Harbour Beach St Ives
A picturesque harbour town with golden sands, turquoise waters, and a charming waterfront lined with shops and eateries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Harbour Beach St Ives
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque harbour town with golden sands, turquoise waters, and a charming waterfront lined with shops and eateries.
"On a sunny day, it’s like being transported to a foreign country – the sparkling turquoise sea, golden sands, and stunning scenery are simply breathtaking."
🚗 Park & Walk
Skip the parking hassle! Park at the leisure centre and enjoy a scenic 10-min walk down.
🌊 Seagull Savvy
Aggressive seagulls love unattended food! Keep your snacks secure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbour Beach
St Ives Harbour
Golden sands, turquoise waters, and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for sunbathing and people-watching.
The Pier
St Ives Harbour
Stroll along the pier for panoramic views of the harbour and coastline. Great for spotting seals!
Quaint Harbour Front
St Ives Harbour
Charming shops, cafes, and fish 'n' chip spots line the harbour. A picturesque spot for a leisurely wander.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Parking & Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park & Walk
Skip the parking hassle! Park at the leisure centre and enjoy a scenic 10-min walk down.
🌊 Seagull Savvy
Aggressive seagulls love unattended food! Keep your snacks secure.
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
The train journey to St Ives offers stunning coastal views. Sit on the right side!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Narrow streets make walking the best way to see St Ives. Be prepared for some hills!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park & Walk
Skip the parking hassle! Park at the leisure centre and enjoy a scenic 10-min walk down.
🌊 Seagull Savvy
Aggressive seagulls love unattended food! Keep your snacks secure.
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
The train journey to St Ives offers stunning coastal views. Sit on the right side!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Narrow streets make walking the best way to see St Ives. Be prepared for some hills!
📸 Photogenic Paradise
St Ives is incredibly photogenic. Capture the harbour, beaches, and charming streets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St Ives Harbour Beach for its breathtaking beauty, often comparing it to foreign destinations with its turquoise waters and golden sands. The charming town, with its quaint shops and lively harbour front, adds to the appeal. However, the significant challenge of parking and the presence of aggressive seagulls are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"I recently visited St Ives and it honestly felt like stepping into another world.
On a sunny day, it’s like being transported to a foreign country – the sparkling turquoise sea, golden sands, and stunning scenery are simply breathtaking.
The town itself has such a charming, welcoming atmosphere, with its winding streets, independent shops, and plenty of spots to sit and take it all in.
Whether you’re strolling along the harbour, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a drink with a view, everything about St Ives feels amazing.
It’s one of those places that leaves you in awe and makes you want to return again and again."
Jason Owen
"Well it’s a very quaint harbour .
St Ives is a very busy place even out of season . If you want to park , get here early.
It is a very photogenic place and has very aggressive seagulls . The harbour front is awash with pubs and coffee shops and the town is full of nice little artisan shops . Including Joe Downs , who makes the most amazing things out of glass . Her copper fish are my personal favourite.
Enjoy your stay , be patient with the townsfolk who have to have deliveries to bring the food, drink and all the other things you will buy."
Jon Race
"Best beaches anywhere! Lots of interesting shops and small art galleries to visit. Not a place to drive around as roads very narrow so walking is essential and this can be steep at times but that does mean great views."
Sandra AJ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach St Ives Harbour Beach is by train, as parking is very limited and expensive. The train journey itself offers beautiful coastal views. Alternatively, park at the leisure centre and walk down.
Parking in St Ives is extremely difficult, especially during peak season. Visitors strongly advise against driving into the town center. Consider parking at the leisure centre and walking.
Walking is the best way to explore St Ives due to its narrow streets. Be prepared for some steep inclines, which offer rewarding views.
Yes, the scenic St Ives Bay Line train connects St Erth to St Ives, offering a picturesque journey along the coast.
While the harbour front is relatively flat, the town has many steep streets and steps, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The beach itself may also be difficult to access depending on the tide.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Harbour Beach in St Ives is a public beach and does not have an entry fee. You only pay for parking if you drive.
Harbour Beach is accessible at all times, as it is a public beach. However, facilities like shops and cafes will have their own operating hours.
You do not need to book tickets to visit St Ives or its harbour beach. However, booking train tickets in advance might be advisable during peak times.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on visiting Harbour Beach, but always be mindful of tide times and local by-laws.
To avoid the biggest crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) or opt for early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays.
📸 📸 Photography
The harbour front itself, the pier, and the beaches offer fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the colourful boats, the sea, and the charming architecture.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour hues.
Don't miss the iconic St Ives Harbour, the picturesque pier, and the surrounding beaches like Porthmeor and Porthminster.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive harbour and sea views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting seals.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially over populated beaches and the harbour. Always check local regulations before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find plenty of fish and chip shops and cafes along the harbour front. For more options, explore the town for pubs and restaurants with sea views.
Fresh seafood, especially fish and chips, is a local specialty. Enjoying an ice cream on the beach is also a classic St Ives experience.
Visitors often mention The Sloop Inn, Hubb St Ives, Rum Shack, and Beer & Bird. The Pizza Shack at Harbour Hotel is also a popular choice.
Many restaurants in St Ives offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask staff.
Yes, numerous fish and chip shops and cafes along the harbour offer takeaway options, perfect for a beach picnic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks, but be vigilant against the famously bold seagulls! 🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilize the scenic and often cheaper train travel into town instead of paying for expensive parking. Many of the most stunning views are free to enjoy, simply by walking around the harbour and along the coastal paths. 📸 Photographers
Don't miss capturing the unique architecture and the dramatic coastal landscapes. The train journey into St Ives also provides incredible photo opportunities. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring St Ives Harbour
The harbour front itself is lined with a delightful array of small stores, artisan galleries, and traditional fish and chip shops.
Getting to the harbour is best done on foot due to the narrow, winding streets and limited parking. Many recommend parking at the leisure centre and enjoying a short walk down.
The Beaches of St Ives
For a more dramatic setting, Porthmeor Beach faces the Atlantic and is a popular spot for surfers, with the iconic Tate St Ives overlooking it.
Porthwiggen Beach and Bamaluz Beach are smaller, often quieter options, offering a more secluded experience. Many visitors are struck by the sheer beauty of these beaches, with some describing the water as crystal clear and the scenery as breathtaking. When visiting the beaches, be aware of the aggressive seagulls that are notorious for snatching food.
Culinary Delights in St Ives
Many visitors rave about the quality and taste of these traditional dishes. Beyond fish and chips, St Ives boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes catering to different tastes. From cozy pubs like The Sloop Inn to more contemporary eateries like Hubb St Ives and Rum Crab Shack, there are options for everyone.
When exploring the town, keep an eye out for artisan shops that also offer local treats and coffee.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit