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When most people think of St Ives, they picture golden beaches, turquoise seas and a laid-back Cornish charm. And while it’s true that this town is one of the UK’s most beloved seaside spots, there’s much more to it than sunbathing and ice cream.
St Ives has a wonderfully creative, slightly eccentric spirit – a mix of artists, surfers, and storytellers – and that means there are plenty of surprising pastimes waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, you’ll find experiences here that go beyond the expected.
So, if you’re planning your next St Ives beach holiday, here are 10 unexpected things to do that will make your stay truly unforgettable.
1. Take a Seaweed Foraging & Cookery Class
Yes, really – seaweed! The clear waters around St Ives are rich with edible varieties like kelp and laver, and local foraging guides such as The Fat Hen and Cornish Wild Food offer hands-on workshops that’ll open your eyes (and taste buds) to the culinary potential of the coastline.
You’ll learn how to identify and harvest seaweed sustainably, then cook up your finds into delicious coastal dishes. It’s an unusual, eco-friendly way to connect with the sea – and you’ll come home with a few tasty new recipes.
Stay nearby: Choose one of our St Ives sea view cottages, and you’ll be steps away from the shoreline where your ingredients are waiting!
2. Join an Early-Morning Wild Swim
There’s something magical about plunging into the sea before the town wakes up. Wild swimming groups meet year-round at Porthminster Beach and Bamaluz Bay, even in the cooler months. The locals swear by it – for the buzz, the wellbeing benefits, and the sense of community.
If you’re new to cold-water swimming, start slowly, bring a warm robe, and reward yourself afterwards with coffee and pastries at Porthminster Beach Café, one of Cornwall’s most scenic breakfast spots.
3. Explore the Town’s Secret Artist Studios
St Ives has been a magnet for artists since the early 20th century, but beyond the famous Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum, there’s a maze of tiny studios tucked into backstreets and fishermen’s lofts.
Take a stroll through the Downalong area – the old fishing quarter – and look for open studio signs. You might stumble upon painters, ceramic artists, or sculptors happy to chat about their work (and even offer a mini-lesson).
This is the real creative heartbeat of St Ives – a side of the town that most tourists miss.
4. Go Paddle-boarding at Sunset
It’s no secret that paddle-boarding is popular in St Ives but catching the golden hour over Porthmeor Beach or Carbis Bay takes it to another level. Watching the sun dip below the horizon as you glide across glassy water is pure Cornish magic.
You can rent boards or book guided sunset sessions through Ocean Sports Centre at Carbis Bay, where instructors lead peaceful, small-group tours.
Stay nearby: Our range of Cornwall coastal cottages includes sea-view stays around Carbis Bay and Porthmeor – perfect for sunset SUP sessions.
5. Try Your Hand at Pottery Throwing
Inspired by all that art around town? Head to a local pottery workshop for a hands-on creative experience. Studios like Leach Pottery, one of the most respected in Britain, offer short classes where you can learn to throw your own clay bowl or mug.
It’s messy, meditative, and a wonderful way to connect with the town’s artistic heritage. And you’ll get to take home a handmade souvenir from your St Ives beach holiday – something far more meaningful than a fridge magnet.
6. Take a Coastal Foraging & Gin-Tasting Walk
Foraging meets mixology – now there’s a combination we can get behind. Several local tour guides offer coastal gin walks, where you’ll learn about edible coastal plants, sample locally distilled gins, and even make your own infused tipple.
Many experiences end with a picnic overlooking the sea, complete with local cheeses and seafood. It’s the perfect grown-up adventure for foodies.
7. Learn to Surf (or Improve Your Technique)
Okay, surfing isn’t exactly surprising in St Ives — but did you know that Porthmeor Beach offers some of the best beginner-friendly surf in the UK? The beach’s gentle waves and sandy bottom make it ideal for first-timers, and local surf schools run lessons for all ages.
Even if you’ve tried surfing elsewhere, the turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs of St Ives make it a completely different experience. Plus, catching your first wave here feels like a rite of passage.
Stay nearby: Book one of our Cornwall coastal cottages near Porthmeor, and you can roll out of bed and straight into your wetsuit.
8. Discover the St Ives Ghost Walk
When night falls, St Ives reveals a darker side. Join a ghost walk through its winding lanes and hear tales of smugglers, shipwrecks and ghostly fishermen still haunting the harbour.
The tour blends local history, legend and theatre – part spooky, part fascinating – and gives you a new appreciation for the town’s maritime past. Perfect for families with older kids or anyone who loves a good story.
9. Explore the Coastline on a Sea Safari
If you’ve admired St Ives Bay from the beach, wait until you see it from the water. St Ives Sea Safari runs exhilarating boat trips where you can spot seals, dolphins and seabirds, as well as explore hidden coves that can only be reached by sea.
The trip is both thrilling and scenic – with plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Bring a light waterproof, your camera, and a sense of adventure.
Stay nearby: Choose a Cornwall coastal cottage near the harbour for easy access to these exciting boat trips and evening strolls along the waterfront.
10. Unwind with a Beach Yoga Class
After all that activity, slow down and stretch out on the sand with a sunrise or sunset yoga class. Local instructors run sessions on Porthminster and Carbis Bay, open to all abilities.
It’s a tranquil way to start or end your day, with the sound of waves replacing any need for background music. The connection between sea, sky, and movement is what makes this experience so special – and so very “St Ives.”
Make St Ives Your Next Coastal Escape
From foraging and pottery to surfing and sea safaris, St Ives is bursting with unexpected adventures that go far beyond its postcard-perfect beaches. It’s a town that surprises you at every turn – creative, quirky, and full of heart.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, you’ll find endless ways to fill your days and unforgettable views to go with them.
When it’s time to rest, our collection of St Ives cottages by the sea offers the perfect base – from romantic cliff-top hideaways to spacious pet friendly family homes just a few steps from the sand.
Start planning your next St Ives beach holiday and experience a side of Cornwall that’s as surprising as it is spectacular.