Secret shopping in St Ives
Wander along the beautiful cobbled streets of St Ives and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to one-off shops and individual boutiques. Although a few high streets names can be found amongst the plethora of shop fronts, many are still owned and run by local business owners, crafts people and artists. Something we are extremely proud of here in St Ives.
Whilst Fore Street and the Harbour Front are the top spots for window shoppers and splurgers alike there are a few hidden gems, off the beaten track, that can easily be missed if you’re caught up in the thronging crowd…
The Drill Hall
Located on Chapel Street, just down from the Royal Cinema, The Drill hall features an eclectic mix of shops that are most definitely rummage-worthy. Blue Bay sells a wide range of Cornish made and Cornish themed items whilst vintage clothing store Tumbled is a great find if you’re a fan of the retro look. Here you will also find a nature inspired collection of handmade metalwork and jewellery from Sharon McSwiney in silver, copper and brass.
If you're in need of some fuel after all that shopping, you’re in luck. Café Art, also located within The Drill Hall, serves amazing cakes, yummy soups and freshly prepared sandwiches alongside a regularly changing exhibition from its resident ‘Café Art Artists’.
The Harbour Galleries
An Aladdin’s cave for the art lover’s among you, The Harbour Galleries, located along from the amusement arcade, is home to a talented group of award-winning artists, galleries and shops. Here you will find Seb West’s collection of vivid, contemporary paintings of the Cornish landscape from his own unique perspective and a beautiful collection of handmade glass from talented artists around the UK at the Desiree Hope Gallery. Among the other artists who exhibit in this space is Caroline Atkinson who’s beautiful seascapes, landscapes and coastal scenes never fail to draw you in with their sense of calm and tranquillity.
Sloop Studios
Tucked around the corner from our luxury accommodation in St Ives, Sloop Studios are home to some wonderfully quirky local arts and crafts and are a joy to meander through. Here you will find jewellers, glassmakers and artists all hard at work within their studio space. The newest kid on the block, who goes by the name of Thumbisha, has quickly become one of our favourites with her bold and bright prints.
With shopping an absolute must whilst you are in St Ives, we highly recommend venturing from the usual thoroughfares to find a truly unique shopping experience.
