The Island St Ives
A picturesque headland in St Ives offering stunning panoramic views, a historic chapel, and a peaceful escape from the bustling town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
The Island St Ives
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque headland in St Ives offering stunning panoramic views, a historic chapel, and a peaceful escape from the bustling town.
"Fantastic place for a short walk and to get away from the crowds of tourists in St Ives."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The Island Car Park fills quickly. Aim for before 9 AM to guarantee a spot! :car:
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The chapel offers incredible panoramic views of the bay and beaches. Don't miss it! :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St Nicholas' Chapel Views
Top of The Island
Panoramic vistas of Porthmeor Beach and St Ives Bay await. Perfect for photos and quiet contemplation.
The Island Blockhouse
The Island
A historic venue offering unique wedding backdrops with breathtaking sea views.
+1
Coastal Walks & Relaxation
The Island
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply soak in the natural beauty and sea air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Parking
Seaside Serenity & Seagull Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The Island Car Park fills quickly. Aim for before 9 AM to guarantee a spot! :car:
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The chapel offers incredible panoramic views of the bay and beaches. Don't miss it!
🕊️ Watch Out for Seagulls
Guard your pasties! Seagulls are very active and can be quite bold. :bird:
🧘♀️ Peaceful Escape
Find a bench and enjoy the sea breeze, waves, and stunning natural beauty. :windblowingface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
The Island Car Park fills quickly. Aim for before 9 AM to guarantee a spot! :car:
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The chapel offers incredible panoramic views of the bay and beaches. Don't miss it!
🕊️ Watch Out for Seagulls
Guard your pasties! Seagulls are very active and can be quite bold. :bird:
🧘♀️ Peaceful Escape
Find a bench and enjoy the sea breeze, waves, and stunning natural beauty. :windblowingface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about The Island for its breathtaking panoramic views of St Ives and the bay, calling it a fantastic spot for a peaceful walk and a break from the crowds. Many highlight the beauty of St Nicholas' Chapel and the overall serene atmosphere. Some mention the challenge of parking and the bold seagulls as minor drawbacks.
"Fantastic place for a short walk and to get away from the crowds of tourists in St Ives. Great views over the town and beyond."
Luke Bourne
"Very nice views from the top of the hill w/ the crystal clear turquoise waters from the sea. You can see the whole town from up there."
ABCJelly
"Fantastic views. St Ives is the best place I have been in Cornwall, it gets very busy after midday that you will not find any parking so I recommend that you go early and have a cup of coffee somewhere until the shops open at 9/10:30.
Note: if you eat a Cornish pastie on the street you may get attacked by seagulls, I saw a lady losing hers and almost got mine taken."
Alberto de Souza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Island is easily accessible on foot from St Ives town center. The most convenient parking is at The Island Car Park, but it fills up very quickly. Consider arriving early or using alternative car parks in town and walking.
Yes, The Island Car Park is located right on The Island. However, it's highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, especially during peak season, as it has limited capacity and fills up rapidly.
You can drive to The Island Car Park, but access can be restricted at certain times due to its popularity. It's often easier to park in the town and walk up.
The Island Centre is located on The Island itself. Follow signs for The Island from the town center. It's a short, pleasant walk.
St Ives is well-served by a scenic train line from St Erth, which connects to the main Paddington line. Buses also serve the town. From the town center, The Island is a short walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to The Island itself and its viewpoints is free. St Nicholas' Chapel is also generally open to visitors without charge, though donations are welcome.
The Island is a public space and is accessible at all times. St Nicholas' Chapel has its own opening hours, typically during daylight.
Entry to St Nicholas' Chapel is usually free, but it's a place of worship and historical significance. Donations are appreciated to help with its upkeep.
Yes, The Island Blockhouse is licensed for weddings and events. You can inquire directly with the venue for booking information.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting The Island, but it can get very crowded. Be mindful of local bylaws and respect the environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, take a leisurely walk, have a picnic, visit St Nicholas' Chapel, and explore the historic Island Blockhouse. It's a great spot for relaxation and photography.
The views from the top of The Island, particularly near St Nicholas' Chapel, are spectacular, offering vistas of Porthmeor Beach, the town, and St Ives Bay.
Absolutely! The Island offers stunning coastal scenery, charming chapel views, and sweeping panoramas of St Ives, making it a photographer's paradise.
Yes, The Island is a perfect spot for a picnic with its scenic views and open spaces. Just be mindful of the seagulls!
The paths on The Island are generally accessible, but there are some inclines. The views are rewarding for those who can make the walk.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around St Nicholas' Chapel offers iconic shots of Porthmeor Beach. The entire top of The Island provides sweeping panoramic views of the bay and town.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour hues. Sunsets can also be spectacular.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and permissions. It's always best to check with local authorities or the St Ives council before flying.
Landscape, seascape, and architectural photography are very popular here, capturing the natural beauty and historic chapel.
The Blockhouse itself is a unique subject, and its elevated position offers fantastic views that are perfect for wedding and event photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The golden hour light in the late afternoon is particularly magical. Don't forget to explore the unique angles around the Island Blockhouse for dramatic compositions. Remember to check drone regulations if you plan to use one. ❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Parking and Access
The Island itself is a pedestrian-friendly area, offering a welcome respite from the busier town streets. The paths are generally well-maintained, though some inclines are present. This makes it a pleasant area for a stroll, a picnic, or simply to sit and enjoy the sea air.
The Charm of St Nicholas' Chapel
Visitors often describe the experience of standing here as breathtaking, with clear turquoise waters and the entire town spread out below. It's a place that encourages quiet reflection and appreciation of the natural surroundings. The chapel itself is a beautiful, modest structure that complements the dramatic coastal scenery. While generally open to visitors, it's important to remember it's a place of worship. Donations are typically welcomed to aid in its preservation, ensuring future generations can enjoy its beauty and the views it commands.
The Island Blockhouse: A Unique Venue
Its elevated position on The Island provides spectacular views over St Ives' beaches and out across St Ives Bay, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for ceremonies and celebrations. +1Styled shoots and real weddings held here highlight the venue's blend of history and natural beauty. The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for stunning photography, with the sea, the town, and the rugged coastline all within reach.
+1 If you're looking for a venue that combines historical charm with unparalleled coastal vistas, The Island Blockhouse is certainly worth considering.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit