When it comes to spending quality time together, there’s no better place than St Ives. So whether you’re planning on whisking your better half away for a Valentine’s getaway, or simply fancy hot-footing it to the seaside for a weekend to remember, here are some of our top things to do on a couple’s break in the Cornish town.
Enjoy a romantic stroll along the beach
With St Ives being famous for its sandy stretches of shoreline, it goes without saying that a walk along the beach is a must. Make your way down to Porthminster for a leisurely morning stroll with coffees in hand or, if you’re looking to really stretch your legs, head on round to The Towans and enjoy a few hours of walking accompanied by beautiful views across the bay.
Embark on the St Ives Rail Ale Trail
If you’re both partial to a tipple or two, or simply fancy exploring some of the finest Cornish country pubs in the area, then the St Ives Rail Ale Trail is a must. The railway route takes you along the wonderfully scenic St Ives Bay Line and on the way, you’ll be able to sample local craft ales and cracking Cornish fare at a selection of pubs.
Crack your own claws at the Rum & Crab Shack
For the ultimate date night, we recommend local favourite, the Rum & Crab Shack. Choose from hearty selections of seafood including whole crab, lobster, gumbo and jambalaya, crack your own claws (aprons and tools provided!), and wash everything down with some of the finest rums from across the globe.
Visit the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden
A must-see during your stay, the exhibition of local artist, Barbara Hepworth, is displayed in a fabulous garden in the heart of the town. The striking sculptures can provide endless photo opportunities – the perfect souvenir of your visit. Plus, there are also plenty of works including drawings and paintings on display inside the museum should you encounter a downpour.
Tuck into a proper Cornish pasty
Cold winter’s days can be combated by one thing only: a freshly baked Cornish pasty. Luckily, St Ives has plenty of great bakeries to choose from, but our favourites are St Ives Bakery, Pengenna Pasties and, the oldest pasty makers in the world, Warren’s Bakery. We find they’re best enjoyed from a paper bag while exploring the winding side streets (which also provide shelter from those pesky St Ives seagulls).
Looking to enjoy a last minute break in St Ives this February? Take a look at our hotel rooms and self catering properties and start planning your Valentine’s getaway.