Winter in St Ives

Kelly Weaver

From short weekend stays to week-long retreats, a winter break in St Ives offers all of the natural beauty you associate with this coastal gem, without the crowds. Take an early morning stroll across Porthmeor as the fresh sea air invigorates your senses or find a cosy pub corner by the fire and while away an afternoon with a glass of your favourite tipple and a good book.

Whichever way you choose to embrace St Ives’ slower pace, a winter retreat is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

The Great Outdoors

Whether it’s exploring the wealth of coastal paths on our doorstep or venturing further afield to discover some less familiar parts of Cornwall, a crisp winters day is the perfect backdrop to start any adventure. Pull-on those walking boots, grab your winter warmers and head out to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you’re looking to stay local the walk from St Ives to Carbis Bay takes in some beautiful scenery without being too challenging. If you’re after something more testing we highly recommend the walk from St Ives to Zennor, topped off with lunch at the Tinners Arms – this walk is quite challenging so please check the weather before you set-off and make sure you are prepared.

Further afield, there are some lovely walks around the Marazion, Penzance and Lizard area and if you’d like some recommendations one of our team would be more than happy to help you with some ideas.

Storm Watching

When the weather changes, so do the seas and skies making it the perfect time to hole up in one of the town’s restaurants, bars or cafes for a spot of storm watching. Beach and harbour side locations are your go-to here and a few of our favourite spots include the Beach Café Bar for early morning coffee and cake, Porthmeor Beach Café for some delicious tapas and a glass of something chilled at lunchtime and Talay Thai for an early evening supper watching the waves in the Harbour.

Cosy Corners

With a fantastic selection of pubs to duck into should you get caught in a shower, cosy pub corners are a real draw as the winter months take hold. With their roaring log fires The Lifeboat Inn, The Union and The Pedn Olva are all popular choices but if you’re after something a little more sophisticated, why not take refuge at St Eia Wines and relax over a bottle of wine as you wait for the rain to pass.

Art and Culture

St. Ives has long been a haven for artists, including luminaries like Barbara Hepworth and Bernard Leach. The Tate St. Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden are open year-round, offering visitors a chance to explore the world of modern and contemporary art. The town's art galleries and studios continue to showcase local and international talent even during the winter, providing a cultural experience like no other.

St. Ives is a gem for those seeking a peaceful and picturesque winter break by the sea. Its natural beauty, cultural attractions, coastal walks, cosy corners, and affordability make it a unique destination for winter travellers and our pick of luxury self-catering accommodation in St Ives puts you at the heart of the action whilst being neatly tucked away to allow for complete rest and relaxation.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in need of a serene escape, St. Ives has something special to offer during the winter months. Embrace the tranquillity and experience the magic of this coastal paradise when it's dressed in its winter finery.

If you're looking for a winter escape in St Ives you can check availability here.

We hope to see you soon,

Kelly x