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Cornwall Info » West Cornwall » St Ives area to Portreath

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St Ives Area

Although St Ives has grown from a small fishing village to become a modern resort with excellent hotels and other holiday amenities to service its fine beaches, it has never lost its original charm. For instance, there is still the old fishing quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and alleys and their cosy stone cottages. The artists' colony that acheived fame the whole world over and has retained it for nearly a century, still flourishes, attracted by the clarity of the atmosphere and the gentle climate that makes outdoor painting possible for much of the year.

Nancledra

A hamlet mid-way between north and south coasts and ideally situated for exploring the winding streets, art galleries and lovely beaches of St Ives, 3 miles to the north , or the bustling harbour town of Penzance 4 miles south and the stepping-off point by sea or air to the Isles of Scilly.

St Erth

This peaceful village has a mixture of traditional cottages and modern houses. It is ideally situated for touring local beauty spots and the beaches of the north and south coasts, as this is effectively the narrowest part of the Cornish Peninsula.

Phillack

This peaceful village with its ancient church, sits on a sunny hill overlooking the Hayle Estuary Bird Sanctuary, and backs on to the extensive sand dunes of Mexico Towans which leads to the three mile sandy beach which runs from the mouth of the Hayle Estuary to Godrevy Lighthouse.

Portreath

Portreath is a spectacular beauty spot which offers a quiet sandy beach, perfect as a base for watersports, plenty of wood and parkland walks, and a friendly village atmosphere. Holiday-makers can enjoy a number of small shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. This section of the Cornish coast has magnificent cliff scenery and encompasses some excellent beaches and coves. Incoming rollers offer ideal conditions for surfing and Perranporth to the north has become one of the leading centres for sand yachting over the four mile expanse of firm flat sand exposed at low tide. An 18 hole golf course and gliding club are added facilities that attract a number of visitors and the modern seaside town has shops, Inns, restaurants, etc., to cater for them. Trevaunance Cove, Porthtowan and Portreath are smaller but no less popular. There are some charming wooded valleys or coombes running down to the coast and the area offers good walking. St Ives, the delights of St Ives Bay and the large expanse of Hayle Sands are only 20 minutes drive.

Things to Do in the St Ives area to Portreath area...
  • The Bike Barn, Cornwall, provides cycle hire, tuition, sales and repairs and is open all year round. Ride across England in a day from The Bike Barn, down the Coast to Coast trail, which runs for 11 miles, almost entirely off road, from the lovely coastal village of Portreath to Devoran, alongside the stunning Restronguet Creek.

  • Local cinema in St. Ives

Eating out in the St Ives area to Portreath area...
  • onshore will always try and use fresh local & organic ingredients wherever possible. Our teas & coffees are also Fairtrade & organic meaning that they follow strict organic growing & sustainability standards that protect local eco-systems & wildlife.

  • The Mermaid Seafood Restaurant has a well earned reputation as being one of the finest seafood restaurants in Cornwall. Fish comes straight from the quay-with Lobsters a specialty in the summer months.

    At the Mermaid we feel we offer only the finest and freshest seafood which is only apt as we are located at the top of “Fish Street” approx 100 meters from the sea (assuming the tide is in). Also a selection of locally farmed Meat and poultry are available on the menu for the non fishy eaters amongst you.

  • Nestled beneath the steep slopes of Porthminster Point, right on the beach with unbeatable and uninterrupted views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Now open all year round for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.
    www.portminstercafe.co.uk

  • The Loft is situated in the heart of old St Ives’ artists’ quarter, overlooking St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse.
    The menu offers mouthwatering dishes prepared by our experienced locally respected chef using the best produce our beautiful county has to offer, including fresh fish and seafood. However, our carnivorous and vegetarian guests will not be disappointed!

  • The Wave Restaurant has held an AA rosette for 5 consecutive years and is a member of the Cornish Accredited Restuarants. The modern Mediterranean menu and specials boards reflect the best in Cornish produce and only St. Ives suppliers are used where possible.

  • There is nothing nicer than eating delicious genuine Italian food outside in the glorious Cornish sunshine and our restaurant in St. Ives, overlooking the quaint meandering streets of the legendary fishing town.
    Want to take your food out? Not a problem!
    Call in for a menu and then you can phone your order through. We will ensure you then have the freshest piping hot food ready for you to collect and enjoy in your own surroundings. Also in Hayle and Newlyn.

Places to Visit in the St Ives area to Portreath area...
  • Visiting the Barbara Hepwoth Museum and Sculpure Garden is a unique experience, offering a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain's most important twentieth century artists. Sculptures in bronze, stone and wood are on display in the museum and garden, along with paintings, drawings and archive material.

Shopping in the St Ives area to Portreath area...
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Things to do around St Ives and Portreath

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