Saint Ives is magnificently situated on the north coast of Cornwall, overlooking a spectacular crescent of beaches. The town grew up around a small chapel built by St. Ia in the sixth century. It is a beautiful place with tiny streets, plenty of shops, and busy harbour which has inspired many artists. The productive waters around St. Ives made it an important fishing port.

Saint Ives is a major centre of painting, sculpture and pottery. The bay has several award-winning beaches: in Porthminster excellent for swimming and sunbathing and Porthmeor, to the north, popular with surfers. East of the town there is St. Ives Bay, also with magnificent golden beaches.