St Ives

St Ives, at the southwest tip of Cornwall, nestles amongst rich and magnificent scenery. Inland are the green fields and rolling hills so typical of Cornwall and the coast offers the rugged, wild scenery depicted in the novels of well-known authors such as Daphne Du Maurier. The air is fresh, the beaches are clean and, because of the mild climate, there are sub-tropical gardens waiting to be discovered. The name St Ives conjures up somewhere that is a bit special, almost 'alternative'.

St Ives welcomes the visitor to golden beaches, cobbled streets, fishermens' cottages, beautiful galleries and craft shops. As well as being a beautiful place steeped in history, the visitor may be surprised to learn that this is an arts centre of international repute. The Tate Gallery which opened in 1993 is here with displays of modern and contemporary art, much of it linked to Cornwall. The town has always attracted painters who say there is something special about the light as well as by its rich history and rugged coastline.

Famous people who have lived in St Ives include Henry Moore, Dame Barbara Hepworth and Virginia Woolf. Bernard Leach, the potter, worked here making ceramics, thereby adding to the international standing of the town in the world of art.
There is a simplicity about St Ives. Time appears to have stood still and yet it is a vibrant and cultured town. Because of the mild Cornish climate, even the winters here can be balmy. This is a place to vi

sit at any time of year. St Ives meets the needs of families wanting beach holidays or couples wanting romantic breaks. There is no need to rush – everything can be done at your own pace. St Ives offers traditional holiday cottages, modern apartments and much more. Many people who want to keep a bit of St Ives for themselves decide to invest in a holiday home here.

St Ives has a fascinating history. For much of its existence, the town remained isolated. Access was by sea until 1877 when the Great Western Railway opened up the new branch line to the town. The advent of the railway meant that St Ives was to become a popular holiday destination for rail travellers. This continues to this day – the train journey from Penzance and St Erth is possibly the most scenic in Britain. From Penzance, connections run to London. St Ives Bay offers spectacular views from the train and this is definitely a journey not to be missed. The town recently received the accolade 'Seaside Town of the Year' as voted for by readers of the Guardian newspaper.

There is ancient culture in the landscape here, in the wells, the stones and the ceremonies which take place. There is the Midsummer Eve Bonfire, the Hurling of the Silver Ball on Feast Monday and the John Knill commemoration which dates to 1801 and is held every five years. In many ways, time has stood still here. And yet there is a vibrancy which makes St Ives very 21st-century. Discover it and you will be forever smitten.