St Ives is one of the most picturesque towns in Cornwall.
With its mild climate, beautiful beaches of soft white sand and a famous Mediterranean light that has attracted artists for centuries, St Ives is rightly considered one of Cornwall’s gems.
The town more than lives up to expectations and the journey to St Ives on the train is where the whole experience begins.
It is only a 12-minute ride from St Erth Park & Ride to St Ives but the views from the train window are fabulous.
Sit on the right-hand side of the train if you can and you will be rewarded with panoramas of beautiful turquoise waters and sandy beaches.
When you arrive, our recommended day trip incorporates good food, beautiful beaches and art. It begins at Porthminster Beach, just metres away from the station.
It’s just a short walk across the station car park to Porthminster Beach.
It’s a beautiful crescent shaped beach with views out to Godrevy Lighthouse. With its safe waters it’s a family favourite.
The Porthminster Beach Café right on the beach is famed for its local seafood, garden grown produce and foraged sea herbs. The views from the café are stunning.
To include some culture in your day, head to Tate St Ives (timed slot must be booked).
This renowned art gallery is located just above the beautiful Porthmeor Beach and is housed in a stunning modern building.
The gallery showcases the best British artists of the twentieth century including famous St Ives names such as Barbara Hepworth.
The Barbara Hepworth museum (timed slot must be booked) is affiliated to the Tate and there is a combined ticket that allows you to visit both. Visitors arriving by train receive £1 off the ticket price.
If the weather is too nice to be inside, then why not simply have a stroll from Porthminster beach to the harbour. It’s just a few minutes’ walk along historic narrow streets.
St Ives was once one of the foremost pilchard landing ports in Cornwall and although tourism is the main industry in the town now, the harbour is still at the heart of the town and has a small fishing fleet.
There are plenty of places to spend some more money and if you still have room maybe an ice-cream.
Watch out for seagulls if you decide to eat one out in the open as they will try and steal food.
Moomaid of Zennor serves particularly good ice-cream and has a seagull proof area in which to enjoy it.
If you are thinking about something stronger by now, then do what the locals do and head to the Sloop Inn, right by the harbour front.
The Sloop is reputed to be one of the oldest pubs in England and is believed to date from around 1312. It is full of character and at the end of a busy day there is nothing better than sitting here with a glass of something cold and watching the world go by.
Trains run late into the evening on the St Ives Bay line but give yourself plenty of time to wander back to the station before heading back on the train to St Erth.
Forgot the hassle of parking in St Ives. Instead come by train on the scenic St Ives Bay Line.
This begins at St Erth Park & Ride which is on the Cornish main line.
From St Ives station it is a 10 minute walk into town. Or visit Porthminster Beach within seconds – it’s just on the other side of the station car park.
Travel the line as much as you like for one day. Valid after the morning peak, and anytime weekends or Bank Holidays.
Approximate journey time
An award winning blue flag beach which is safe for families, beautiful walks and an RSPB bird sanctuary all make Carbis Bay worth a visit.
St Erth is the Park and Ride station for the St Ives Bay Line.
