Where to Stay in St Ives

 

One of the questions I’m asked most often after writing about our trips to St Ives is, “Where should we stay?” And I agree, finding the right base for your Cornwall escape is key to having a great trip.

 

The truth is, there isn’t one perfect answer. It really depends on the kind of holiday you’re looking for. For years, we stayed on the outskirts and travelled into the beaches and villages we wanted to see, until one year we visited St Ives for the day, and the rest is history.

 

 

Where to Stay in St Ives

 

Over the years, we’ve realised that where you stay shapes the whole feel of your trip. Whether you want to wake up to sea views, step straight into the heart of the town, or enjoy a quieter corner of St Ives, there’s something to suit every style of holiday.

 

Here’s what we’ve learned from returning to St Ives, year after year.

 

 

Stay within walking distance of the harbour

If it’s your first visit, my biggest recommendation is to stay somewhere you can leave the car behind. We love staying on The Digey.

One of the joys of St Ives is wandering everywhere on foot. The narrow streets, hidden alleyways, and beautiful beaches are all part of the experience, and not having to think about parking each day makes the holiday feel much more relaxed.

Being able to stroll down to the harbour for an early morning coffee or wander back after dinner is something we’ve always appreciated.

 

 

We love staying in a cottage

For us, a self-catering cottage has always suited the way we holiday. Home from home, a little luxury, and in the heart of where we love.

There’s something lovely about having your own space to come back to after a day at the beach. Slow breakfasts, evenings with the windows open, and the flexibility to cook if you feel like a quiet night in.

It feels less like staying somewhere and more like living in St Ives for a week.

 

 

If you love sea views…

There’s something special about waking up and seeing the sea before you’ve even made your first coffee.

If your budget allows, a property overlooking one of the beaches or the harbour is always worth considering. Even if you only sit and enjoy the view for a few minutes each morning, it becomes one of those memories that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. You have so many beaches to consider, Bamaluz, the Harbour, behind The Tate looking over Porthmeor, Porthminster or head over to Carbis Bay where you feel like you really have escaped.

 

 

If you enjoy restaurants and cafés

Staying close to the town centre means everything is right on your doorstep. You have the Harbour, Fore Street, The Digey, Wharf Road, High Street.

Morning bakery runs, lazy lunches, evening meals, and spontaneous ice cream stops all become part of your daily routine. We love being able to head out without needing a plan (although I would always book restaurants), knowing there’s always somewhere inviting just a few minutes away.

 

 

Think about parking

It’s probably the least glamorous part of planning a trip, but it’s worth mentioning.

Many of St Ives’ streets are narrow, and parking can be limited, particularly during school holidays. If you’re travelling by car, it’s worth checking your accommodation’s parking arrangements before you book.

Once you’ve arrived, though, our advice is simple: park up and enjoy exploring on foot.

 

 

Our favourite way to experience St Ives

For us, the perfect holiday starts with an early morning walk with Bob along the beach, a coffee by the harbour, and a leisurely wander back through town. That’s why we always choose somewhere within easy walking distance of everything we love.

Every family holidays differently, but if you can find somewhere that lets you slow down, leave the car behind and enjoy the rhythm of St Ives, you’re already halfway to falling in love with it.

Because, in our experience, it isn’t just where you stay that makes St Ives so special. It’s how that place allows you to experience it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Stay in St Ives