If you only had time to see one part of St Ives, I would send you to the harbour. It is the natural centre of town, surrounded by old buildings, cafés, pubs, shops and narrow streets that climb away from the waterfront.
Come early
The harbour can become very busy during summer days. An early morning walk gives you a completely different experience, with fewer visitors and a better chance to notice the working side of the waterfront.
Fishing boats and changing tides are reminders that St Ives existed long before it became one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday destinations.
Watch the tide
The harbour changes dramatically between high and low tide. Boats that float in the water at one point may later sit on exposed sand.
That constant change means the view rarely looks exactly the same twice.
Eat and drink by the water
There are plenty of places around the harbour for coffee, lunch, seafood or an evening drink. The most obvious waterfront table is not always the best meal in town, so explore the nearby streets too.
And guard your food from gulls. In St Ives, that is practical advice rather than a joke.
Use the harbour as your starting point
From here you can walk towards several beaches, galleries and the older streets of St Ives. Boat trips also depart from the area, depending on season and conditions.
Return in the evening if you can. Once many day visitors have left, the harbour becomes more relaxed.
For me, this is when St Ives is at its best: nowhere particular to go, the sea in front of you and another narrow street waiting to be explored.
Leave a Reply