Winter Wanders
Winter in St Ives has a quieter kind of magic. With the festive crowds gone, the town slows to a gentle rhythm, waves rolling in, pastel cottages glowing in the soft winter light, and coastal paths waiting to be explored. Staying in St Ives at this time of year means crisp seaside walks, leisurely coffees overlooking the harbour, and the simple pleasure of having beaches almost to yourself. From bracing swims and gallery wandering to cosy pub lunches and sunset strolls, January is the perfect month to enjoy St Ives at its most peaceful and authentic. Here are some of our top things to do this winter –
Winter Walks by the Sea –
Coastal and beach walks around St Ives are especially rewarding in January, when the paths and shorelines feel wonderfully open, and the scenery takes on a fresh, dramatic edge. The sea is often wild and beautiful, with waves crashing against the cliffs and clear winter skies stretching endlessly ahead. Wrapped up warm, you can wander the South West Coast Path or stroll along sandy beaches at your own pace, breathing in the salty sea air and pausing to watch the seals, surfers, or the changing light over the water. It’s the kind of walking that clears the head and reminds you just how special this coastline is, even in the depths of winter.
Visit the Tate –
A winter visit to the Tate St Ives is the perfect way to add a cultural pause to your coastal escape. With fewer visitors and a calmer atmosphere, you can take your time exploring the galleries, enjoying the changing exhibitions, and soaking up the sea views from its iconic clifftop setting. The best part is that when you book a stay in one of our luxury self-catering properties in St Ives, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to the Tate, making it easy to combine art, architecture, and seaside living. It’s an ideal winter treat, pairing world-class creativity with the quiet charm of winter by the sea.
Visit Barbara Hepworth Museum –
A winter visit to the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden offers a peaceful and inspiring escape in the heart of St Ives. In the quieter months, the garden feels especially tranquil, allowing you to fully appreciate Hepworth’s iconic sculptures set among subtropical plants, stone pathways, and open sky. When you book a stay in one of our luxury self-catering cottages in St Ives, you’ll enjoy complimentary access to the Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden, making it easy to experience this unique space at a relaxed winter pace. It’s a beautiful way to slow down, reflect, and connect with St Ives’ rich artistic heritage during the colder season.
Visit cosy cafés & pubs –
Winter is the perfect time to seek out St Ives’ cosy pubs and cafés, where warm interiors and a friendly atmosphere offer a welcome contrast to the crisp sea air outside. After a coastal or beach walk, there’s nothing better than settling in with a hot drink, a hearty lunch, or a fireside pint while watching the weather roll in from the harbour. With fewer crowds in the colder months, you can linger a little longer, enjoy local flavours at a relaxed pace, and experience the town’s food and drink scene in its most comforting and authentic form.
A winter visit to the Lost Gardens of Heligan is a rewarding day out and a chance to see this iconic Cornish Garden in a quieter, more atmospheric season. The pathways wind through misty woodland, winter-flowering plants, and open landscapes that feel calm and restorative at this time of year. The gardens are currently operating on a pay-what-you-can admission fee, making it an accessible, thoughtful way to enjoy nature. Located around an hour from our luxury self-catering accommodation in St Ives, Heligan is well worth the journey, offering a memorable contrast to the coast and a beautiful glimpse of Cornwall’s inland charm.
Creative Workshops –
St Ives is a wonderful place to get creative, especially during the quieter months when workshops feel more relaxed and personal. From painting sessions at the St Ives School of Painting to hands-on pottery experiences at the historic Leach Pottery, there are plenty of opportunities to try something new or refine a skill. You can also enjoy jewellery-making workshops at Kelpy Jewellery or candle-making sessions at Bryluen Botanicals, where natural materials and thoughtful designs take centre stage. Taking part in a workshop adds a meaningful, memorable layer to a winter stay in St Ives, connecting you with the town’s long-standing creative spirit. The majority of these workshops are located just a short 10-minute walk from our luxury apartments in St Ives.
Visit us this winter –
Winter in St Ives is a season of calm beauty, creative inspiration, and simple coastal pleasures. From bracing walks and peaceful beaches to galleries, workshops, and cosy places to eat, it’s a time to experience the town at a slower, more authentic pace. Whether you’re seeking rest, inspiration, or a little adventure by the sea, a winter stay with us in St Ives offers the perfect base to enjoy it all, wrapped up in comfort, space, and quiet luxury.
Come and enjoy this winter in St Ives.
Paige x
