Winter in St Ives

Tash Murch

Visiting St Ives in the winter is a must. As the seasons change, the atmosphere in St Ives does too, with a slower paced town, and a hint of magic in the air with December just around the corner.

There is so much to do in St Ives, no matter the season. This winter why not treat yourself to wrapped up walks along the beach or roast dinners in cosy pubs? We also love a spot of wave watching with hot chocolates on Porthmeor and simply wondering around town soaking up the festive atmosphere once the Christmas lights are switched on.

Dog Friendly Winter Breaks

If you are planning a dog friendly break, winter is the perfect time of year to do so, as dog restrictions have been lifted on all beaches meaning our four-legged friends have the opportunity to play and explore. At Sail Lofts, we have four dog-friendly apartments, all just minutes from Porthmeor beach, and within easy reach of some lovely coastal walks.

Winter Walks

As the weather turns cooler, the sea can create some dramatic scenes, with amazing views to match. You don't have to travel very far at all to have access to some stunning walks along the South West Coast Path, all showcasing the very best of the Cornish coastline.

If you want to walk more locally, the 4.5 mile walk from St Ives to Lelant lets you explore many of St Ives beaches. And if you don’t fancy the walk back, simply hop on the St Ives Branch line, connecting St Erth with St Ives by train, and enjoy one of the UK’s most picturesque train journeys.

On the opposite side of the bay, taking a trip to Godrevy, a National Trust site, is a great place to enjoy a winter stroll. Take a walk around the coast from Gwithian to Hells Mouth, and marvel at the huge waves that crash on to the lighthouse at Godrevy.

Pub lunches

After spending the day exploring St Ives, stopping off for a pub lunch is the ideal way to warm up and refuel. Located on the harbour front, The Lifeboat Inn is one of many pubs offering traditional pub classics as well as their well-known Sunday roasts. With a roaring log fire that’s lit all day, this is a great spot to while away an hour or two whilst warming up.

Pair a walk with a pub lunch, by heading out to the Tinners Arms in Zennor. Located at the end of St Ives to Zennor South West Coast path, this is a perfect location post-walk to relax and have a bite to eat. It's also placed conveniently along the Lands End Coaster Bus route , for an easy trip home. Severing a mixture of sandwiches, salads and main meals, no matter what time of day there’s a meal to enjoy. Please note that the St Ives to Zennor walk is a very strenuous walk and checking the weather conditions before you set-off is an absolute must.

Christmas Shopping

It may be a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but St Ives offers some lovely boutique shops with perfect gifts and treats, ideal for a loved one’s Christmas presents. Whether you are searching for artwork in one of the many galleries, a Cornish-themed hamper to send home as a memory of your trip or one of the many beautiful gifts available along Fore Street, St Ives offers a host of local artists and vendors, to make your Christmas shopping that little bit different this year.

If a winter getaway is just what you need, take a look at our current availability.