WHAT? WHERE?

There aren’t many British seaside resorts that manage to be quaint and cool at the same time but St Ives ticks all the boxes. As well as its famous white sand beaches, turquoise sea and golden light, this artists’ mecca has a thriving foodie scene, good surf and miles of breathtaking, nearby coastline to explore.

For a chic self-catering stay in town, may I recommend Aspects Holidays, who offer guests a bespoke recommendations service. You tell them your requirements, dates, and party size, and they will suggest properties that suit your needs. After listing my needs: a stay for two, right in the heart of old St Ives, close to the action, but quiet at night, they recommended Harbour View Cottage in Downalong. Spoiler! What a delightful stay it was. Not only did I not want to leave, I am already planning a return stay.

Review: Harbour View Cottage, St Ives, Aspects Holidays, Cornwall

THE VIBE

Downalong is the historic heart of St Ives, a maze of narrow lanes, granite cottages and harbour-side streets shaped by generations of fishermen, boat builders and artists. Once the centre of the town’s pilchard industry, this atmospheric corner later became a magnet for painters drawn by the famous St Ives light.

Outside at Harbour View Cottage Aspects St Ives

Harbour View Cottage is a sweet, restored fisherman’s cottage, tucked away on a lovely cobbled street, spreading over three floors complete with gorgeous harbour views on the top floor.

The cosy sitting room is ideal for collapsing after a day on the coast, with comfy sofas, books and a smart TV if Cornwall’s weather decides not to play ball. Fast WiFi makes it easy if you’re mixing a holiday with a little remote working.

The biggest surprise was just how quiet it was. Less than two minutes from Fore Street but once the front door closes it is wonderfully peaceful.

PILLOW TALK

Two bedrooms are tucked in two separate levels, so this property actually sleeps four. Perfect for a more grown-up family, or even two sets of adults if you don’t mind sharing one decent-sized bathroom.

Bedroom view at Harbour View Cottage Aspects St Ives

Upstairs on the top floor is the primary bedroom, with charming roof top views in both directions. Lie in the king-sized bed with your coffee and look out towards the harbour, listen to the seagulls on the chimney pots, or take a seat at the window table and pen your missives, old-school, ready to post home. On the middle floor is the second bedroom, and can be made up as a double or twin. There’s one modern family bathroom with a large shower and WC.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Aspects set you up for your stay with the essentials, and there are little shops locally to pick up daily milk and ingredients for cooking / beach picnics. The ground floor kitchen has everything you need to self-cater, plus table for eating, and despite the tucked-away location supermarkets will deliver. There’s a coffee machine and dishwasher.

Kitchen and living area at Harbour View Cottage St Ives Aspects Holidays

Even more pleasingly, you’re in prime position to make the most of St Ives’ excellent restaurant scene. From breakfast and morning coffees (pro-tip, try Mount Zion!) to late-night cocktails (my choice is St Eia!), there are more great places to eat and drink than you could possibly squeeze into a week’s stay.

Keep an eye on your pre-arrival emails too, as Aspects guests receive exclusive discounts at selected local cafés and restaurants. We made the most of one at The Yellow Canary Café, where a cheeky lunch offer went down a treat.

Where to drink in St Ives — Drinks at St Eia (L) and Brine (R) in St Ives

We enjoyed dinner at Michelin-rated St Eia, early evening cocktails and ice-cream at Palais Provisions and another evening meal and drinks at Brine on the harbour front. Newly opened are Mazza on the harbour front and Crowst on The Digey, while Onzo is great for pizza – they have GF too.

Check out Ardor on Fore Street for rotisserie dishes and fresh fish. Harbour View House, on the other side of town, is well worth the walk for its excellent Sunday roast, while The Sloop Inn is the classic spot where everyone seems to stop for a pint. Don’t miss the newly revamped Pedn Olva for a seaview terrace drink or dinner.

KID-FRIENDLY

Yes, with a cot and high chair available, and the beds in the second bedroom can be separated to make a twin room. Older children will love the central location, and easy proximity to the beach, as long as they don’t mind sharing a room.

OUT & ABOUT

So many things to do locally. St Ives really is a special place to visit and for good reason. It is one of my favourite Cornish towns as there are so many lovely things to do: check out my full St Ives guide, but I like to visit the Tate, Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture Garden, some of the independent galleries, like Penwith Gallery and The New Craftsman, potter in the shops, lie on the beach, take a swim, and eat / drink.

Porthmeor Beach St Ives Cornwall UK — Porthmeor Beach, St Ives

Some find the town very busy over the summer months but there is always space, particularly when the tide is out, and if you don’t mind walking a few extra steps. St Ives also has some lovely gardens and the church of St Ia has a garden café in summer (inside in winter).

where to go in St Ives Cornwall — Barbara Hepworth Sculpture Garden (L) and Porthgwidden Beach (R), St Ives

GETTING THERE

St Ives is great if you’re visiting by train, with the nearest station in the town itself (change at St Erth on the mainline for the little branch line). It is also easy with a car as long as you plan ahead and understand the road layout. You can stop nearby to unload, or park in one of the long-stay carparks and be prepared to walk. There is a shuttle bus from the main carpark to the harbour.

The nearest airport is Cornwall Airport Newquay, from which you’ll need a taxi. It’s around an hours drive, but possible. Trenwith Car Park (TR26 1DD) has twelve units with a mix of 50kW rapid chargers and 7kW fast chargers, and charging is also possible at Tesco on the edge of town.

DOG FRIENDLY?

Yes, one dog is allowed in the house. Most beaches in the town have daily restrictions from 10am – 6pm during the summer months, but Bamaluz is dog-friendly all year.

beaches in St Ives — Bamaluz beach (L) and deck chairs overlooking the harbour (R), St Ives

ACCESSIBILITY

Due to the nature of the property with many internal stairs, and the location on a cobbled street, this is not suitable for wheelchair users. The bedrooms are all accessed via stairs.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

One thing I particularly liked was Aspects’ local knowledge. Rather than endlessly scrolling listings, you can speak to the team and they’ll recommend properties based on exactly how you holiday. It’s a much more personal experience and means you’re far more likely to end up somewhere that really suits you. I really loved the cottage they chose for us, and can’t wait to return.

Good for: Couples wanting a romantic escape. Foodies who want to walk everywhere. Year-round breaks. Small families with older children. Anyone arriving by train.

Not for: Anyone needing step-free access, private parking or outdoor space. If those are deal-breakers, Aspects has plenty of other St Ives options to choose from.

The damage: From £554 per week for up to four guests. One dog welcome. WiFi, linen and towels included.

aspects-holidays.co.uk

Review: Harbour View Cottage, St Ives, Aspects Holidays, Cornwall

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