St Ives is a popular tourist hotspot in the summer months with its sunny, award-winning beaches, perfect surf and views out across the coast. But for those looking for a quieter and more intimate getaway, the winter months promise plenty of fun and relaxation.
Of course, you’re going to need somewhere to stay on your winter break. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of our best holiday cottages that will help you to stay warm and comfortable as well as giving you tips on how to make the most of your holiday in West Cornwall.
Winter holiday cottages
With over 65 cottages and apartments, we always make sure we have something for everyone. Whether you want to bring your dog on holiday with you, need parking to make getting around easier, or simply want to wake up to gorgeous sea views, we’ve got you covered.
1. Chy Meor
Nestled in the heart of Downalong on Porthmeor Road, just a short walk from The Island and Porthmeor Beach, is the beautiful Chy Meor.
Accommodating up to 4 guests, it features a queen bedroom and a double bedroom, along with a spacious family shower room on the first floor. The second floor offers a delightful surprise— a bright, airy living room with stunning views of Porthmeor Beach and the surrounding area through a Juliette balcony. This level also includes a designated workspace and a second family shower room.
2. Fishers View
3. Stratton Vow
While Stratton Vow is a little further away from the town centre than some of our other properties – roughly a ten minute walk – it makes up for it by being a home away from home, providing plenty of homely comforts that complements any winter break.
With room for eight and parking for two cars, this spacious property is the perfect spot to admire the Cornish countryside with your loved ones. It is also dog-friendly so don’t forget to bring your beloved pet along for the adventure!
4. Harbour View
Look out over the Harbour and the sea from this contemporary apartment that celebrates the gorgeous scenery of the town. Staying here puts in you in the best position to explore the nearby beaches and the prolific Tate Gallery.
The property comes with two bedrooms, free wi-fi and a kitchen that comes packed with all your self-catering essentials. If you don’t feel like cooking one night, you are only a few minutes away from the myriad of restaurants and pubs that line the Harbour.
5. Slantways
Across on the other side of the Harbour, you’ll find Slantways situated in the heart of the historic old town, immediately immersing you in the rich culture of the area.
This charming property is the perfect cosy getaway, providing you with a warm haven to return to after a day exploring out in the cold. With a roomy kitchen and 2 sofa-beds in the upstairs sitting room, this cute and cosy cottages are perfect for couples looking for a little winter romance in an intimate and comforting setting.
6. The Lookout
You’re spoilt for choice when staying in the Lookout, a sunny fisherman’s cottage in the heart of Downalong. You are minutes away from the Island, the Harbour, Porthmeor Beach, and Porthgwidden Beach. Just pick a direction when you head out and you’re bound to discover the perfect adventure for the day.
The property also comes with free wi-fi and a fully equipped kitchen, making it easier than ever to prepare a warming meal after a long day of exploring.
7. Hollies Cottage
Hollies Cottage is another one of our larger properties that’s dog-friendly. Easy access to St Ives’ beaches affords you plenty of opportunities to take a stroll with your pet along the sands. Keep in mind that dogs will only be allowed on the ground floor of the property.
The cottage also comes with free wi-fi and the open plan design of the kitchen, sitting room, and dining room makes it easy to socialise with your friends and family, allowing you to spend a comfortable night in on the cold winter nights.
8. Seabreeze
Seabreeze is a cosy fisherman’s cottage that puts you within easy walking distance of the town centre and the iconic harbour. Head to the beach or relax in the spacious dining room, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, perfect for all your self-catering needs.
With three bedrooms and space for six people, this property is perfect for families and groups of friends. The cottage also comes with free wi-fi.
Why you should visit St Ives in the winter
Our holiday cottages put you right in the heart of the action, making it easier than ever to enjoy everything St Ives has to offer while also providing a warm and cosy haven to return to at the end of the day.
Our cottages and apartments come with a range of features and perks that help to add a bit of extra spark to your winter break, allowing you to enjoy the chillier weather with the whole family. Some of these perks include:
- Dog-friendly properties
- Parking spaces
- Views of the ocean and easy access to beaches
- Self-catering experiences
Dog-friendly cottages in St Ives
Nothing’s better than being able to bring your dog on holiday with you instead of leaving them in a kennel or with a neighbour. Plenty of our cottages are welcoming to dogs, allowing you to spend some quality time with your favourite pet.
Some of our dog-friendly cottages include:
The beaches in St Ives are often a little quieter in the winter months, making for some relaxing walks with your dog with some stunning ocean views.
The seasonal dog ban takes place between 15th May and 30th September between 10 am and 6 pm on Porthminster, Carbis Ba,y and Porthmeor Beaches. Harbour Beach and Porthgwidden are a little more accessible with the dog ban only taking place between 1st July and 31st August between 10 am and 6 pm. Bamaluz is dog-friendly all year round.
For those of you who are more resilient to the dramatic cold weather along the coast, you can even take your dog on a winter walk up on the cliffs and along the coastal paths. There’s no better way to experience the local wildlife with storm watching and bird watching being popular hobbies.
Local coastal walks you can enjoy with your dog include:
- St Ives to Carbis Bay – 2 miles
- Around The Island – 1 mile
- St Ives to Zennor – 6 miles one way, 12 miles for a round trip.
Cottages with parking in St Ives
Properties with parking in St Ives are the best way of getting around without having to rely on public transportation. The freedom to travel whenever you want will make it easier than ever to experience the wonders of West Cornwall.
Head on over to the Lost Gardens of Heligan or pop down to the dramatic Minack Theatre to experience a play against the stunning backdrop of the wintry ocean. You can head further afield to the popular Eden Project attraction in St Austell or opt for a quieter coastal experience in quaint Mousehole or historic Land’s End.
And of course, no trip to West Cornwall is complete without a visit to St Michael’s Mount in Marazion, a historic castle steeped in folklore with a cafe serving hot drinks that will help to warm you up after spending time in the cold.
Our cottages with parking include:
- Windjammer – Space for 1 small car in a garage situated a mile away at the top of The Stennack.
- Porth House – Garage for 1 car. Keep in mind that the parking space isn’t suitable for very large cars.
- The Green House – Private parking for 1 medium-sized car in The Digey Garage.
- Crows Nest – Private parking for 1 medium-sized car in a garage on Little-in-Sight from January 2025
Opening Times of Nearby Attractions
Lost Gardens of Heligan opening times: Monday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Last entry 3:30 pm. They undergo maintenance in the winter months so make sure to check their website ahead of your visit.
Minack Theatre opening times: Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am. Visiting hours vary and the theatre will sometimes close early to accommodate a performance. Make sure to check performance times and visiting hours before your visit.
Eden Project opening times: dates vary based on time of year. Gates open for parking at 9:45 or 9:15 am. Ticket desks open at 9:30 am or 10 am. Last entry occurs at 2:30 pm or 3:30 pm. Closing time is 4 pm or 5 pm. Check the website for more information about the days and months you’ll be visiting.
St Michael’s Mount opening times: check the causeway times before visiting. At low tide, the causeway can be walked but at high tide, you will need to catch a ferry across to the island. Remember, you can take your dog across to the Mount but you can’t go into the castle itself.
St Michael’s Mount is open from 9:15 am – 17:00 pm Sunday-Friday. While the island itself closes at 17:00 pm, the last admittance is actually at 15:45 pm.
Cottages in St Ives with sea views
Due to St Ives’ coastal nature, a large number of our holiday cottages come with gorgeous sea views and easy access to the town’s many beaches. The views are even better in the winter as the beaches are emptier, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of the scenery.
Nothing quite beats a bracing walk along the beach in the early hours of the morning. For those of you who prefer to stay bundled up warm but still want to enjoy the view, you can brew yourself a coffee or curl up with a book and still be able to enjoy the magical views out of your windows.
Some of our popular properties with sea views include:
- 4 Crusoes – directly behind the exotic paradise of Porthmeor which retains its beauty even in the greyer winter months.
- Sandhamn – enjoy the panoramic sights of Harbour Beach and the ocean beyond. The boats bobbing in the harbour create the perfect backdrop.36 Carrack Widden – this property overlooks Porthminster Beach with views out across to the distant Godrevy Lighthouse, an iconic St Ives’ landmark.
- 26 Piazza – right on Porthmeor Beach, from one of the two seaward-facing balconies watch the drama unfold as the tide rolls in..
Our beachside cottages and apartments are perfect for ocean lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Storm watchers will often get a thrill from watching the high and dramatic waves that occur during the colder months.
If you are thinking of heading out for a surf, it’s important to keep in mind that the dramatic swells in winter are best suited for experts and confident surfers. There will also be little to no lifeguard coverage in the winter months so if you don’t feel safe out in the water, try to stick to the sands instead.
- Porthmeor Beach Lifeguard Coverage – 29 March-3 November 10 am-6 pm
- Porthminster Beach Lifeguard Coverage – 18 May-29 September 10 am-6 pm
- Carbis Bay Beach Lifeguard Coverage – 13 July-1 September 10 am – 6 pm
There is no lifeguard coverage on Porthgwidden Beach, Harbour Beach or Bamaluz Beach
Self-catering accommodation in St Ives
All of our cottages are fully equipped for your self-catering needs. Most include ovens, hobs, microwaves as well as fridges, freezers, and cupboards to store your food in during your stay.
Nothing beats staying in to eat during the winter. Enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal with the family while watching the telly and enjoying all the creature comforts of home. You can find inspiration for your meals while out and about in town with plenty of choice available when it comes to crafting the perfect menu.
Whether you want to cook something traditional and familiar or branch out into new and diverse flavours, St Ives has the produce for you. Food is just as integral a part of the town’s culture as its art and ocean scene. St Ives is a historic fishing town after all and you can experiment with the best of locally caught fish, lobsters, and crabs.
You can also find fresh produce at the farmer’s markets, enabling you to bring the taste of St Ives into your dishes that will leave your mouth watering for more. You can find the opening times for the farmer’s market below:
St Ives Farmers Market – The Island Centre, every Monday 9:30 am-2 pm
During your stay, make sure to try to catch the farmers market, it’s got a wonderful atmosphere. Even without the lure of fresh ingredients and inviting aromas, the market is a great place to get to the heart of the community and experience St Ives as it really is.
Winter is a perfect time to visit St Ives, allowing for a quieter holiday that doesn’t lose any of the fun and excitement that makes the town so popular in the warmer months. You can find out more about things to do by checking out our articles on the best things to do when it’s raining and where you can find some of the best pasties in Cornwall.
Head on over to our property page to find the perfect cottage for you whether you need parking, sea views, or an extra spot for your dog. Book now and get ready to enjoy a winter break full of warmth and homely comforts.
