St Ives is seaside charmer which boasts some of the best beaches in the UK (Porthmeor, Porthwidden, Porthminster and Harbour Beach) and appeals to a wide range of holidaymakers. Because of its broad popularity, the best places to stay in St Ives include an equally wide range of accommodation options from campsites, to guesthouses, B&Bs, inns, pubs-with-rooms, spa hotels and upscale luxury resorts.
St Ives used to be a fishing village, and its charming, historic part, the bit between the pretty harbour, and the near-perfect arc of Porthmeor Beach, is a wonderful warren of old stone cottages, with lichen-pocked slate roofs and whitewashed facades. You’ll find some of the best places to stay in St Ives here, along with numerous holiday lets and artists’ studios, galleries and delis. Just behind Porthmeor Beach is the striking Tate St Ives (an absolute must-see!), Barnoon Hill and the Barbara Hepworth Gallery. St Ives has a long, long history of being loved by artists and still attracts an arty crowd today.
If you’re looking for a lively time, we recommend staying in a hotel or B&B close to the harbour, amid the warren of cobbled lanes featuring boutique shops, galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants. For a more peaceful base, you’re more likely to find a suitable hotel overlooking Carbis Bay, just around the headland from the harbour, about a half an hour's walk from central St Ives, along a very pretty coastal path.
As you'd expect with such a hugely popular destination, the best places to stay in St Ives are extremely busy during the peak summer months. Get organised and book well ahead if you're planning to visit in July or August.