In winter, St Ives is renowned for its stunning beauty, whether you’re walking along the harbour with your family or taking a more adventurous route out along the cliffs. Wherever you’re staying, you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from the best that the Cornish coast has to offer.
Beaches to visit in Cornwall in winter
When planning your trip to Cornwall in December through February, making time for the gorgeous beaches dotted around St Ives is a must.
St Ives is much calmer and quieter after the summer rush has died down, making the beaches the perfect getaway spot to relax and unwind. St Ives often has slightly warmer temperatures than other areas of Cornwall during winter, taking walks along the beach feels fresh but not so cold as to be uncomfortable.
Porthmeor beach
Lose yourself in the soft sands of Porthmeor Beach and bask in the serene atmosphere. To the west, you can view the stark and dramatic cliffs, made even more imposing by the greyer skies and stormier weather. In the other direction, you will see The Island, a striking stretch of headland crowned by the Chapel of St Nicholas.
If the weather is particularly unforgiving during your visit, you can view the beauty of Porthmeor from the warmth and safety of the Tate St Ives, which overlooks the beach.
Porthminster beach
Favoured by artists for the beautiful lighting come rain or shine, winter brings out a darker and more mysterious side to this summer paradise, the bright gold of the sands and the azure of the sea becoming muted but no less stunning.
The crescent curve of the beach is nestled snugly between the rugged headland and framed by palm trees that provide a tropical touch to the beach even on the coldest day.
Porthgwidden beach
This small and sheltered bay is quiet and peaceful at the best times, making a winter visit even more worthwhile.
Nestled between the Island and the harbour, the rocky outcroppings and rockpools that dot the St Ives coast give this little beach some character, giving perfect views both out to sea and back towards the picturesque town.
Porthkidney beach
Though you’ll have to walk a little way to get to this scenic beach, the 2-mile trip is worth it for the soft dunes and the long grasses that frame the back of the beach. You can sometimes walk from St Ives to Porthkidney at extreme low tide, but do check the tide times before heading out. Alternatively, you can follow the coastal path from St Ives to Porthkidney.
With views out towards the historic and iconic Godrevy Lighthouse, Porthkidney is the perfect place to get away from the main hustle and bustle of town and spend some time drinking in the scenery in peace. The River Hayle carves a path through the beach as well, giving great opportunities for wave-watching and storm-watching.
Ocean views during winter in Cornwall
St Ives is the crowning jewel of coastal views in Cornwall. In winter, Atlantic storms make the seas rougher and wilder, creating a dramatic and thrilling backdrop to any Cornish winter holiday. The beauty of this natural wildness has made St Ives a popular spot for both wave-watching and storm-watching.
Storm watching in St Ives
Wave watching and storm watching go hand in hand in St Ives. Storms along the coast can be quite dangerous though so if you want to see the waves crashing along the coast, make sure to do it from a safe distance or from inside.
With the right holiday cottage, you will be able to see the waves raging from the comfort of your holiday home, with a hot chocolate in hand. There are also plenty of restaurants, pubs and cafes along the harbourfront where you can stay warm and cosy with a filling meal while observing the waves.
Some of the best places in St Ives to partake in storm watching are around the Island and Lambeth Walk. You can also view tall and crashing waves around Godrevy Lighthouse. Other locations around St Ives and in West Cornwall are:
- Penzance
- Sennen Cove
- Porthleven
- Cape Cornwall
Winter coastal paths in St Ives
When you visit St Ives Cornwall in winter, coastal walks are the most adventurous way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the coast away from the hubbub of town, giving you ample opportunity to relax with your family and dog.
The town’s position along the coast means there are plenty of coastal paths to choose from of varying lengths, giving you plenty of time to observe the cliffs, the ocean and the wildlife in the area. The cliff paths are perfect for bird watching. Keep an eye out for some of the following bird species during winter:
- Great Northern Divers
- Black-Throated Divers
- Red-Necked Grebe
- Slavonian Grebe
- Guillemot
- Razorbill
- Puffin
St Ives to the Island coastal path
This circular coastal walk takes you around the Island, taking in some of Porthmeor and Porthgwidden Beach. Try to spot some of the local wildlife and get a fresh perspective on the bay and the ocean waves.
You can take a break along the path by visiting the Chapel of St Nicholas, a medieval church looking out over the beaches and surrounded by wild coastal flora.
St Ives to Hayle coastal path
St Ives to Hayle is a long walk, but a rewarding one. The idyllic coastal scenery turns wild and rugged during winter and offers panoramic views around the Hayle Estuary and the rolling golden dunes of Carbis Bay.
The Hayle Estuary is a renowned RSPB reserve, creating a stunning haven for wetland birds. Try to spot some teals and wigeons as you pass by, along with waterfowl that have migrated for the winter.
St Michael’s Way coastal path
A historic pilgrimage route that offers stunning panoramic views. Starting this coastal path in St Ives means that the full length of this walk is 10 miles, but the finishing point in Marazion on the south coast brings its own beauty with long stretches of beach and the historic St Michael’s Mount cutting a fine figure against the horizon.
St Michael’s Mount is one of the most photogenic places in West Cornwall regardless of whether you’re visiting at high tide, low tide or any time of day. If you don’t want to make the long trek back to St Ives, you can catch a bus and rest your weary feet.
St Ives to Zennor coastal path
The coastal path heading up to Zennor is a challenging one populated by harsh and rocky outcroppings that accentuate the entrancing danger that the wintry Cornish coast is famous for.
It is a great opportunity to catch sight of seabirds and coastal birds. This coastal path is not for the faint of heart but the adventure will leave any hardy hiker feeling exhilarated.
Winter holiday cottages St Ives
While exploring the winter sights St Ives has to offer, you can stay in one of our holiday homes. Many of our cottages come with their own stunning views, meaning you can stay warm and comfortable and enjoy the sights at any time of day.
Some of our most popular holiday cottages are situated right along the harbour or the beaches of St Ives, putting the beauty of the coast right on your doorstep and providing a stunning backdrop to meals in the morning and the evening.
Some of our best cottages to stay in during winter are:
Stay in one of our winter holiday cottages and start planning your scenic winter adventure around St Ives today.
