Season: winter
A low tide and mixed weather was the order of the day in St Ives. Beyond Smeaton’s Pier a stormy sky over Hayle made the harbour feel reassuring. Andrew explained how his grandfather, William Barber, perished on a lifeboat while going to the assistance of others in 1939. His celebration of a working life in St Ives sits at odds with many visitors’ initial impressions of the town.
Generations by the beach at St Ives.
The scene at St Ives harbour in the morning.
Season: spring
The low tide had just turned inwards so access to the harbour sand was easy, enabling a view back to the town from the sea. It was a bright, sunny morning, the low tide allowing fishing and leisure boats to prepare to leave harbour on the rising tide.
With Scott, learning about the Jumbo Association.
Graham’s view of the beach.
St Ives on a spring morning, seen from the harbour.
Season: summer
Although best known to visitors and artists for the beautiful beaches, charming streets and clear light, St Ives is still a fishing town. This morning it was mackerel that were being landed in modest numbers on Smeaton’s Pier, as the tide started to fall back. The fine sand of the beach glistened under the gentle lapping of the harbour waves, ridden by the fishing boats before the town woke up.
Tim, at ease by the harbour in St Ives first thing in the morning.
An early morning view from the end of Smeaton’s Pier.
Season: autumn
St Ives is a popular all year round getaway destination for well-to-do city dwellers. It is compact and walkable, with four great beaches and plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés. The enclosed design of this harbour makes promenading a pleasure at any time of day or in the evening. An early morning visit is a real treat, watching the sun rise beyond Smeaton’s Pier over Hayle Towans across the bay.
Leandra’s satisfaction by the sea in Cornwall.
A morning panorama in St Ives harbour.
Season: winter
The beach at St Ives is right in the centre of town, framed firstly by the church, followed by the independent shops and businesses then round to Smeaton’s Pier. It’s a fine setting with convenient eateries and shops to hand. On this occasion the tide was falling. At low tide a walk across the beach gives access to the old town, avoiding the crowds on the sea front promenade. St Ives has fine art galleries, beaches, shops, pubs, restaurants, a thriving Arts Club, superb fish ‘n chips and a cosmopolitan feel as one of the jewels in Cornwall’s tourism crown.
A chat with artist Martin Moffatt in his St Ives art gallery.
A first view of the harbour at St Ives, seen from in front of the Arts Club.
It means years of pleasure and excitement, especially when my daughter was younger. Me and her still walk, jog and surf at these beaches, even more now since we relocated from London to St Ives last year. We are fortunate in this area, as it has so many beaches to offer, with crystal clear seas that can suit everyone. From surfing to relaxing, it’s the best resort in the South West, it’s just great.