Charming backstreets characterise St Ives historic town centreSt Ives itself is not a large town, and although there is more than enough to keep you entertained, the central area can be easily covered on foot in a day. However, including the outlying regions St Ives does have plenty to explore and distinct areas in which you may have a preference to stay.

Arriving in St Ives by either road or rail presents you with some of the most beautiful views in Cornwall. Passing through Hayle and Lelant on the outskirts you'll find the highly reflective salt flats that contribute to the characteristic light which has made St Ives a haven for artists since the 1920's. Situated on the River Hayle, Lelant village offers numerous bed and breakfast/self catering options which may appeal to those wanting to stay outside of St Ives itself, and also presents an alternative option in high season; the St Erth-St Ives branch line offers quick and easy rail travel between the two all year round, with stops at Lelant itself and the park-and-ride at Lelant Saltings.

Travelling onward west along St Ives Road, you'll be treated to the stunning ocean panoramas of Carbis Bay on the outskirts of St Ives, with the bay itself broadly encompassing the shore-hugging towns of the area. Approximately 10 minutes walk into the busy town centre, many of the full-service hotels are to be found along this stretch, as well as a plentiful selection of guesthouses and some self catering acccomodation; with it's idyllic views over the bay and into the harbour, it's the perfect place to unwind in peace after a day's sightseeing.
View from the coastal path over Porthminster Beach to the harbour
Continuing from the bay via either the wonderful views of the coastal path or along or Trelyon Avenue will bring you to the edge of the town centre and the Mediterrnean splendour of Porthminster Beach, a naturally sheltered cove which was deservedly voted fourth best in the world in 2005. Plenty of guesthouse accommodation can be found along The Terrace on this approach into the top of town, from which the views down into St Ives are sensational, with the Talland area up the hill also well served by both bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation as well as The Warren, swooping down to the seafront.
Harbour in the morning
St Ives town centre is focussed around the bustling streets and alleyways, full of charming nooks, crannies, unique shops and restaurants, which fill the narrow stretch between the fully working harbour on the eastern side and Porthmeor beach on the north-west. Places to stay here are dominated by self catering and it's around the more peaceful backstreets that you'll find many of the quintessential Cornish cottages nestling alongside a plethora of small art galleries. The harbour front is fascinating and boasts many of the most well appointed apartments from where you can watch the world go by, whilst being only a brief stroll from the crashing waves and dramatic coastline around Porthmeor beach, home to the St Ives Tate gallery and hub of the local surfing community.

There are no bad choices to make when it comes to staying in St Ives - just plenty of options to try when you decide to return, again and again...