St Ives Tourist Information

Backpax Magazine

Visitors Guide to st ives

Quaint, quirky and picturesque are perfect words to describe St Ives. Once a quiet fishing port, the cobbled streets now bustle with tourists all year round, and the sandy beaches are packed during the summer. St Ives is renowned for its vibrant arts scene. Artists are drawn towards the enchanting mix of the coastal light and pretty scenes. It has many art galleries, including the St Ives Tate, established 1993. Fish restaurants are plentiful in St Ives, and the selection of fresh seafood on offer here is staggering.

Choose from simple fish and chips on the harbour front to upmarket bistros. When it comes to nightlife in St Ives, the traditional English pub is what you’ll find here. Watch the world go by on a spring evening at the Sloop Inn beer garden, one of St Ives’ oldest, and most well known pubs. Head indoors when the night gets chilly, and warm your feet by the cosy fire. But, be warned that after a few pints of the local ales, you may find that “quaint, quirky and picturesque” is just too much of a mouthful to describe this charming little Cornish town.

by Sioned Bannister