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A mini guide to
St Ives & West Penwith: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Take the branch line
The St Ives Bay Line runs 4.25 miles from St Erth and Visit Cornwall describes the journey as one of the most scenic in Britain. It also lists a park and ride at St Erth.
Pair the Tate and the Hepworth
Tate manages both Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Check Tate’s pages for opening times and tickets.
Choose your beach
Visit Cornwall names six town beaches: Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Porthminster, Bamaluz, Lambeth Walk and Harbour Beach. Wikipedia describes Porthmeor as a surfing beach and Porthminster as having almost half a mile of sand.
Leave time for Penwith
Zennor Head and Gurnard’s Head are headlands on the north Penwith coast, and the moorland between them and the town holds Chysauster and Men-an-Tol. Check English Heritage for Chysauster’s current opening.
Check opening in the colder months
Several attractions and cafés change their hours outside summer. Only places whose own websites showed they were operating on 25 October 2026 are listed here, but always check before you travel.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is St Ives & West Penwith?
St Ives & West Penwith is in Cornwall, England. Galleries, harbour beaches and the granite moors of Penwith. Nearby stops and stations include St Ives, St Erth, Penzance.
How long do I need in St Ives & West Penwith?
One to two days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Tate St Ives, Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, Leach Pottery. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: St Ives (GWR, St Ives Bay Line); St Erth (GWR, Cornish Main Line); Penzance (GWR, CrossCountry, Night Riviera); Buses to Zennor and Penwith (Transport for Cornwall). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 16 places to eat and drink in and around St Ives & West Penwith, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is St Ives & West Penwith accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in St Ives & West Penwith
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Leach Pottery
Pottery founded in 1920 by Bernard Leach and Shoji Hamada, now with a museum and a working studio.
St Ia's Church
Grade I listed parish church dedicated to Ia, an Irish saint of the 5th or 6th century.
Porthmeor Beach
Surfing beach on the north-west side of St Ives, below Tate St Ives.
Cornwall
More areas to explore
Penzance, Mousehole & Land’s End
A market town, fishing ports and Britain’s south-western tip
Open the mini guide →
Falmouth & the Helford
A deep-water port, two Tudor castles and the creeks of the Helford
Open the mini guide →
Newquay & the North Coast
Surf beaches, headlands and family attractions on the Atlantic coast
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Chysauster Ancient Village: habiloid, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Leach Pottery: Jordanhill School D&T Dept, CC BY 2.0, source
- St Ia's Church: Olaf Tausch, CC BY 3.0, source
- Porthmeor Beach: DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Penzance, Mousehole & Land’s End: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Falmouth & the Helford: Tim Green, CC BY 2.0, source
- Newquay & the North Coast: Otto Domes, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Padstow & the Camel Estuary: Derek Harper, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Fowey, Polperro & the south-east coast: Marika Reinholds, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Cornwall