Bank holidays call for week end getaways! If you are looking to get out of the city and breathe some fresh air, Cornwall is a safe bet... Having been to Looe and Liskeard before, I wanted to explore a different part of Cornwall. St Ives was recommended to us, and now I can see why! It is, in my opinion, the prettiest, most charming and quirkiest little fisherman village, in the area.
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Where to stay in st ives, cornwall
The gannet inn
We stayed at The Gannet Inn for 3 nights, and really enjoyed our stay. This charming and brand new hotel, is AA***** and definitely deserves the award. I kept repeating to Dom over and over again how much I loved the decor. The staff is lovely, and last but not least (....You know where this is going...) the food is delicious. Guests of The Gannet Inn also have access to the spa facilities of the Carbis Bay Hotel. (Which is why I picked this hotel.... thought it would give us something to do if the weather wasn't great!)
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Carbis Bay hotel & spa
As mentioned above, this is The Gannet's sister hotel. Although we didn't stay at Carbis Bay Hotel, we did visit it twice. The hotel & spa facilities are beautiful. It is located right on the beach, and although we didn't see the rooms, I bet they have amazing views!
The Carbis Bay Hotel Spa has a Hydrotherapy pool, a (very big!) jacuzzi, a sauna, and also offers spa treatments.
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things to do in and near st ives, cornwall
aquasports
Kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, surfing... if you are lucky with the weather, or don't mind the cold!
st ives coastal path
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carbis bay
For a walk on the beach. Less populated and just as beautiful.
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st michael's mount
Drive 15 minutes from St Ives to Marion, and you will be able to get a boat (2€) to St Michael's Mount. If you go when the tide is low, you will be able to walk there! (bring thick shoes or wellies if you don't want to get your feet wet!)
best restaurants in st ives: where to eat
Trust us to try all the so-called "best" restaurants...! Here are the ones we think you should try too if you are visiting St Ives.
the rum & crab shack
Great atmosphere, great food, and great cocktails (or so I hear!). Trendy yet quirky. Seafood dishes with a Central American twist. The place to go if you fancy a lobster or crab roll.
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the mermaid seafood restaurant
If you are looking for a quirky restaurant, you MUST stop by this restaurant! We both ordered the fish platter which was delicious, and best value for money!
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the porthmeor beach cafe
Visit for the view! But the food is delicious too! This is a tapas restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner. Make sure to make a reservation for dinner as there aren't too many tables inside (they were fully booked all week end so we ended up going for lunch) unless you are happy to eat outside, in which case you can just walk in. Perfect for a glass of wine and tapas at sunset!
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the gannet inn
We had breakfast at the hotel's restaurant every morning, which was very good. So we had high expectations for dinner! The Gannet Inn did not disappoint!
Breakfasts ...
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Dinner ...
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harbour fish & chips takeaway
I was on the hunt for a healthy take away to eat on the beach: The Harbour delivered! I ordered a grilled code salad which was delicious! (even the seagulls tried to dig in!)
And for the best Cornish pasties ... (according to Dom!)
pengenna pasties
warrens bakery
Have you been to St Ives? Please let me know if you try any of these places... would love to hear your thoughts!
