St. Ives

Cornwall's best known harbour town is on the north coast of West Penwith, just a dozen miles from Land's End. On its north side is Porthmeor, the surfers beach, above it a good beach caf� and the Tate Gallery. Porthminster is on its south side with a bathing beach of golden sand and a rather classy beach caf�. Between is The Island, topped by St. Nicholas Chapel and with Porthgwidden beach below, the tidal fishing and boating harbour. The pier that encloses the harbour was built by John Smeaton in 1767–70; at its end stands a small lighthouse. Behind the beaches and harbour are steep narrow streets crammed with tiny picturesque cottages and loads of art and craft studios, galleries and shops. Above P:orthmeor beach stands the Tate Modern art gallery. The artistic connection continues with a Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden and galleries with changing exhibitions in the former Mariners Church. Near the latter is the Sloop Craft Market. Towards the edge of town, the former Bernard Leach Pottery is now both Pottery and Musem. The harbour front is full of cafes and restaurants - and carry-out Cornish pasty shops and cream teas. St. Ives may be very touristy but we enjoy its artistic connections - and just wandering. Parking can be difficult and expensive but, if you arrive early, the car park by the station is quite convenient.

Porthminster Beach, very much a family beach

St. Ives harbour at high tide

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