A Journey Through Cornwall’s Rich Past and Stunning Coastline
St Ives, nestled on Cornwall’s northern coast, boasts a wealth of history that stretches back centuries, originally growing as a modest fishing town before transforming into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Its picturesque harbour, with cobbled streets and pastel cottages, became a magnet for artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Drawn by the town’s extraordinary natural light and dramatic seascapes, world-renowned artists like Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson helped shape St Ives into an artistic haven. Today, the legacy of this artistic movement thrives in the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth Museum, both of which celebrate the town’s unique contribution to modern art.
Our top tours from St Ives
But beyond its artistic fame, St Ives holds onto its distinct Cornish charm. The town’s winding lanes are dotted with independent galleries, quirky shops, and traditional pubs, offering visitors a taste of its creativity and laid-back spirit. A walk along the famous Porthmeor Beach or a stroll through the bustling harbour reveals a perfect blend of natural beauty and artistic energy. Whether you’re exploring its art history or simply soaking up the atmosphere, St Ives is a place like no other—quaint, inspiring, and undeniably unique. Just watch out for the seagulls! They love to steal chips from unsuspecting tourists.
Embarking on tours from St Ives offers a gateway to some of Cornwall’s most remarkable historical and natural landmarks. St Ives, a town famous for its artistic soul and golden beaches, serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring the rugged beauty and ancient past of West Cornwall. Whether you’re drawn by Neolithic mysteries, dramatic coastal scenery, or centuries-old mining heritage, these destinations will satisfy and delight your curiosity.
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Penzance and Mount’s Bay: A Majestic Start
Start your journey with a visit to Penzance and Mount’s Bay, where St Michael’s Mount rises majestically from the sea. This tidal island is steeped in myth and history, and it’s a highlight of many tours from St Ives, drawing visitors to its enchanting landscape and medieval castle.
Newlyn: The Heart of Cornwall’s Seafood Industry
Not far away is Newlyn, Cornwall’s largest fishing port, buzzing with life as fishermen unload their daily catch. This thriving harbour is the heart of Cornwall’s seafood industry and a key stop on tours from St Ives for those wanting to experience authentic Cornish maritime culture.
Merry Maidens: A Neolithic Mystery
As you journey further into Cornwall’s past, stop at the Merry Maidens, an enchanting Neolithic stone circle. According to local folklore, these stones were once maidens turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday – a perfect blend of history and legend oft visited on day trips from St Ives.
Tregiffian Burial Chamber: Ancient Insights
Nearby lies the ancient Tregiffian Burial Chamber, an intriguing passage tomb offering insight into Cornwall’s prehistoric life. This site is a frequent feature of tours from St Ives, allowing visitors to walk through the history of this land in a hands-on way.
Sennen Cove: Surfing and Scenery
A short drive brings you to Sennen Cove, one of Cornwall’s best-loved surfing beaches. With its vast sands and Atlantic swells, this coastal haven offers adventure and stunning scenery, making it a highlight of tours from St Ives.
Ballowall Barrow: Bronze Age Mysteries
Continue your journey with a visit to Ballowall Barrow, a Bronze Age funerary mound perched high above the Atlantic. This windswept archaeological site, often featured in tours from St Ives, offers breathtaking views and a window into Cornwall’s distant past.
Cornwall’s Tin Mine Country: A UNESCO Heritage Site
As you travel along the dramatic North Coast, you’ll reach Cornwall’s ‘tin mine country,’ a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic engine houses and cliffs speak of Cornwall’s mining past, where men worked far below ground and even beneath the sea—a testament to the industry that once powered this land. This landscape, included in many St Ives based tours, is a powerful reminder of Cornwall’s industrial heritage.
Cape Cornwall: Where Oceans Meet
No tour of West Cornwall would be complete without a stop at Cape Cornwall, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Celtic Sea collide in a dramatic meeting of waters. The rugged cliffs and nature’s raw power make this an unforgettable highlight of any tour from St Ives experience.
Carn Euny: Iron Age Secrets
Just inland lies the ancient Carn Euny village, an Iron Age settlement known for its mysterious ‘fogou,’ a subterranean passage whose purpose remains a mystery. Featured on many Cornwall tours from St Ives, this site offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this land.
Zennor Village: Folklore and Charm
Finally, visit the charming Zennor Village, where the medieval church houses the famous ‘mermaid carving,’ a hauntingly beautiful piece of local folklore. This remote village, with its narrow lanes and timeless atmosphere, is a peaceful conclusion to a day trip from St Ives.
At Kernow Tours, we bring Cornwall’s history and landscapes to life with our Stones and Bones, Best of the West, and Wild West tours. Our guides know each location inside out and will be able to reveal details and stories that even hardened locals do not know. From ancient stone circles to mining heritage, let us guide you through the best that West Cornwall has to offer. Book your tours from St Ives today with Kernow Tours and let us help you dig deeper into Cornwall’s history, beauty, and mystery.