A February Day in St Ives

There are so many places to explore in Cornwall. That’s one of the best things about living here, all the attractions that holiday makers want to see are right on your doorstep. So last week me and mum decided to take advantage of this and went for a day trip to St Ives.

It was one of the first days it had finally been dry in a while. It was also quite cold, but I didn’t mind that. I quite like the feeling of wrapping up and going out in the clear air which bites at your face. It’s refreshing. We decided to catch the train over from Falmouth which added an extra sense of adventure to the day.  Also it meant we got to enjoy the spectacular views across the bay on the branch line between St Erth and St Ives.

Our first destination was the Barbara Hepworth museum, which is just off the main shopping street in St Ives. Stepping in from the cold we were immediately taken into her world. This was, after all, her home for many years and has now been preserved for visitors to view her work. The top floor houses some of her pieces, but it’s in the garden where everything comes together.

We were immediately met by a huge structure reaching up into the sky; it was more than impressive. Dotted around the garden were different pieces of Hepworth’s work; bronze casts standing amongst the greenery. It was great just to wander around and look. I found that each sculpture took on a different perspective depending on the angle it was viewed from. What I liked most was the feeling that Barbara Hepworth could just turn up at any minute. Her workshop looked like she had just popped out to the shops. It’s well worth a visit, and for now I will just let the pictures do the talking.

After we had finished there we toured the rest of St Ives, which isn’t short of a beach to visit. We walked across the sand at Porthmeor Beach where a lot of surfers had come to enjoy the waves. I can see why it is so popular. From here we decided to take a tea break and went to a cafe at Porthgwidden beach which is a bit smaller but still lovely. From here we walked up The Island to admire the views across the whole of St Ives and the bay. You can see right across toward Godrevy Lighthouse, and it was strange to look at place I’ve seen so many times from a different perspective.

From here we found our way back to the shops for a browse. People were buzzing around us, and I loved the narrow streets which felt like they could lead you anywhere. After some late lunch at The Balcony on the harbour we walked back over to the train station, taking a detour across Porthminster beach, our last wander on the sand for the day.  There was also just time enough to find one last piece of Barbara on the way.

By the time I got home that evening I felt exhausted, but that way when you know you’ve had a packed day. It was great to get out for the day and go somewhere unfamiliar. St Ives you were great and I’m already planning my return trip!