Quiet Cornwall: 10 reasons to visit St Ives in winter

Quiet Cornwall: 10 reasons to visit St Ives in winter

Beautifully quiet beaches, affordable prices, cozy pubs and hearty food – a winter holiday in St Ives is the perfect antidote to a busy summer

It's not hard to see why Cornwall is one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations. It has 300 miles of stunning coastline, over 2,400 miles of inland hiking trails, 12 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, four Michelin-starred restaurants and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the dramatic cliffs in the north to the beautiful, barren hills of Bodmin Moor, Cornwall is England at its best. Among the most beautiful harbors is St Ives, a picturesque town with narrow cobbled streets, independent shops, fishing cottages and quirky galleries, the most famous of which is Tate St Ives.

The city has four beaches, including one of the 10 best in Europe according to TripAdvisor. Needless to say, it receives its fair share of Cornwall's 4.5 million annual visitors each summer. What's less obvious is that St Ives is also great for a winter holiday. We explain why below.

1. Beautifully quiet beaches

It's not a stretch to say that Cornwall's beaches are particularly majestic when the temperatures drop. Crowds of sunbathers give way to hikers bundled in their winter wool trousers.

old=““>Anna Moskvina/ShutterstockA winter break in St Ives offers wonderfully quiet beaches

In St Ives you can enjoy the wonderfully quiet beaches of Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Harbor and Porthminster. Take an early morning walk along Porthminster at low tide to the harbor and lifeboat station, then stop at a cafe for a hot coffee and a pie.

Of course, it's not just the beaches that are quieter. There is an overall calmer atmosphere and locals are happy to deal with the more manageable winter visitor numbers. It's also easier to book a table at the best restaurants or choose the best holiday homes in St Ives.

2. Cheaper prices

A winter holiday to St Ives is much cheaper than a summer visit. While some hotels and cafes close for the winter, it's far from a ghost town. There are many guesthouses, holiday homes, restaurants and cafes aimed at the winter crowd, many of which lower prices to maintain a steady stream of customers.

alt="Some stores close for the winter; those that don't often lower prices">mubus7/ShutterstockSome stores close for the winter; those that don't often lower prices

This is good news for winter visitors, who can enjoy a still lively city but without the hustle and bustle or higher prices of the summer season. In fact, you'd be forgiven for feeling pretty smug about it all.

3. Watch the storm

The storms in Cornwall are simply spectacular. Dramatic skies darken over angry seas as winter storms hurl colossal waves onto cliffs and beaches.

alt="The wild winter storms are particularly dramatic in Cornwall">Richard Bowden/ShutterstockThe wild winter storms are particularly dramatic in Cornwall

The coast comes to life as hypnotic waves crash against harbor walls and rain lashes the landscape. In all their unbridled splendor, the storms are reminiscent of the Cornwall of Daphne Du Maurier's Jamaica Inn, located on nearby Bodmin Moor.

Gurnard’s Head and Godrevy Point are good places to watch storms. It's an exciting experience but can also be dangerous, so seek advice from the St Ives Information Center before heading out alone.

4. Dog friendly

Most dogs love beaches, but many of those in Cornwall do not welcome dogs in summer. In winter, however, most lift their restrictions and miles of deserted beaches open to dog walkers.

alt="Dogs welcome on St Ives beaches in winter">Lewis Cooper/ShutterstockDogs are welcome on St Ives beaches in winter

A winter break in St Ives means you can bring your four-legged friend and enjoy Porthmeor, Porthgwidden, Harbor and Porthminster, all of which have summer restrictions. There are few things more refreshing than a winter stroll on a windswept beach with a happy dog ​​chasing the waves.

5. Surfing is popular

A winter break in St Ives is ideal for surfers. Waves swell across the Cornish coast, driven by low pressure systems off the Atlantic, creating a huge, exciting playground for surfers.

alt="Cornwall is great for winter surfing">Philip Hector/ShutterstockCornwall is great for winter surfing

If you prefer watching, winter is the season to do it. The fair-weather surfers are long gone, leaving the waves to experienced enthusiasts. The grace and skill of surfers who know what they're doing is a thing of beauty - and Cornwall in winter is the perfect place to see it.

6. Winter hikes

A winter day, a windswept cliff and a brisk walk on a deserted beach are far more rewarding than a day in the sun. Cornwall's scenic beauty, filtered through the winter sun, is nothing short of life-affirming.

alt="Winter walks in St Ives are particularly refreshing">stevie_uk/ShutterstockWinter walks in St Ives are particularly refreshing

Wrap up warmly and walk along a section of the South West Coast Path, or St. Michaels Way, that runs from St. Ives Bay to the famous St. Michaels Mount (12 miles one way).

Don't forget to pack your camera. The low sunlight is perfect for capturing Cornwall's unique beauty. From frost-covered moorland to stormy seas, Cornwall in winter has a different character.

7. Cozy pubs

After a day of hiking (or surfing), it feels like curling up in a cozy pub. A winter holiday in St Ives wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Sloop Inn, a first-class place to warm up after a day outdoors.

alt=“A cozy reception after an invigorating walk”>alex5711/ShutterstockA cozy reception after an invigorating walk

You might also want to try The Garrack with its selection of places to hang out. Opt for a spot by the open fire or curl up by the window to watch the winter waves.

Last but not least, St Ives is a wonderful escape to simply lock yourself up in a cozy cottage, cook with fresh produce, enjoy good wine and spend long evenings by the open fire.

8. Hearty Cornish food

Cornish food comes into its own in winter. Piping hot pies, fish and chips and cream teas are all delicious, but not exactly light.

alt=“Cornish food comes into its own in winter”>CKP1001/ShutterstockCornish food comes into its own in winter

In cold weather, these savory foods serve an additional purpose: Not only are they delicious, but they also satisfy a natural craving. A winter break in St Ives means you can enjoy the best of Cornish cuisine when it is most fulfilling.

9. Lantern parade

It's far too early to start thinking about Christmas, but we can't recommend a winter holiday in St Ives without mentioning the Lantern Parade, which welcomes both locals and tourists.

alt="St Ives Lantern Parade">Fair useSt Ives Lantern Parade

The parade begins at St. Ia Parish Church and proceeds through streets lined with sparkling Christmas trees and festive shop windows. If you don't want to take part, you can watch from the sidelines.

10. Easier access to nearby attractions

A winter break in St Ives makes it easier to reach Cornwall's many weird and wonderful attractions without battling crowds for parking or queuing for entry.

alt="Near Bodmin Moor">Helen Hotson/ShutterstockNear Bodmin Moor

Figures from Highways England, for example, show that the number of vehicles on the A38/A30 junction at Bodmin reached a peak of 42,000 per day in August 2017, compared to almost half in January. This is reflected across the country.

If you want to visit Bodmin Moor, St Michael's Mount and Cornwall's other famous attractions, visit St Ives in winter and enjoy the rugged beauty of Cornwall at a much slower pace.

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Main image: Paul Nash, Shutterstock

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