St Ives has a number of hidden gems and well-kept secrets along the coast that offer a magical and immersive insight into the Cornish coast that can’t be gleaned from the area’s top attractions.
While St Ives is a popular choice for tourists, getting a lot of action in the summer months, there are a number of other villages dotted around the coast and countryside that offer quieter breaks and allow you to enjoy your holiday at a more relaxed and intimate pace.
Best hidden attractions around St Ives
We’ve all heard of St Ives’ award-winning beaches, famous art galleries, and museums. But there’s plenty more to see in St Ives that will take you away from the main hustle and bustle and give you a deeper insight into the lives of the locals and what makes the town tick.
1. Penwith Gallery
A lesser-known art gallery compared to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden and the Tate. They host a number of exhibitions, both contemporary and historical, allowing you to get a closer look at the lives of the locals through time.
The quieter, more peaceful atmosphere compared to more high-profile galleries in the area means you will have plenty of time to contemplate each painting and discover new and interesting details.
2. Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton Museum
One of the best, hidden gem museums in St Ives is the one completely dedicated to the life of Richard Francis Burton. If you’re a history buff looking to learn more about a fascinating character or fancy learning something new during your trip, this museum is the perfect stop away from the masses.
Step back in time with an in-depth storytelling experience with 28 exhibits that detail his life as a Victorian explorer, a spy, and a translator of the Kama Sutra and 1001 Arabian Nights. And that’s only scratching the surface of his diverse and varied vocations.
3. Shanty Baba Storytelling Walks
For a more creative and often spooky look into St Ives’ history and background, try one of the Shanty Baba walks around town. These walks often take place during the evening for maximum atmosphere as you learn about the supernatural stories that permeate St Ives’ culture.
The walk available at the moment is:
- Lantern Ghost Storywalk
Shanty may be expanding his renowned walks in 2025, so keep an eye on his website!
4. Rock climbing in St Ives
For the more adventurous outdoorsy types, rock climbing is a popular pastime, and there are a number of good locations along St Ives Coast that provide that daredevil thrill. Clodgy Point is a top spot to the south of town, easily accessible and mostly safe from tides.
You can also head to the Island, where there are many climbing spots, such as:
- Lifebelt Boulders
- Lookout Wall
- Coral Zawn
- Skylight Cave
- The Happy Boulder
5. Scuba diving in St Ives
Famous for its watersports, Scuba diving is also a popular activity, though less often talked about than surfing, bodyboarding and sea kayaking. Scuba diving in St Ives means you will get a whole new look at the underwater world of St Ives. There are plenty of shipwrecks dotted around the coast for you to explore, such as the SS Cintra that wrecked on Carbis Bay Beach and the SS Alba that can be seen at low tide off the coast at Porthmeor Beach.
You can also get a closer look at the marine life in the area, observing anemones, fish and maybe even getting to do some oyster diving.
Best Cornwall coastal towns near St Ives
For those who want to go further afield on their holiday, there are lots of other fishing villages and hidden areas nestled away on the coast. We’ve all heard of Mousehole, with its charming harbour and of Marazion, home to St Michael’s Mount. But there are plenty of other villages you can explore that won’t be filled to the brim with tourists in the holiday season.
1. Hayle
Head on over to the nearby town of Hayle, which you can access along the South West Coast Path. For beach lovers, there’s a lovely stretch of golden sands and plenty of beachside bars and cafes to recharge in. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot in Hayle, with coastal birds roosting in the area. Try to catch a glimpse of:
- Teals
- Wigeons
- Curlews
- Little egrets
- Oystercatchers
You can also walk the gorgeous Towans Nature Reserve or stop for lunch at Philps Pasties for a handcrafted, locally made taste of Cornwall – some say, the best pasties in the area!
2. Lelant
Nearby to Hayle is the quaint village of Lelant, characterised by the sandy coves dotted all along the Hayle Estuary. Its size makes it a cosy place to visit.
Porthkidney Sands is the village’s greatest claim to fame. It is a sweeping beach with views out to St Ives Bay, situated next to a historic church, adding a sense of Cornish charm to the area. The beach is dog-friendly; just make sure to keep an eye on the tide timetable to plan your visit.
There is also an excellent golf course in Lelant too called West Cornwall Golf Club, where visitors are welcome to enjoy a round of golf with outstanding coastal views.
3. Gwithian
Take a walk or a drive to Gwithian, four miles east of St Ives. The beach and dunes at Gwithian are dog-friendly in the summer during the evening, night, and early morning (the hours of 6 pm-9 am from May to September).
The beach is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets, being a prime spot for surfing the waves but never getting busy or crowded. The village is best enjoyed at the end of a walk, giving you a place to relax and enjoy the serenity of the coast and countryside before heading back to St Ives.
4. Porthcurno
The village of Porthcurno is most famous for the Minack Theatre, but there is plenty more charm to be found in the village before and after your visit to the theatre. The village is situated in a valley with a beach that provides plenty of shelter for good beachside activities. The cove is lauded for its tropical beauty and crystal-clear waters. The village itself is famous for once being the centre of worldwide telecommunication.
Staying at holiday resorts in St Ives
Start your adventure into the heart of West Cornwall today when you book one of our holiday cottages dotted around St Ives. Our cottages come with a range of perks and amenities that provide the perfect base for all your excursions to discover the best-kept secrets and gems of the Cornish coast.
Whether you want a seaside view for an invigorating start to every day or easy access to public transport so you can start planning your trips, we have the cottage for you. Search our properties now and find the perfect hideaway for your holiday.
