In Hayle a 10 min drive there is a New large Boots (with late night Pharmacy), M&S food & clothing and NEXT shop.A 30 min drive to Truro if you are a shopping junkie is worth a visit
Groceries
There is a large Tesco store as you drive into St Ives.
We are fortunate to have the Norway Store ( 01736 794657) at the end of our road on Norway Square where you can buy milk, bread, newspapers, wood and other daily essentials. They are open from 7am to 9pm daily.
Matthew Stevens is reputed to be the best fishmonger in St Ives – only a 3 min walk from the cottage, situated in Downalong. The cod and scallops are highly recommended!
The Fore Street Deli offers a fantastic selection of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as pates, Cornish cheeses (the brie is divine), olives and much, much more.
The Coop in Tregenna Place, St Ives saves the car trip out to Tesco, limited choice.
Dining
There is a huge selection of fine restaurants in St Ives (which we are yet to try) but some that have been recommended to us are:
The Mermaid Pub/Restaurant - Fish Street, St Ives 01736-796816
Saltwater Café - Fish Street, St Ives 01736 794928
Blue Fish Restaurant – Norway Lane, St Ives 01736 794204
Alba Restaurant – The Wharf (2 AA Rosettes), St Ives, 01736-797222
Porthminster Beach Café, (nationally acclaimed requires booking) St Ives 01736 795352
Porthgwidden Beach Café, St Ives 01736 796791
The Sloop Inn (reputed to be the oldest in St Ives) - The Wharf, St Ives 01736 796584,
Seafood Café - Fore Street , St Ives (Choice of fresh fish daily) 01736 794004
Pels - The Wharf, St Ives (for take away pizzas, sandwiches and gorgeous hot crepes)
Digey Food Hall – The Digey, St Ives (delicious homemade salads, quiches, smoked fish and other delicacies. Lovely coffee.) 01736-799600
Firehouse Bar and Grill - Fore Street. St Ives(not fine dining, but good pizza, acceptable lunch menu, good with kids, friendly staff)
Take Aways
Our favourite pasties come from the Cornish Bakehouse situated on the Wharf and Fore Street. Try them for yourself.
Pels - The Wharf, St Ives (for take away pizzas, sandwiches and gorgeous hot crepes)
Digey Food Hall – The Digey (delicious homemade salads, quiches, smoked fish and other delicacies) 01736-799600
Fish and Chips - Porthminster Cafe is highly rated
Gourmet Fish and Chips -Wharf Road (great to take away and dine in)
We enjoyed the Balancing Eel - The Wharf, St Ives
Sport
Tregenna Castle Hotel Golf Course. Set in the magnificent grounds of Tregenna Castle Hotel with narrow fairways, small greens and fabulous views of St. Ives Bay.West Cornwall Golf Course, Lelant. Cornwall's oldest course overlooking St. Ives Bay is a true links course with numerous natural qualities and fine turf.
Sailing
St Ives Sailing Club. St Ives Bay offers a wonderful opportunity to experience sea sailing in the comparative safety of St Ives Bay.
Surfing
Porthmeor Beach is the surfing beach in St. Ives. Porthmeor Beach Café and Surf Centre for lessons. Tel: 01736 793366St.
Ives Surf School, Porthmeor Beach. BSA approved school. Tel 0966 498021
What To Do
Paradise Park - Children
Mini theme park and zoo. A fantastic day out for families with younger children, and only 15 minute drive from St Ives.
The Eden Project is approx. a 35min drive away in the direction of St Austell (www.edenproject.com 01726 811 911). Take bottles of water for the Temperate
Biome, and wear clothes suitable for the tropics under you usual clothes... It is hot at the top! There are two cafes inside - the one on the right does delicious food.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are another much visited attraction (www.heligan.com 01726 845 100). The jungle is magnificent.
The Tate, we are so fortunate to have this wonderful internationally recognised gallery on our doorstep. A must!
A visit to the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is a unique experience offering a remarkable insight into the work and outlook of one of Britain’s most important twentieth century artists.
The Royal Cinema, Royal Square, St. Ives. Tel: 01736 796843. 3-screen cinema showing a selection of current releases.
Padstow probably warrants a day - eat at the Middle Street Cafe or one of Rick Steins other places. They are all superb. www.rickstein.com. Hire a bike at Wadebridge (Bridge Bike Hire 01208 813 050 ) and cycle the Camel Trail to Padstow & finish with the best fish & chips there are at Rick Steins Fish & Chip Shop. Take the ferry from Padstow to Rock, and definitely have a ride on the speed boats.
St Ives Festival