2 days in St Ives: a weekend itinerary
Beaches, galleries and a cliff walk, with the scenic railway to avoid the parking.
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- Updated October 2026
St Ives is small and very popular, so this plan keeps day one in the town, enjoying the beaches, harbour and galleries, and uses day two for the coast path, which is quieter and wilder. Arriving by the scenic branch line from St Erth or using the Park and Ride at Lelant makes the whole trip much easier.
Book accommodation and restaurants early, especially in summer and during school holidays.
Day 1: Beaches, harbour and art
- Morning: Start on Porthminster Beach, a long sandy beach below the railway line, and enjoy the clear water and the views across the bay.
- Lunch: Eat seafood by the harbour or at a cafe on the beach.
- Afternoon: Visit Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, which are both close to the centre.
- Evening: Wander the lanes and eat in the old town before watching the sunset.
Day 2: The coast path to Zennor
- Morning: Walk the South West Coast Path west from St Ives towards Zennor, a wild and rugged section of cliffs and coves, of about six or seven miles.
- Lunch: Eat at a pub in Zennor, a tiny village famous for its mermaid legend.
- Afternoon: Return by a seasonal bus or retrace your steps along the coast, depending on the time and your energy.
- Heading home: Take the branch line to St Erth and connect with the main line, or return to your car at the Park and Ride.
Where to stay
St Ives itself is atmospheric but pricey. Carbis Bay is quieter and has a beach and station, and Lelant offers peaceful stays near the estuary and the Park and Ride.
Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.
Getting there and around
- From London: About 5 to 5.5 hours by train to St Erth, then a short scenic branch line to St Ives.
- From Manchester: About 6 hours or more by car. Better as a longer break.
- From Liverpool: About 6.5 hours or more by car. Better as a longer break.
Avoid taking a car into St Ives in summer. Use the Park and Ride at Lelant Saltings, or take the scenic branch line from St Erth. The coast path is on foot, with a seasonal bus option for the return.
If it rains
If it rains, spend longer in the galleries, the cafes and the shops in the old town, and visit the Hepworth garden between showers.
Packing list for St Ives
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to St Ives without a car?
Take the train to St Erth, then the scenic branch line to St Ives, which takes about 15 minutes.
Is the coast path to Zennor hard?
It is rugged, with many ups and downs and rough ground, so it is a challenging day. Choose a shorter section if you prefer.
When is St Ives busiest?
School holidays and summer weekends are the busiest, so go in spring or autumn if you can.
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Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and travel details change, so check before you go. Report an error or share a tip.