Barnoon Cemetery
A tranquil cemetery perched above Porthmeor Beach, offering poignant sea views and a connection to local art history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Quiet reflection time
Barnoon Cemetery
Best Time
Quiet reflection time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil cemetery perched above Porthmeor Beach, offering poignant sea views and a connection to local art history.
"There's something peaceful about a walk around Barnoon cemetery to admire the ornate gravestones and respect those less fortunate souls."
Coastal Path Access
Easily accessible via coastal paths, offering scenic walks to and from St Ives. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but always with reverence for the resting place. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ocean Views from the Headland
Overlooking Porthmeor Beach
Poignant gravestones meet breathtaking Atlantic vistas. A truly unique and reflective coastal panorama.
Ornate Gravestones
Throughout the cemetery
Discover centuries of stories etched in stone, showcasing intricate artistry and local history.
Alfred Wallis's Resting Place
Near Tate St Ives
Pay respects to the renowned primitive artist Alfred Wallis, whose art captured the spirit of St Ives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Calm
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Coastal Path Access
Easily accessible via coastal paths, offering scenic walks to and from St Ives. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but always with reverence for the resting place. :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Atmosphere
Seek quiet moments for reflection amidst the sea air and history. :pray:
Combine with Tate St Ives
Visit the nearby Tate St Ives and Alfred Wallis's grave in one outing. :museum:
Tips
from all over the internet
Coastal Path Access
Easily accessible via coastal paths, offering scenic walks to and from St Ives. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Photography
Capture the beauty, but always with reverence for the resting place. :camerawithflash:
Peaceful Atmosphere
Seek quiet moments for reflection amidst the sea air and history. :pray:
Combine with Tate St Ives
Visit the nearby Tate St Ives and Alfred Wallis's grave in one outing. :museum:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Barnoon Cemetery to be a place of profound peace and striking beauty, with its unique coastal setting overlooking Porthmeor Beach being a major draw. Many appreciate the historical gravestones and the connection to artist Alfred Wallis, though some note the uneven terrain. It's often described as a hauntingly beautiful and reflective spot.
"There's something peaceful about a walk around Barnoon cemetery to admire the ornate gravestones and respect those less fortunate souls of St Ives. There aren't many final resting places that look out over something as beautiful as Porthmeor Beach and the breathtaking Atlantic beyond."
Paul Baker
"Please bury me here whenI die..."
James Russell
"A mystical place that shows that time is finite."
Dirk DiSc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Barnoon Cemetery is easily accessible on foot from St Ives town center and Porthmeor Beach. It's a short, scenic walk along the coastal path, offering lovely views as you approach. Many visitors combine a visit with a stroll along the coast or a trip to the Tate St Ives.
Parking in St Ives can be challenging. The closest parking is likely at the Porthmeor Beach car park, but it fills up quickly. Consider using public transport or walking from town if possible.
Yes, you can reach St Ives by bus or train, and then it's a walk to the cemetery. The scenic coastal location makes it a pleasant destination once you're in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Barnoon Cemetery is a public space and entry is free. You can visit at any time to explore its grounds and enjoy the views.
As an open-air cemetery, there are no set opening hours. It is generally accessible during daylight hours, allowing for peaceful visits.
Yes, it's a place for quiet contemplation and offers beautiful scenery. However, it is a cemetery, so a respectful demeanor is expected.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Barnoon Cemetery is known for its stunning coastal location overlooking Porthmeor Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. You'll find a variety of gravestones, some ornate, and a sense of peaceful history. It's also the resting place of artist Alfred Wallis. 
Absolutely! The dramatic sea views combined with the historic gravestones offer unique photographic opportunities. The light can be particularly beautiful in the late afternoon.
There are no specific facilities within the cemetery itself. However, being close to Porthmeor Beach and St Ives town, you'll find amenities like cafes and public restrooms nearby.
Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful, tranquil, and hauntingly beautiful. The sound of the sea and the historical context create a unique and reflective environment.
The paths within the cemetery are generally accessible, though some areas might be uneven due to its natural coastal setting. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hour' during late afternoon often provides beautiful, soft light that enhances the coastal scenery and gravestones. Early mornings can also be serene and less crowded.
You can capture wide shots of the cemetery with the ocean backdrop, close-ups of intricate gravestone details, and atmospheric shots of the coastal landscape.
The resting place of artist Alfred Wallis is a point of interest. Additionally, the contrast between weathered stones and the vibrant sea is a recurring theme for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Art Enthusiasts
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+1Peace Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Poignant Beauty of Barnoon Cemetery
+1Many visitors are drawn to the cemetery for its peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to the often bustling town of St Ives. It's a place where one can wander among centuries of stories etched in stone, reflecting on the lives of those who called this picturesque corner of Cornwall home. The ornate details on some of the older gravestones speak to the craftsmanship of bygone eras, offering a glimpse into the past.
Notably, Barnoon Cemetery is the final resting place of Alfred Wallis, a significant figure in the St Ives art scene. His primitive, sea-inspired paintings captured the essence of the town, and his grave is a point of pilgrimage for art enthusiasts. The cemetery's proximity to the Tate St Ives makes it a natural addition to an artistic exploration of the area.
Coastal Charm and Artistic Legacies
+1Beyond its scenic beauty, the cemetery holds a special place in the hearts of art lovers due to its connection with Alfred Wallis. Wallis, a self-taught artist, is celebrated for his distinctive depictions of ships, seascapes, and the everyday life of St Ives. His work is a vital part of the region's artistic heritage, and visiting his grave offers a tangible link to this legacy.
For those exploring St Ives, a visit to Barnoon Cemetery can be a welcome respite from the crowds. While Porthmeor Beach can get busy, the cemetery offers a peaceful escape, allowing for quiet contemplation and appreciation of both nature's grandeur and human history. It's a place that encourages a slower pace and a deeper connection to the surroundings.
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