Campsites Near St Ives

The pretty town of St Ives is surrounded by the best of Cornish living, seaside fun and a brilliant arts scene. Here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy a camping trip to St Ives.

Explore the coastline around St Ives

Without a doubt, the most popular reason to visit St Ives is its coastal location.

• St Ives is featured in our guide to the best surfing beaches in the, UK but surfing isn’t the only popular water sport here. Sea kayaking and coasteering are popular activities for thrill seekers, and the golden sandy beaches are ideal for a relaxed paddle or family swim in the summer months.
• If you’re wanting to spend your days enjoying some of St Ives beaches, read our ideas of things to do at the beach, including fossil hunting, rock pooling and plenty more fun.
• Seal Island can be reached by boat every day in the summer months and is around 5km to the west of St Ives. As the name suggests, the island has a colony of grey seals on its rugged coast.
• St Ives Harbour looks like a postcard with its three piers and two lighthouses. Surrounded by places to eat and boutique shops, the harbour is a great place to explore.
• The South West Coast Path offers plenty of spectacular views and walking a section of it is a must when visiting St Ives.
• St Michael's Mount is a must-visit, around a 20-minute drive from St Ives. The tidal island is linked to the town of Marazion and can only be accessed between mid-tide and low water.

Local towns and villages

There are many local towns and villages to explore near St Ives, including:

• Penzance which offers a vibrant atmosphere, pirate beginnings to discover and plenty of places to explore.
• The village of Carbis Bay which is right next to St Ives and has a sandy beach.
• The harbour town of Hayle which has miles of sandy beaches and plenty of good cafes.
• St Erth which is a charming village with just one pub but offers a few pretty walks and a nice change of scenery.
• Porthleven which is the most southerly working port in the UK. The harbour here is worth visiting as it faces into the wind, so the sea walls are impressive. It’s quieter here than in Penzance but still has enough for visitors to explore.

Make the most of local food and drink

St Ives has a steady flow of locally caught seafood and is a great place to sample a Cornish pasty or two and enjoy a clotted cream tea (with the cream on top of the jam, of course).

• St Ives is home to some brilliant beach cafes. For stunning views of the golden sand and deep blue sea, Porthminster Beach Café can’t be beaten.
• Whether it’s for a relaxed cocktail or a full meal from their varied menu, The Searoom, operated by the team behind St Ives Gin is a great spot.
• If it’s your first time having pasties in Cornwall, you won’t find any better than those at St Ives Bakery. You can also pick up a sweet treat while there.

Other attractions in St Ives

• The Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden which preserves her garden and studio in St Ives, where she lived and worked.
• Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary and JungleBarn is a great attraction for families with over 1000 birds and animals to visit. The huge indoor play area is an added bonus.
• The St Ives Railway is a great way to see the coast and explore different towns along the way.
• Land’s End is around a 40-minute drive from St Ives, but it’s worth it to visit what is traditionally considered the most northernmost point of Britain.
• For family campers with thrill seekers, Flambards Theme Park makes a great day out. Around a 30-minute drive away from St Ives, the park has rides and attractions for all ages, including a recreated Victorian village with over 50 shops and scenes.