Brits planning a ‘peaceful’ Cornish staycation this winter may want to consider visiting St Ives for a ‘quiet’ and ‘magical’ break. The town is one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, especially during the summer months when sunseekers go there to enjoy the golden beaches and turquoise water.
However, St Ives is just as attractive in the colder months, when there are fewer crowds. Recommending the destination, holiday let agency Sand & Stone Escapes suggested choosing St Ives for a winter escape.
Posting on TikTok under the username @Sandandstoneescapes, the page shared a video of the harbour and the town’s pretty views. The caption said: “Just leaving you with this dreamy glimpse of St Ives in the winter months. If this doesn’t make you want to visit during the quiet, colder season, we don’t know what will.
“Think no traffic, peaceful mornings, cosy pub corners, and that magical winter light that makes everything feel a little softer.”
For visitors seeking more information about the town and its attractions, Visit Cornwall’s website features a page all about St Ives. It explains: “One of Cornwall’s most treasured towns, St Ives is famed for its picturesque cobbled streets and coastal allure.”
The tourism board adds: When you reach St Ives there are six more town beaches –Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Porthminster, Bamaluz, Lambeth Walk and Harbour Beach. Each offers sweeping views over the bay which is home to the impressive Godrevy Lighthouse.
“St Ives is also renowned for its famous quality of light, which has drawn artists to the area for over a century. Despite its size, the town boasts world-class art galleries, including the Tate St Ives, set against a stunning coastal backdrop.
“Alongside its artistic heritage, St Ives is home to an excellent food scene, highlighted by the annual St Ives Food Festival. For a local tipple, St Ives Brewery is celebrated for its distinctive craft beers.”
St Ives Harbour Beach is highly rated by reviewers on TripAdvisor, earning an average rating of 4.5 out of five. Someone who previously visited in October said: “We haven’t been to Cornwall for a very long time, so enjoyed going back. It was still busy even in early October.
“Great choice of cafes, one off shops and specialist artists to window shop or like my wife, shop as if it’s Christmas. So many chances to sit with a coffee and people watch. Life moves at a different pace down there and I can see why everyone wants to live there. Wouldn’t mind it myself.”
Another commenter wrote: “Really so very pretty! It’s especially lovely to see the harbour beach when the tide is at varying heights. Lots of small boats that run dry when the tide is out & are bobbing about when the tide is in. Lovely clean sand & clear water, dog friendly at this time of the year. It’s the image of St Ives that will remain with us forever.”