St Ives by Coach

St Ives makes the perfect destination for a summer coach holiday to Cornwall.

Surrounded by stunning scenery, the town is a sophisticated picturesque harbour resort which has plenty of activities and attractions to suit all ages and tastes.

Like most seaside resorts its reputation is based on the quality of the beaches. Porthmeor Beach and Porthminster Beach are renowned for their golden soft sands and some of the cleanest water in Europe – ideal spots to kick off your shoes to relax, surf or have a dip in the sea.

Most activity in St Ives is centred on the bustling working harbour which is lined with cafes, souvenir shops and ice cream parlours. From here you can hop on a boat trip to the aptly named Seal Island to get a closer look at a colony of grey seals and other marine life including dolphins and porpoises.

Set back from the harbour you will also find an enticing maze of back-streets and alleyways featuring a perfect mix of quaint independent artisan shops and High Street stores where you can lose yourself for hours.

If art’s your thing, St Ives is the place for you. The town remains a magnet for keen artists who flock to the town due to its beauty and unique light. Examples of their work can be viewed in a number of exhibition galleries. Most famous of all is the Tate Gallery, one of only four in the world, which features a collection of painting, ceramics and contemporary art.

A visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum at the former house the leading 20th century artist also provides an insight into the town’s artists connections. Admire some of her most popular sculptures and stroll through the garden where she made many of her works.