We’re willing to bet that when it comes to dreamy beach vacations, Cornwall isn’t the first — or 10th — destination that comes to mind. But England’s southwestern tip is dotted with rugged cliffs, largely unspoiled shores, sparkling blue water, and picturesque seaside towns — including St. Ives, often dubbed the area’s crown jewel.
The appeal is obvious: At least seven breathtaking beaches, cozy coastal retreats (stay at the Lifeboat Inn), charming cobblestone streets lined with cottages and boutiques, impressive museums and galleries, and next-level seafood. Whatever you do, don’t leave without eating a piping hot Cornish pasty.
🎨 The light in St. Ives hits different — and has been drawing artists for decades. At the heart of this creative enclave is Tate St. Ives, an outpost of that Tate, featuring pieces by local artists, rotating international exhibitions, and dazzling views of Porthmeor Beach. Continue your art tour at the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (for a peek into the modernist sculptor’s leafy former studio) and the Leach Pottery (a working studio renowned for its blend of British and Japanese traditions). Then, hit the town’s gallery-lined Fore Street, where you’ll find paintings, sculptures, and jewelry from established and emerging talent at the New Craftsman Gallery and more contemporary pieces at Porthminster Gallery.
👟 Cornwall is filled with dozens of other small villages and towns, many of which are within driving distance of St. Ives. Head to Penzance, a historic port known for its thriving food scene, art deco Jubilee Pool, and close proximity to St. Michael’s Mount (an ancient tidal island with a straight-from-a-storybook castle). You could also go down the coast to Porthcurno, home to one of Cornwall’s most unforgettable beaches and the open-air Minack Theatre — which is dramatically perched on a cliffside and hosts over 200 live performances a year. Finally, adventurous types shouldn’t miss St. Agnes, a popular North Coast surfing spot where, by law, you must try Chapel Porth Beach Café’s Hedgehog ice cream.
🍴 If you’re also a pastry connoisseur, start at St. Ives Bakery to pick up traditional Cornish pasties, sourdough bread, and jam-packed cruffins (that’s right, a croissant-muffin hybrid). For fresh seafood with a side of sublime ocean views, try the tapas-style plates at Porthmeor Beach Café (the fried hake is a nonnegotiable) or Porthminster Beach Café’s elevated Asian- and Mediterranean-inspired menu, which has included garlic-butter king prawns, locally caught squid, and yes, fish and chips. Or, return to Fore Street to enjoy Ardor’s standout Spanish-accented dishes, like seafood paella or pork ribs with quince and rosemary glaze.