Summer in St Ives with Sail Lofts 2023
Who is ready for summer? We know we are! – after a taste of what summer is going to look like this year with all the recent incredible sunshine and blue skies we’ve had, we cannot be more thrilled to see in the summer season here at the Sail Lofts.
St Ives is a jackpot for ticking all the boxes, from being a classic seaside resort offering all the quintessential goods such as a day at the beach, fish and chips and plenty of ice cream opportunities, to a more contemporary vibe with its galleries, shops and plenty of events and activities to check out and take part in.
We adore St Ives for all it offers, and with the weather set to treat us this summer, we couldn’t be more excited for you all to come down and make the most of it all here with us at the Sail Lofts.
So, we’ve put together a blog of all the things to do around St Ives this summer so you can come down and make the most of your summertime adventure.
Horse riding is a great experience, having the chance to get back to nature and explore the lanes that cars and bikes can’t always get you down. Seeing St Ives from the back of a horse, is a very tranquil, fun and exhilarating activity all round. With several horse-riding schools dotted around St Ives, they are definitely worth checking out, some of them even give you the chance to ride horses on the beach! – how very Poldark.
Penhalwyn Trekking Centre, School and Livery
Water sports and activities on the water are in abundance here at St Ives, with 7 beaches to choose from you will get a fantastic opportunity to try out all the water activities in all their perfect conditions from paddle-boarding around the bay and harbour, to surfing at Porthmeor and bodyboarding at Porthgwidden, you’ll be sure to find something that will give you that buzz of getting in the waves and having a splashing good time! Check out the St Ives Surf School for all the information on how to get a lesson or rent / hire gear for a day out on the waves.
Helicopter rides over St Ives – that’s right, for the more daring and thrill seeking amongst you, Adventure 001 will take keen flyers out in their jet powered helicopters for a 12-mile trip around St Ives and the surrounding area, the best views going. Trips start from £83 per person for a 30-minute thrill seeker adventure.
Creative workshops can be found all around St Ives due to its immense art and pottery scene. With some drawing and painting classes for all levels and skills, there’s also the chance to turn your hand at pottery throwing down courses, and, a chance to treat yourself with some foodie workshops, such as I Should Co-co’ chocolate making courses:
Leach Pottery Courses and Classes
St Ives School of Painting Art Courses
Swimming is always a good day well spent, for those of us who prefer gently heated water with more predictable tidal movements, then you can’t go wrong with a dip in one of the many swimming pool facilities in St Ives.
Better – St Ives Leisure centre
Boat trips are a fantastic days out. Climbing aboard one of the many vessels found here in St Ives from the harbour, you can be treated to a whole host of trips from a circular tour of Seal Island to catch a glimpse at all the fantastic wildlife we have in our shores; (check out our 'guide to spotting marine life' blog to get you ready for your sea faring journeys), or a more exploratory cruise over to Godrevy Lighthouse. Perhaps you’re more of a thrill seeker and want to experience the high-speed rib rides that tear round St Ives Bay, then check out some of the boat trip companies found here in St Ives:
Walks and exploring the coast paths couldn't be easier from us here at the Sail Lofts. With just a short two minute walk over to the Island, which sits along part of the Cornish 300 mile stretch of the South West Coast Path, there are plenty of opportunities to get out exploring the scenery and lands around our coastline. With breathtaking views out to the Celtic Sea and lots of historically significant structures to adventure around on routes, with plenty of chances to grab an ice cream treat and stop for a picnic, walking around our lovely coastal paths is a super activity for everyone to enjoy. Find out more about all the walks we recommend around us here at the Sail Lofts and St Ives on our walking blog; click here.
Shopping is a great back up for those less sunny days, and let's be honest, we do have them here in Cornwall. Fear not, when the weather does decide to turn a bit, there are plenty of shops and independent workshops ready to welcome you with open arms to peruse and purchase some fine independent, local and handmade goods that you won't find anywhere else in the world! Check out all the shops we have to offer here in St Ives on our online town visitor guide. Click here.
You time and wellness are big topics now-a-days, and so they should be. Getting back to nature and having some much needed time to switch off and thoroughly recharge are crucial to our mental and physical health. As part of our concierge service here at the Sail Lofts, we collaborate with local yoga instructor Kim Hopkins to offer guests one-on-one tuitions and sessions. There are also many fantastic yoga programs here that do morning beach sessions and tailored courses, as well as an abundance of wellness suites, spas and salons around to make you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Click here to view a list of wellness suites and spas in St Ives.
Porthminster 18 hole mini golf green is a good choice for those post beach mornings and afternoons or those that perhaps like to be near the seaside, but not on it, and still make the most of being outdoors near the shores. Porthminster's 18 hole green is a fun little course that sits just up from the beach itself. All clubs and golf balls are provided and there's even a little something extra for the youngsters with the children's club. The course is surrounded by tropical shrubs and plants with incredible views out to St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse, a perfect spot for a breather and some photo opportunities too.
Dining out and foodie places around St Ives are plentiful. From breakfasts, brunches and lunches to fine dining evening meals and scrumptious take aways and classic favourites, like fish and chips - there is something for all palettes and preferences to try in St Ives. Check out a couple of our blogs for some recommendations on the best breakfasts to some delightful sit down and take-away restaurants for your afternoon or evening meal.
Staying with us
However your summer adventure in St Ives looks, we have 12 luxury properties set and ready to welcome you and give you the best opportunity to make the most of every minute. Whether you are on a family adventure or enjoying some much needed time together with your friends and loved ones, or perhaps you're recharging with a solo trip, then our range of gorgeous, self-catering properties have got you covered.
From useful concierge services with our dedicated on-site Guest Host team who are on hand to facilitate anything you might need on your trip, or give any recommendations for places to go and see whilst staying with us, to a free parking space in our car park with views over the stunning Porthmeor beach and a 5 minute walk into the centre of St Ives itself. We have a communal wet room for you to store your boards, surf and beach gear for all the days spent at the beach and in the waves, and a lovely tranquil courtyard filled with tropical fauna and shrubs to bring some peace to your stay. With a two minute stroll to either Porthmeor and Porthgwidden Beach and a quick hop down to the shops and harbour front, you couldn't be more set and suitably located to enjoy your summertime adventure.
Not to mention after a day out exploring you can come back to your home-from-home, relax and socialise in our properties gorgeous open living spaces, cook up a treat in our fully equipped modern fitted kitchens and float away the days adventures with a soothing soak in one of our bathroom tubs. Then send yourself off for a delightful nights sleep in one of our super comfortable beds in what's been noted before as 'the best beds in St Ives' from a past guest.
To get yourself booked in for a luxury stay with us here click here to check out our availability.
We look forward to welcoming you soon to Sail Lofts for your summer adventures.
Larissa
