St Ives, Cornwall (named after an Irish Princess)
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday destinations, and popular with sustainable surfers and painters (due to its unique light). However, it is one of the towns where so many Londoners have second homes that remain empty most of the year, that it’s pushed property prices up for locals.
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe.
If at the coast, read about how to keep dogs safe by the seaside. St Ives has seasonal dog bans, so check before travel.
Legend is that St Ives was named after Irish princess Ia. She was planning to visit Cornwall from Ireland with other saints. Finding herself alone, she began to pray.
She then noticed a small leaf on the water. She watched it grow bigger. So embarked up on it – and it carried her across the Irish sea to St Ives!
A ‘not for sale’ Ancient Green Door
The ‘green door of St Ives’ has peeling paint and is over 200 years old. The owner was offered an obscene amount of money by the local Tate Gallery to buy it, but it’s not for sale. In fact, the owners had the door listed, so it stays put. He asked ‘Where am I going to find another 207-year old door?’
Home to Many of England’s Seals
The Cornish coast is popular for native seals to bask and pup here (keep yourself and dogs away from seals and their pups, who mums often hide in sand dunes).
There is presently a campaign to ban flying rings (due to curious seals getting them trapped around their necks on land or sea). Add your signatures (over 45,000 so far!) If passed, the UK would become the first nation to do so. It’s also good to avoid flying kites, for the same reasons.
