St Ives, Cornwall (named after an Irish Princess)
Portminster Beach, Ava Lily
St Ives is one of Cornwall’s most popular holiday destinations, though there is controversy over many second homes left empty or rented out in summer only. Which means homes are unaffordable for local people who were born and grew up here, even though many likely work to serve the visiting tourists.
Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).
At the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (this area many seasonal beach bans, so check before travel).
Join the campaign to ban flying rings, to help local seals.
Nearby Porthminster Beach is like most of this area, known for its calm waters and palm trees, and stunning views of Godrevy Lighthouse (which inspired a novel by Virginia Woolf). It’s also right next door to the railway station.
Popular with sustainable surfers and painters (due to its unique light). Not everything here is about money. 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?’
Harbours, old lanes and quiet corners
Porthmeor Beach (Whistlefish)
The town itself is very pretty, if a bit touristy and expensive. From the harbour you can wander into old lanes, and find independent shops and boutiques. You won’t be short of local bookshops or museums or art galleries.
Porthmeor Beach has golden sands, turquoise water and west-facing sunsets. There is a strict seasonal dog ban in place.
It also has a historic chapel and a cemetery that overlooks the beach, which contains the grave of Titanic victim Stephen Curnow. The body of the 32-year old miner was never found, but there is a headstone from his family.
Stephen had emigrated to the USA but was back visiting his family. Local coal strikes meant that his ship reservation was switched to the Titanic, and although it was more luxurious, he had misgivings. And even returned his watch and other valuables to his parents, should anything happen to him.
Was St Ives named after an Irish princess?
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!
