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In conjunction with Aspects Holidays we’ve put together some of the best things to do in St Ives with kids. We know there are loads more too, so if you have any other recommendations do get in touch and let us know.

If you are considering visiting St Ives why not take a look at Aspects Holidays holiday cottages in St Ives and nearby towns it’s the perfect way for families to enjoy all that Cornwall has to offer.

As one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, St Ives is known for its fantastic beaches, cobbled streets and picturesque harbour. This quaint town offers everything you need for a dream holiday in Cornwall, including restaurants with stunning sea views, some spectacular walks, and many fantastic things to do, our pick of the best we’ve listed below.

St Ives Beaches

You might be travelling to St Ives for the beaches alone, and why not. Beaches such as Porthminster and Porthmeor are incredibly popular and for the right reasons.

At Porthminster Beach there is a multi-award-winning restaurant of the same name as well as watersport tuition and hire, toilets and even an 18-hole mini golf course. The beautiful 6 Trevail Apartments is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Porthmeor is home to both the Tate and St Ives Surf School too (both listed below as some of the best things to do in St Ives.)

Rough Seas Loft is just five minutes walk away from Porthmeor Beach.

Boat trip to Seal Island

Seal Island is located around 3.5 miles (5km) west of St Ives and as the name suggests it is home to a colony of grey seals.

Boat trips are run on a daily basis from the harbour.

The trip along the coast is amazing. On arrival at Seal Island visitors can get fairly close to the seals and loads of other wildlife.

There is a cute book about Seal Island for kids here:

Tate St Ives

Porthmeor Beach TR26 1TG
tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives

The St Ives branch of the Tate Gallery opened its doors in 1993. At the time the building was as much of a talking point as the gallery itself. Overlooking Porthmeor beach this building was not intended to be invisible being around 3 storeys tall with its iconic circular entrance vestibule.

Tate St Ives often puts on events for families. Definitely one to have a look at and see what’s going on.

St Ives Surf School

Surfing in St Ives at St Ives Surf School is highly regarded as one of the best places to learn to surf in Cornwall. Their team provide bespoke surf lessons and coaching, Paddleboarding tuition, sea kayaking tours and coasteering adventures as good as anywhere in the UK. All activities operate from two beautiful beach locations in the heart of St Ives.

Porthmeor Beach TR26 1JZ
stivesurfschool.co.uk

Hire a bike

One of the family friendly things to do in St Ives is to hire a bike with St Ives eBikes. You can do a guided tour or just take out one of their bikes. Pick a recommended route such as the 10-mile Zennor Zoom along the coast road; or up the ante with the 25 mile-long Moorland Meander.

Alexandra Road, St Ives TR26 1DY
stivesebikes.co.uk

St Ives Leisure Centre

Trenwith Burrows, St Ives TR26 1HB
better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall/st-ives

If you find yourself with a rainy day why not take the kids swimming at St Ives’ leisure centre. It has a 25m main pool, 12m learner pool, a cafe and lovely views over the bay.

Down-a-long

The Down-a-long is a jumble of cobbled streets lined with whitewashed cottages. The street names could be something out of Harry Potter with names such as Salubrious Place, Teetotal Street and The Digey. The Down-a-long makes it onto the list of things to do in St Ives due to the fact that there are more galleries, cafes and little shops than you can shake a stick at.

Just Along is the perfect home from home in the Down-a-long that you will want to come back to year after year!