Local Information

Welcome to St. Ives, Cornwall, situated in the toe of England, known as West Penwith, St. Ives today is a bustling resort with excellent beaches, interesting shops, art galleries and places to eat and drink.

Although the town originally thrived on its fishing and mining industries, it has today become the number one tourist destination for Cornwall.

The area is famed for its surfing, and international surfers come to try for the perfect wave. Porthmeor Beach is a major venue for surfing while Porthminster is quieter. All the beaches are safe for children, and have life-guards on watch. Further round the St. Ives Bay to the east is Carbis Bay and Lelant, where more golden and silver sands are found.

St. Ives is famous for its local artists, drawn by the unique light of the area. The area has attracted artists since 1811 when Turner visited, and Whistler came in 1883 with Walter Sickert. Over the next few years many old sail lofts were converted to studios and an artists' colony was born.

By the 70s, the colony was in decline, but the arrival of the Tate has revived artistic interest in the whole region.