stop for families and anyone interested in local food production.

 

Outdoor Pools and Lidos

Outdoor pools are another excellent way to cool off. Hayle Outdoor Swimming Pool has been recently refurbished and is open daily through early September, with public swim sessions throughout the day and adult-only evenings twice a week. The water often reaches around twenty-six degrees, making it warm enough to enjoy but still refreshing.

Una Lido at Carbis Bay offers a heated twenty metre outdoor pool with plenty of natural light and space to relax.

Jubilee Pool in Penzance is also worth the short trip. Its main seawater pool is cooled by the Atlantic, giving an instant refreshing feel, while the art deco design and retro changing rooms add to the experience.

 

Family-Friendly Cool-Down Activities

For something more energetic, seasonal slip n slides are always a hit with families. They pop up around Cornwall during the summer and offer an easy way to cool down while having a bit of fun. Recently, the St Ives Slip n Slide near Angarrack has become a favourite. It’s around one hundred metres long, suitable for all ages, and has wetsuits available to hire along with parking on site.

If you are heading out for a walk, it is best to avoid the exposed coast path during the hottest part of the day. Inland routes offer far more shade, and the wooded areas around places like Knill’s Monument and Trencrom Hill stay noticeably cooler. Dog owners may find our previous blog on walking your dog in a heatwave helpful, as it includes shaded routes and safe paddling spots.

 

 

Checking the Weather and Staying Cool in St Ives

If you want to see exactly what the weather is doing before you head out, check out our Orange Roofs St Ives webcam. It shares the same view as one of our beautiful holiday homes in St Ives at 6 Sunnyside, as the camera sits right on its roof, so you can get a real feel for the conditions before choosing your beach or planning your swim.

Stay cool and enjoy breathtaking views by choosing one of our luxury St Ives apartments right by the beach, where the sea breeze is just steps from your door. Browse and book your summer stay for next year, or call us for last‑minute availability on 01736 806100.

 

Note: Some activities and venues mentioned are seasonal, so it is always worth checking opening times before you visit.